As promised and at long last, here is GG’s summer cardio playlist!!!!  Not only are these songs the perfect tempo for cardio but they spark that glorious summer giddiness we crave all year. ~

Summer Cardio Playlist

How about going for a run on this beach?!

“California Gurls” by Katy Perry . . . A celebration of the carefree days of summer!  KP recorded this song during the perfect time – very symbolic for my fam’ right now!

“California Man” by Cheap Trick . . . I can’t leave out the boys!!  This is a Cheap Trick sleeper hit.  If you don’t remember this song, you will wonder why. My high school pom squad won first place with this -I still remember (and can do!) the kick sequence.

“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead . . . the quintessential summer song!!

“Club Can’t Handle Me” (From Step Up 3D) by Flo Rida . . . this is the song that So You Think You Can Dance is using for the national routine for everyone to learn for National Dance Day.  I just learned it!!  It’s a very happy, feel good song – like last year’s “I Gotta Feelin’!”

“Heroes” by David Bowie . . . such a good song to keep you moving to your goal!

“Ecstasy” by Rusted Root . . . a definite summer vibe going on here; plus, it’s the only band that ever excited me enough to dance barefoot at a concert.

“Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel . . . when you get to this song, turn up your mp3 player one more notch – trust me!

“Shine” by The LoveFreekz (Ultra Dance 06) . . . great to blast on the treadmill or in the car on a warm sunny day.

“Right Here, Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . just when you’re starting to feel the steam diminishing, this longer song repeats but it’s the perfect running pace that will keep your eye on the prize.

“Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . . . this was my late father’s very favorite song; it exemplifies his “joie de vive.”  It’s just a tad slower than the rest of the songs; hence, it makes for a perfectly positive seventh-inning-stretch to your hard-earned exercise.

“(They Long to be) Close to You” by The Cranberries . . . from the “If I Were a Carpenter” CD - this version is breathtakingly beautiful.  Cool down with this and walk off with a summer glow.

Next Playlist:  Rockstar Playlist – no dance remixes on this one . . . pure rock & roll . . . not entirely characteristic of a GG playlist.

Click here for a link to GG’s previous popular playlists!!

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In honor of my daughter’s September birthday, I’m dedicating this month’s cardio playlist to those songs released during the decade in which she was born.  Some call the 90′s a horrible period for pop music; others say it may be too soon to tell.  Here’s a list of my favorite ’90s music that makes me jump with glee – those are the types of songs I need to keep me going during cardio.

Also, check out my previous playlists HERE!

I used to make my playlists with these!

90′s Music Cardio Playlist

“Love Will Never Do Without You” by Janet Jackson – I danced to this when I was pregnant. This song always makes me think of very happy times.  (It’s also a good one to start with because the distinct beat is not too fast).

“Vogue” by Madonna – It always lifts my spirits when I hear it.  I imagine myself running down the runway as I’m on the treadmill!

“Kiss from a Rose” by Seal (Kicks from a Rhodes version) – This is great for interval training because it gets fasters and slower and faster again.

“Magic Carpet Ride” by Philip Steir featuring Steppenwolf – This is a fabulous, knock-you-out-of-your seat version song.

“Fire Up the Shoesaw” by Lionrock – I used to play this SO loudly in my car – the perfect cruising soundtrack makes for the perfect cardio motivator.

“Little Bird” by Annie Lennox (Todd’s 7″ of #1 version) – I liked the original back then and love this hip dance version now – gets my heart pumping!

“Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle (Ballroom Version) – If this song doesn’t get you moving, nothing will.

“It’s Gonna Be a Lovely Day” by S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M. – I’ve always loved the happy tone of this song . . . it’s a positive tempo to begin the slower, last wind of cardio.

“The Beginning of the Partnership” by Stephen Warbeck – This is one of my favorite compositions of all time.  It’s only about 1 ½ minutes long, but it’s an absolute beautiful instrumental that makes me cry and gives me chills at the same time.  It’s beautiful and the perfect, peaceful cool down.

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