Search Results for 'playlist'

Music Monday: Power Through Anything Playlist

December 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Long-term home workouts like Insanity and P90X have been around for a few years now, but their appeal hasn’t faded since they hit shelves. Interested in giving one a whirl? In Insanity, a fun, fast-paced diagnostic test is recommended to help determine your starting level so you can watch your progress soar over the next 60 days. And yes, you’ll be repeating the test periodically to gauge how quickly your fitness level reaches rock star status. The test is plyometric madness (they call it Insanity for a reason!), but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Various studies prove that music can boost performance, so we’ve rounded up six of the strongest tunes to help you muscle through that 25-minute diagnostic test, ready for anything Shaun T throws at you. But if six just isn’t enough, we’ve added four bonus tracks to keep you working hard for 40 sweat-dripping minutes. Now punch play and crank out those reps!

Now you tell us: How do you get pumped for a tough workout?

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Fit Blogger We Love: Cait Plus Ate

December 6, 2012 at 2:40 pm
By Karla Walsh

We’ve all probably had our fill of “Kate Plus 8.” But Cait Plus Ate? That’s a completely different story. Just like that other Kate, Cait is a master at juggling: she rocks her job, her school work (Cait’s working toward her MBA!) and her active lifestyle—and with way less conflict than on a reality show.

Read on for Cait’s can’t-miss gym class,  her super-powered snack pick and more.

My favorite way to work out: A well-choreographed, intense step class! My gym has an amazing one during which a routine is taught (broken down into combos) and dispersed throughout are tough cardio peak intervals. The step routine includes kicks, jumping knees and more heart-rate elevating workouts. It’s fun to try to hit every move and the class flies by because I’m so busy concentrating on learning the combos! Top 40 hits on the playlist are the cherry on top.

On my fit life (fitness bucket) list: Aerial yoga! I have read so many cool reviews of these classes on blogs and would love to try one out for myself, but none are offered in my area. I enjoy yoga and any workout that switches it up and keeps things interesting is one for me—how much more unique can you get than aerial yoga?!

My fave fit snack: Fruit with plain Chobani. I prefer to flavor plain Chobani with chopped fruit than purchase the flavored Cho varieties. Bananas are my favorite fruit to combine with the Greek yogurt but I also love doing blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Sometimes I also throw PB into the mix.

My fitness mantra: Do what I enjoy, not what I “should.” I have forced myself to attend plenty of group fitness classes that absolutely crawled by simply because I thought that they were the classes I should be doing. I’ve realized that I reap so many more mental benefits of exercise when I go with the form of fitness I’m feelin’ on a given day. If I want to do Zumba, I’ll enjoy my workout and it’ll go by faster if I do that and don’t make myself run on a treadmill just because running seems like it might burn more calories. Movement should be fun and the enjoyment-not-should mantra is something I am actively working on learning each day, but I have made great progress!

My gym bag must-have: My Big Banjees running wallet by Sprigs! I actually use it to hold my iPhone, case and all, when I lift weights because I use my phone as my iPod too. It’s the only running wallet I’ve ever found that will a) stay fixed on my arm and b) hold my iPhone with the case still on. I used to try to stick the iPhone in my waistband or sports bra, but you can imagine how cumbersome that was. My strength training sessions are easier now!

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

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Music Monday: Hot for the Holidays

December 3, 2012 at 9:32 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

The weather may be colder and the days shorter, but that’s no excuse for skipped workouts and poor nutrition! Our workout plans are great season-round, and to help you stay hot while the temperature drops, we’ve crafted a playlist stocked full of wintry tunes to get you holiday party-ready. Go ahead and enjoy that cocktail, guilt-free.

Now you tell us: Do holiday tunes sneak into your workout this time of year?

 

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Hot Topic Tuesday: Do You Size Up Others at the Gym?

November 20, 2012 at 9:18 am
By Karla Walsh

What’s your first thought when you step foot in a gym? Perhaps you make a mental note to refill your water bottle. Or maybe you’re selecting what playlist will be your soundtrack today.

According to one recent study, many young women think about the other women in the room—in particular, their size. College undergrads were more likely to use a piece of equipment near a fit woman when she was wearing baggy clothing and padding to appear larger compared to when that same woman was wearing fitted apparel without padding. Researchers believe that body image-conscious young women might feel more comfortable and fitter when compared to their less athletic-looking neighbor.

We like to focus on our own goals, abilities and accomplishments, and think of others at the gym as potential workout buddies! No matter what shape or size you—or they—are, the greatest feeling is when you improve upon your personal best. But we want to hear from you…

Now tell us: Are you in your own world the minute you step foot in the gym, or do you size up those who are exercising nearby? Can you “judge a book by its cover” in terms of fitness anyway?

More from FITNESS:

• How to Stay Confident at Any Occasion
• Pump Up Your Body Confidence at the Gym
• Real Women, Real Beauty: Why Our Flaws Are Beautiful

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Music Monday: Wake Up Your Morning Playlist

November 19, 2012 at 10:43 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Getting out of bed after the first alarm is tough enough by itself, never mind getting pumped for an early morning workout. Sometimes our beds are just so comfortable! We could use all the help we can get, so here’s an early morning mix that helps us get moving and grooving once our feet hit the floor. Download into your own music library and see if you hit the road, gym or yoga mat bright-eyed and ready to sweat!

Now you tell us: Is it easy for you to wake up for a morning workout?

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Music Monday: All-American Workout Playlist

November 12, 2012 at 10:58 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

November is a very patriotic month with Election Day, the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day all wrapped into the month of gratitude and Thanksgiving. As Americans, we have a lot to be thankful for — our freedom, liberties and those who fight and defend our nation. Boost your American pride this week, as well as your workout, with some of our favorite tunes honoring the red, white and blue.

More from FITNESS:

One Nation Under Fitness

Fourth of July Playlist

Plan a Perfect Patriotic Party

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Music Monday: Make Your (Running) Dreams Come True

November 5, 2012 at 9:40 am
By Samantha Shelton

We may be adults now (whether we like it or not), but our favorite Disney characters will always hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it was waking up to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings, singing along to The Lion King soundtrack or re-watching Toy Story until we’d memorized every line, our animated childhood friends always gave us an extra boost of excitement, and we’re not ashamed to say they still tug at our heart strings.

I’m headed off to the land where dreams come true this weekend to race my fifth half-marathon, the Disney Wine and Dine through Disney World! To channel that childhood energy, I’ve added these top Disney tunes to my race-day playlist. Download them yourself and enjoy a blast of nostalgia – and maybe a little fairy dust.

Now you tell us: What are some of your favorite Disney songs?

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ASICS Elite Julie Culley Takes On Her First Marathon

October 24, 2012 at 4:31 pm
By Lauren Cardarelli

In less than two weeks, spectators will line the Big Apple’s streets across all five boroughs to watch professional athletes and running enthusiasts, alike, pound the ING New York City Marathon pavement. Among this year’s ASICS elite lineup is U.S. Track & Field member Julie Culley, who placed first in the 2012 5,000m Olympic Trials. Julie has switched gears since returning from London, preparing to make her marathon debut by racking up around 95 miles a week. We discussed the upcoming race with the speedy 31-year-old, who shared running tips, her go-to grub and more. Here’s what Julie had to say:

What does your typical marathon training week look like?
A typical training week includes 90 to 95 miles in six days with either a rest day or a cross-training day on the seventh. I typically do two harder effort workouts either on grass, roads, track or dirt trail depending on the day’s assignment. I have a strength coach and hit the gym at least twice a week and also have a number of corrective exercises I do at least five days a week. I do a full dynamic warm-up of drills and openers at least two to three times a week and try to rest as much as possible between each session. Naps are a necessity, as well as weekly chiropractic treatment and massage!

Do you have any race day rituals to get you in the zone?
I usually start the morning with a shake-out run along with a hearty breakfast of oatmeal, cereal or a gluten-free bread of sorts along with some juice, lots of water and usually two cups of coffee. If I can get my hands on some espresso, that is a plus! I typically braid or twist my hair with a number of pins and always top it off with a headband to match my uniform. My race day playlist is pretty specific. There are a few songs that get me in the right frame of mind ranging from U2 to Jay-Z.

Do you carbo-load the night before a race?
I’m not normally fixated on carbo-loading as much as having a well-balanced meal including meat and lots of vegetables. I usually always have a glass of wine the night before a race to help me relax, unwind and sleep. My favorite pre-race meal is gluten-free pizza!

Do you have any tips for runners looking to increase their mileage?
Take it slow! I’ve only increased my mileage by 15 miles a week from the 5K to the marathon. More importantly is getting the quality workouts and quality long runs in the books. Doing too much too quickly can lead to injury. You have to get to the starting line healthy!

Favorite running apparel item?
Accessories! I love accessorizing my running outfits with headbands, hats, colorful socks, cute bags, etc. ASICS has some great accessory items out to match some of the beautiful fall and winter colored apparel items on the shelves!

For more information on the New York Road Runners’ premiere event, check out their website and be sure to check in and cheer on Julie as she crosses her first marathon off the bucket list!

 

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Music Monday: A Playlist to Pace Your Home Workout

October 22, 2012 at 9:35 am
By Karla Walsh

We’ve all been there: It’s an “off” day at the gym. Your workout feels more challenging than usual and the clock can’t move fast enough. Then the right song comes pumping through your earbuds (cue Kanye West with “Stronger”) and everything falls into place. Your feet start stepping to the beat, you forget about your worries and are finally happy to be exercising.

Matt Basso, president of Iron Lotus Personal Training, is a strong believer that the right playlist can transform a sweat session. So much so that he’s produced all of the music for each of the workouts in his new DBX3 program so that the pace lines up perfectly with the routines for an extra motivation boost. Read on for his dance and pop music picks, and a workout tailor-made for this Music Monday mix.

• “Too Long/Steam Machine” The consistent pulse builds, and since it’s live, “it’s like they’re cheering you to get started,” says Basso.
• “Don’t Wake Me Up” The intro allows you enough time to grab a kettlebell and swing along to the driving beat, Basso suggests.
• “Cry (Just a Little)” Do jumping jacks during this tune with 120 beats per minute (BPMs), the ideal tempo for cardio and dance.
• “The Way You Make Me Feel” “Do I even need to explain how hard Michael Jackson grooves? This song is ideal for some seated rows and push-ups,” Basso says.
• “The Night Out (Madeon Remix)” Get inspired by the 17-year-old DJ who created this remix (“he could make you happy doing the hardest exercises,” Basso says) and knock out burpees for as long as you can for the duration of this 120 BPM song.
• “Electric Feel (Justice Remix)” The tempo slows a bit, so pick the kettlebell back up and swing again.
• “Right Round” and “Da Funk” Freestyle! Try something new or your favorite moves from above through the hip-hop and dance beats.

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Sweat For Your Vets

October 15, 2012 at 9:09 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Anyone who’s ever attended a Spinning class knows what an intense workout it can be. But did you know that Spinning and cycling can be useful activities in the recovery and rehab process for wounded veterans? The Ride 2 Recovery initiative, a joint venture between the Fitness Challenge Foundation and the Military and VA Volunteer Service Office, aids in the healing process by raising money for Spinning Recovery Labs and other rehabilitative cycling programs at military and VA sites across the country.

Putting together a nationwide network of cycling labs is no easy feat, but on November 3, you can help our veterans while you get a killer workout. The fifth annual Spinning Nation charity ride will bring together cyclists across the country to support Ride 2 Recovery. Participating cycling studios will donate two one-hour classes each. (If you happen to be at the Yokota Air Base in Japan, stop by – they’re participating, too!) Once you register for a class online ($25 fee), get friends and family to sponsor your fitness fest. Studios who bring in at least $10,000 will have a donation of up to 20 bikes made in their name to a military base of their choice.

In the last two years, Spinning Nation has raised more than $250,000 for Ride 2 Recovery. So stop by Spinning Nation’s website and register today. You’ll be doing your body (and many others’) a whole lot of good.

More From FITNESS:

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