December Christmas Cardio Playlist
November 29, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! It’s hard to be in a bad mood this month ~ I’m excited I can officially play the holiday playlist on my IPod. To get in the holiday spirit, even on the winding treadmill, here’s seasonal music guaranteed to make your workout jollier. This playlist serves as a nice break from the usual Top 40 tunes. It was hard for me to narrow down this list! I’ve included a balance of old classics, newer releases, and unique remixes to keep boredom at bay. Enjoy!
White Is In the Winter Night by Enya . . . a beautiful, happy, new modern classic and a perfect beginning to warm you up.
Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix) by Duke Ellington . . . this is the jazziest version of “Jingle Bells” I’ve ever heard! I couldn’t find a decent video for this one; but, trust me, this one is definitely treadmill (and dance floor) worthy. You can listen to a portion of it HERE. (remember, Duke Ellington version, not Nat King Cole’s)
Deck the Rooftop by Glee Cast . . . Fun and more fun!!
Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses . . . perfect beat for stepping/running and fun, fun storyline with a happy ending – what more do you need?!
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (the original) . . . a holiday playlist would not be complete without including this song.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by the John Mellencamp . . . my favorite version of this song!
I Saw Three Ships by Sting . . . such an awesome, awesome song. Gotta love Sting!!
Joy to the World by Mannheim Steamrollers . . . I’ve always wanted to choreograph a large group dance to this. After my success with my school’s flash mob, I just may do that!! (if you prefer, choose Mariah Carey’s Joy to the World instead – it was a toss up for me with this song!)
White Christmas (Ken Andrews Remix) by Bing Crosby . . . this unique version is electrified for moving. It’s the middle of your workout; you need the pick-me-up. No video for this one either . . . I found mine on ITunes. You can listen to a portion of it HERE.
Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis . . . this classic (to offset the preceeding remix) makes me all warm and fuzzy, think of Grandma & Grandpa, and recall Christmases past! This brings back that magical Christmas feeling!
Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith . . . I originally heard this on an old favorite show, The O.C. The lyrics are beautiful . . . a soothing cooldown.
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra . . . compilation worthy of goosebumps and inspiring cool downs. (double click to watch on YouTube)
November Cardio Playlist
November 1, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
This month I’m inspired by music that makes me want to jump off the cardio machines – and not because I’m sweating bullets but because I want to dance around the gym. These are the songs that keep me in my “zones” to burn the right calories. If you could hear the music coming out of my earbuds, this is what would be playing:
Many times I have the urge to do this during cardio!
“She Wolf” by Shakira ~ A power song for the girls . . . to kick start the 30 – 45 minute stretch!
“Say Hey, I Love You” by Michael Franti ~ I want to hug everyone I care about when I hear this!!
“Bad Romance” by Lady GaGa ~ A fun song!
“Sexy Bitch” by David Guetta ~ As a fan of remixes, I’m a big fan of this re-mixer!
“Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” by Jon Schmidt ~ Yes, this is instrumental but it’s upbeat and serves as a pleasing reprieve from the beats of the previous songs . . . I can’t help but be in a good mood listening to this.
“Meet Me Halfway” by Black Eyed Peas ~ This keeps me motivated at the halfway point of my workout.
“Starry Eyed Surprise” by Paul Oakenfold ~ A favorite D.J.! This is a little older but a great, happy goodie!
“Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle ~ from the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack . . . if you can erase from your head the hysterical scene this song accompanies, the tune will keep your heart singing instead of panting.
“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry (Manhattan Clique Remix) ~ I liked this song from the start, and the remix keeps it fresh!
“Forever” by Chris Brown ~ This makes me think of that Wedding Fun video on YouTube. The video makes me laugh hysterically so this song makes me gleeful . . . a pleasing end to a productive sweatfest.
“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam ~ This was recommended by someone close to me and it makes me cry too! If you need a cool down, I dare you to use this one without tearing up.
October Cardio Playlist
October 4, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
In honor of my upcoming high school reunion, I am devoting this month’s playlist to ’80s tunes. Many of the songs on the list are contemporary versions of the originals that will knock your leg warmers right off! The dance versions are usually faster, longer versions that are more conducive to workouts. So get out your torn sweatshirts and parachute pants and ‘get into the groove!’
If you’d like a different playlist for each day of the week, check out my past monthly playlists: Grading Girl’s Playlists
80′s Cardio Playlist
As a teen, I used to fall asleep before bed with headsets like these on my head.
“Wanna Be Startin’ Something” by Michael Jackson – A perfect way to start the workout – not too fast and not too slow.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” (Glee Cast Version) – Glee is a new favorite in our house! It’s such a refreshing, shout-out-and-sing show. Every person should sing at the top of his or her lungs whenever possible. . . this song truly jumpstarts your cardio while making your heart sing.
“Legs” (Dance Mix) by ZZ Top – The lyrics help you concentrate on those quads & hamstrings . . . plus the dance version is bold!
“Let’s Dance” (Dance Mix) by Hi_Tack – This serves as a perfect accompaniment to the middle of your workout when it seems like your workout will never end. Happy memories with this song!!!!
“Out of Touch” by Uniting Nations – You can hear Hall & Oates original in the background of this dance version. If you aren’t tapping your hands and running (or walking or climbing) to the beat, you aren’t listening to the song!
“Take Me to the Clouds Above” by LMC Vs. U2 – This is a remixed combination of U2′s “With or Without You” and Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know?.” No matter where I am, I can’t help but dance when I hear this unique combo.
“Ray of Light” by Madonna – I know this song was actually released in the early ’90s, but I think it’s one of her best to get a body moving!!
“Give it to Me Baby” by Rick James – We did a fun poms routine to this. This song’s got the groove!
“When Doves Cry” by Quindon Tarver – This version is on Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo & Juliet soundtrack. Its beat will resonate right through you, keeping you going as you head through the last stretch of your cardio.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police – A classic!! One of my favorites from the decade . . . you can’t grow tired of this. This keeps you strong as you sweat, sweat, sweat.
August Cardio Playlist
August 1, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
Every time I type a new monthly playlist, it seems like I just finished the last one – another testament to my philosophy of ‘live in the moment.’ If there is one thing that helps us live in the moment, it is music. Music makes everything easier . . . whether it’s attempting that long stretch in yoga, completing chores around the house, pumping that heavy iron at the gym . . . it’s all a bit simpler when there is music playing. I don’t know what this planet would be like without it. I am convinced life would not be as we know it. To all singers and songwriters out there – thank you, thank you, thank you.
**Don’t forget to check out my previous monthly lists for more motivating music ~ Cardio Playlists: Grading Girl**
What Keeps Me Motivated to Move this Month:
“Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson, Kanye West, Ne-Yo (lyrics that make me stand straight and tall)
“Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” by Lady GaGa (every time I hear a new song off her new album, I like it . . . sexy song)
“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas (won’t get tired of this . . . such a happy tune!!!)
“Viva La Vida” (Thin White Duke Mix) by ColdPlay (yes, this is the 3rd version of this song on my lists – the original made it to my Top 10 of all time list. . . there’s one point in this where I can’t help but bang fists to the beat on the treadmill or stairs)
“(I) Can, Can (You?) by Vanessa-Mae (a fun Can, Can like you’ve never heard before)
“Body” by the Jackson 5 (haven’t heard this in 25 years . . . makes me want to ‘get down’)
“California Man” by Cheap Trick (did a poms routine to this in high school . . . still riles me up and I remember the moves too)
“Time of Our Lives” by Paul Van Dyk (an invigorating tune)
“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg (makes me cry . . . thanks to my bro for the recommendation!)
“January Rain” by David Grey (a calming cool-down . . . I’ve loved this song since the first time I heard it in one of my favorite movies, Serendipity)
