Cardio PLAYlist
April 3, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
Music is a universal language that truly does transcend boundaries. Whatever native tongue one speaks, emotions evoked through music is unequivocally understood. It’s no wonder music does so much to motivate our movement through exercise. EXERCISE FOR YOUR HEART AND SING FOR YOUR SOUL! Here are the latest songs motivating me right now. ☞
“Someday” by Rob Thomas . . . Sometimes we don’t notice just how good it can get! This uber-optimistic song will positively kick off your cardio! Do you have someone you wish you could get through to? Listen to this as you sweat it out and let the magic happen. I ♥ the video too!!
“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin . . . While I love running with this one on a trail near grassy fields, it works equally well on the treadmill. You just have to put your mind there! And as an English teacher, I appreciate the rock & lit connection to The Hobbit!
“Happiness” by Alexis Jordan (Wideboys Club Mix) . . . This one goes out to my baby niece – there’s never been a happier soul born!!!! She loves bouncing to this song and this remix will get you bouncing too. Everyone needs a little happiness inserted in their cardio. I can’t say enough about the feel-good mood this song evokes!! M mm mm mm . . .
“Born This Way” by Lady GaGa . . . Baby, you were born this way so make the most of it. Give it your all, be truly present during cardio and you’ll get more out of your exercise. Whether you’re a fan of GaGa or not, let yourself listen to the words and your feet will carry you to burn more calories.
“Yeah 3X” by Chris Brown . . . Remember the infamous wedding video with Chris Brown’s other big hit “Forever?” This one gets people dancing in the aisles like that!!
“Your Love is My Drug” (Dave Aude Remix) by Kesha . . . There is no better drug in the world!!! The version of this song makes me happy inside and out!!! Find someone that loves life as much as you and you’ll never have a sad day again! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
“Space Age Love Song” by Flock of Seagulls . . . This is one of those special songs that would go on my “life playlist” – a long, happy story which I’ll devote to another post. In any event, this dream tune will keep your feet flying with an 80′s flare.
“Paranoid” by Garbage . . . You won’t be paranoid by the time you’re done. This is one of those songs you don’t always think of for cardio but it works! In cardio, variety is where it’s at!!
“If I Every Lose My Faith in You” by Sting . . . I love this man. This video is fabulous. This song rocks my world. Keep the faith, turn it on as you reach the home stretch, and your satisfaction will last long after your cardio is complete.
“Uncharted” by Sara Bareilles . . . You’re going down for the last section of your cardio. Can you recognize the artists appearing in this video?? Shout out to my favorite pianist Ben Folds!!
February “Love” Cardio Playlist
January 30, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
The search term “Valentine’s Cardio Playlist” is showing up fairly frequently in my StatPress, so it looks like it’s time to offer my latest playlist for the Love Day!! Check out GG’s last February’s Valentine Playlist for more tunes to exercise your body and soul.
1. “Love Today” by Mika . . . this song makes me want to hug everyone in the gym!!!
2. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars . . . this is my current right-now song!!!! It brings my speed way up on the elliptical or treadmill. The Glee version had me smiling allll night long when I saw it on the show, too! The man I marry must be willing to dance down the aisle . . . or at least play along! 
3. “Magic Carpet Ride 07” by Mighty Dub Katz . . . It’s time in the workout to get down to business. This sexy beat will raise your heart rate. Btw, the video gets a solid C for its rather strange interpretation.
4. “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina . . . . a sultry, authentic beat to get you in the mood! (have to double click to watch on YouTube)
5. “Viva La Vida” (Telemitry Remix) by Coldplay . . . I have seven versions of this song on my IPod. Not a love song, but listening to this song reminds us how much we love life!!
6. “California Love” by 2Pac . . . because it’s the sunshine state and my second (first?) home!! Every good playlist includes a mix of genres and this is one hot rap song.
7. “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine . . . Let yourself flail around to this one!! A medium beat to begin the last quarter of your workout.
8. “She’s Got You High” by Mumm-ra . . . not your traditional love song, but the sing-song chorus will keep your feet in pattern on the pavement or platform.
9. “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic“ by Sting . . . Speaking of ‘not your traditional,’ Sting’s collaboration with the Royal Symphonic Orchestra is magical in itself.
10. “Breathe Again” . . . I seem to be attracted to songs with the words ‘breath’ or ‘breathe’ in them. What kind of heart doesn’t look back?? Sad songs are good for the soul, and this one hits home hard for the last song.
“Jump Start the Holidays” Cardio Playlist
October 30, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
A friend asked me if I publish these playlists before or after I try them out myself on the limb-loving treadmill. My answer is, yes, there’s a method to my madness. Each month, as soon as I stumble upon a new song or as I get a recommendation from someone, I add it to my queue. Once I have 8 – 12 songs, I create a playlist on my own IPod and pound the rubber at the gym! I experiment a little with order and then I finally share it!
Enjoy this month’s collection sure to burn some extra calories to compensate for the coming holiday cheats we all indulge in!
1. “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay . . . This is a PERFECT opener from one of my favorite bands. Walk until about 1:28, then burst into a run just as the song bursts!
2. “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf . . . A true anthem! Perfect pace for the first part of your run, and perfect mood for running outside.
3. “Highly Explicit” by Mixhell . . . This song is crazy good for the elliptical or bike. Tell me those legs don’t start pumping faster when this comes on!
4. “Firework” by Katy Perry . . . Despite the corny chest-bursting fireworks in this video, Katy Perry deserves extra kudos for the beautiful message. Kids need to hear more lyrics like this; the uplifting words will inspire your run.
5. “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool and DCup . . . I canNOT stop dancing to this song. Sometimes I hit the repeat button for this one!!! This is perfect at this point in the workout, when your heart is pumping and ready to step up the pace once again. I recommend this exact version:
6. “Dynamite” (Stonebridge Remix) by Taio Cruz . . . My students all love this song and you will too. Keep up with the teens of the world and move to this! The great thing about remixes is they make Top 40 songs we always hear on the radio sound new again – just the motivation we need to keep the workout going.
7. “In My Arms” by Plumb . . . I thoroughly ♥ this song! This will definitely warm your heart as it warms your feet. It makes me think of those I love.
8. “Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol . . . I like this quietly successful band. This pick-me-up song slows down the pace just enough to keep you in your optimal fat-burning zones. More people need to take a leap of faith and say ‘Yes’ more often!!!
9. “Proper Education” by Eric Prydz VS Pink Floyd . . . Another cool workout version of a classic, to keep your interest as you enter the 7th inning stretch.
10. “Yellow” (Acoustic Live @ KCRW in Los Angeles) by ColdPlay . . . I heard this when they first recorded it at KCRW about 6 years ago. This is the very best version of another of my top 3 fave songs of all time. Beginning at about 2:02 is the part that gives me chills every single time . . . this will provide the zen you need to cooldown, trust me . . .
10/10/10 Cardio Playlist
September 30, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
In honor of this upcoming Red Letter day, GG’s Cardio Playlist has gone visual!!
Get inspired – Top 10 songs for 10/10/10!!
1. “Radioactive” by Kings of Leon . . . I love when recording artists’ songs that receive less air time have just as much to offer as their Top 40 counterparts. Perfect “medium tempo” to warm those feet.
2. “Boogie Body” by Asphalt Jungle . . . As one can see, I have VERY eclectic taste in music. This will gravitate your feet confidently to the ground . . . one purposeful pound at a time.
3. “Empire State of Mind” by Glee Cast . . . they can rap – can you?!
4. “Happiness” by Alexis Jordan . . . my favorite right-now song!! The hidden message within the subtext is subtly strong. No matter who you are – this will make your cardio more fun!!
5. “I Like That” by Static Revenge and Richard Vission . . . Yes!!!
6. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap . . . originally heard this in the 500 Days of Summer movie. The movie has poignant points about relationships; these lyrics echo them. I’m in love with this song. The tempo slows your heartbeat a bit . . . to prepare for the next set!
7. “Right Here Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . a seriously good song for running – period. (
8. Jay-Z Super Bowl XLIV Kick Off . . . This will give you power as you pass the 3rd quarter. And – it will get you thinking about THIS year’s Bowl in a great stadium!!
9. “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie . . . the perfect pairing to introduce your conclusion. Bask in your achievement!!!! Almost there!
10. “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam – This song quickly graduated to my top 3 fave songs of all time. 1:18 is a very cool part; although, the whole song is just beautiful. Perfect resolution and a fabulous one to linger in your head long after cardio ceases. Or do as I do – play this over and over and over. Just breathe . . . . . . . . . .
Rock ‘N Roll Cardio Playlist!
September 5, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
As promised, here is a rock ‘n roll playlist without remixes. I found it difficult, let me tell you, not to slip in one of my favorite heart-pounding mixes to keep the bpms rolling. Nevertheless, there will be plenty of rolling going on with these authentic songs beating in your ear. Grab those sneakers, slap on the wristband and pour the water . . . let’s roll!!! ➔ ➘➙➚➔
**Want to see more of my playlists? Click on “Favorites” above and scroll to “Cardio Playlists!”
These can potentially kill your cardio efforts, but aren't they scrumptiously adorable?!
“Take a Picture” by Filter . . . Perfect tempo for warm up. I”m not sure why, but I’ve always liked this song. Someone once told me what this song is really about - I choose to keep my own naïve, more positive interpretation in my head.
“Where are We Runnin‘?” by Lenny Kravitz . . . this one was made for a runner’s playlist.
“California Man” by Cheap Trick . . . such a fun, clean song! A personal favorite of mine!!!!
“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers . . . I just recently heard this song after not hearing it for some time. This pick-up-the-pace song will keep you from stopping those feet.
“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This rough-edged raunch will keep your legs on fire as you pound the pavement or mill.
“Barracuda” by Heart . . . girl-power!!!! This list needs some rock from the higher-pitched gender!
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen . . . enough said.
“Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 . . . a good one to keep you running until you get to your destination.
“In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel . . . . always loved, loved, loved this song. The dreamy guitar chords will keep your spirit bounding and your feet light as you jump over the hump of your cardio.
“Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . . . Run, step, or bounce with joy to this! This will give you one last sprint before starting slow down. Such a gooooood song!!!! 
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix . . . You’ll be in a haze by the time you hit this portion of your workout so why not begin to slow down with a mellow classic such as this.
“Gettin’ in Tune” by the Who . . . perfect tempo for closure. And while we may not need as much closure as we think in real life, we need it in our workouts. A lesser-known song by this group! Love the piano in this one!!!!
January New Year Cardio Playlist
January 4, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
Check out the New 2012 Playlist here: New 2012 Cardio Playlist!!!
Check out the 2011 Cardio Playlist here: New 2011 Cardio Playlist!!!
It’s a new year in a new decade!! It’s a time for renewing, trying new adventures and reaching new goals. A motivating soundtrack to accompany the journey is not only a perk but a necessity along the way. Here is Grading Girl’s FIRST cardio playlist of the decade! Jumpstart those resolutions, charge those MP3s and get moving!!!
A motivating playlist is necessary for a productive, enjoyable workout!
“Ring-a-Ling” by Black-Eyed Peas . . . a perfectly moderate tempo to ring in the new workouts
“Let Me Think About It” (Radio Edit) by Ida Corr vs. Feddie Le Grand . . . very infectious!!
“In My Arms” (Kaskade Radio Edit) by Plumb . . . It is as if I wrote this song!! The lyrics hit home hard! This faster, remixed version really gives the song an extra positive vibe. It will make you step higher on the treadmil.
“Cho Dongho: The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name” . . . I have two different versions of this song on previous playlists. This group is nominated for Best New Artist this year with good reason. Their upbeat songs are good, clean fun! Find this version for free on VSHolic – Victoria’s Secret supermodels strutted to this on the runway during last year’s fashion show.
“Untouched” (Listen Deep Remix) by The Veronicas . . . Just when you are starting to tire, this song’s tune makes you keep stepping!!
“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This is the lesser-known, solid song by this band. Try it – you’ll like it!
“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon . . . Blends seamlessly with the previous song, and a perfect one to start your slowdown. This song is rightfully nominated for this year’s Record of the Year.
“Dream” by Priscilla Ahn . . . a sweet song to end with. Wonderful!!!!!
***If your workouts are longer than this list allows, try filling in the time with songs from the two Glee soundtracks. Dare I say many are more fun versions than the originals?!? You will undoubtedly feel happier listening to these songs – just be careful, you may find yourself singing along!!!
