As we’ve covered before, most people out there are aware of the benefits of eating right, exercising regularly, and avoiding nasty habits such as tobacco and alcohol.
But many of them find it very hard to stick to healthy habits, mainly because of external factors such as friends indulging at parties, close ones not watching what they eat, or schedules being hectic.
Thankfully there are many ways to motivate yourself, without relying on other people for discipline, confidence, patience, or common sense!
Especially when it comes to exercising, not finding a pal to exercise with doesn’t have to stop you from skipping the gym membership, downloading some useful apps, or putting your headphones on!
In fact, listening to music while exercising is a fail-proof way to get into a routine without it feeling like a boring or repetitive task.
Pumping beats, fast melodies, sing-along lyrics, all of these elements allow you to adjust your movements to the rhythm.
Some music goes so well with some types of exercises that it’s almost as if they were made for it!
Below are a couple of our playlist suggestions for exercise routines, whether you’re walking, running, stretching, or swimming, and whether you’re into sweet Korean pop, heavy death metal, or skippy country music!
GETTING WARMED UP
Getting your mind and your body ready to exercise goes better with some mid-tempo music that progressively gets faster and faster!
Rock & roll songs are pretty effective for a nice warm up.
Our suggestions:
AC / DC - Back In Black
Joan Jett - I love Rock n’ Roll
Queen - We Will Rock You
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
3 Doors Down - Kryptonite
Our Lady Peace - Superman's Dead
Placebo - Special K
GIVING IT ALL YOU’VE GOT (I.E. CARDIO)
Once you’re ready to take - and keep - a fast pace you’re into fat-burning mode. That’s when you need fast-pumping music that doesn’t let you down!
Fast electronic beats are a safe bet for extended periods of effort.
Our suggestions:
The Black Eyed Peas - Let's Get It Started
Benny Benassi - Satisfaction
Eric Prydz - Call On Me
Justice - D.A.N.C.E.
Vitalic - Poney (Part 1)
Basement Jaxx - Where's Your Head At
The Chemical Brothers - Hey Boy Hey Girl
LFO - Freak
Mr Oizo - Flat Beat
Extrawelt - Doch Doch
Killing Skills - Van Dijck Brown
COOLING DOWN
Now that you’re covered in sweat, you’re ready to get your heart rate down, stretch your muscles, and breathe deeply.
Soothing atmospheric melodies with down-tempo beats should do the trick.
Our suggestions:
I Monster - Daydream In Blue
Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra - Kiss The Sky
Sixto Rodriguez - Sugar Man
Zero 7 - Simple Things
Tindersticks - The Organist Entertains
Want to share your own favourite exercise playlist? Post in on our Facebook, or send it to us via Twitter!
