Music Monday: The Super-Motivating Playlist

House says the key is to think about one step at a time. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Ever have one of those days when you just don’t feel like working out? You’re not the only one. So we asked Laurel House, the QuickieChick, what she does to stay motivated and we loved her idea so much we had to share! “I challenge myself to run for one song. Almost every time, that song turns into two, oftentimes three. The other day it was seven!” House says.
The key to crafting a killer playlist? Find songs that you enjoy and make sure they play back-to-back so you don’t get sidetracked, House suggests. Here are some of her all-time favorites:
- “Dirty Little Secret,” The All-American Rejects
- “Womanizer,” Britney Spears
- “Naughty Girl,” Beyonce
- “Push It,” Salt-N-Pepa
- “Pray for You,” Jaron and the Long Road to Love
- “Stronger,” Kanye West
- “Rhythm Nation,” Janet Jackson
- “Down on Me,” Jeremih, featuring 50 Cent
- “Whole Foods Parking Lot,” DJDave
- “Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Now tell us: What gets you up and moving on those “I’m too tired” or “I’m too busy” days?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: interval training, Music Monday, QuickieChick, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: An Upbeat Treadmill-Ready Mix
When our playlists are feeling a bit stale, we turn to Deekron, also known as The Fitness DJ, to help us switch things up. He’s been a friend of FITNESS for years, but word is getting out—he was recently nominated for a Shorty Award (which honors the best in social media) and his recent Treadmill Coach workout album climbed to #3 on the iTunes charts in the Fitness and Workout category!

These songs can help your power through your next workout. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
We challenged Deekron to put together a fun, 30-minute playlist of uptempo songs from different genres. And he delivered! His ”Run Around” mix, which he created exclusively for FITNESS readers, would be the ideal soundtrack for your next run, gym trip or dance session.
- “Sun Is Up,” Inna
- “Off to the Races,” Lana Del Rey
- “I Remember,” The Roots
- “Work Out,” J Cole
- “Paradise,” Coldplay
- “Concrete Wall (RAC Remix),” Zee Avi
- “Heartbeat,” The Fray
- “Run Right Back,” The Black Keys
- “Bullethead,” Van Halen
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
More from FITNESS:
- Olympic Runner Kara Goucher’s Workout Playlist
- You Do Have Time to Work Out!
- Sweat Like a Celebrity: Trainer Gunnar Peterson’s Playlist
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Deekron, Music Monday, workout music, workout playlist
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#140Wednesdays: What’s Your Favorite Song on Your Workout Mix?

The right songs are the best way to switch up a stale routine. (Photo courtesy of Peter Ardito)
You already know that doing the same moves over and over will cause you to hit a weight loss plateau, but did you know the same is true with your choice of tunes? Running, biking, or doing anything with the same playlist on repeat can cause you to go into autopilot, meaning your not pushing yourself at every workout.
Update your iPod with the help of our readers, who gave us their favorite firm and burn beats.
@onebabs1: I Got It From My Mama—Will.I.Am
@Hungry_Runner: A dance remix of Skyscraper by Demi Lovato. Those lyrics with a pumped up beat can make anyone feel unstoppable.
@aizahabban: You Can Be the One—Late Night Alumni
@dani4nier: Breakin’ a Sweat—Skrillex
@jsalomonsson: Levels—Avicii
@Tosh_74: Good Feeling by Flo Rida and Enter Sandman by Metallica
@lkhattendorf: Live Like We’re Dying by Kris Allen. Fast tempo and makes you think about what’s important. Perfect for a workout!
@KayRVaz: Good Good Night—Roscoe Dash
@DrSomji: El Camino by The Black Keys for running!
@NATAgneiD: Where Have You Been by Rihanna. Gets me pumping!
@Randilizm: Drop It Low—Kat DeLuna
Now tell us: What’s your favorite song to work out to lately?
Categories: Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Motivation, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: Remembering Whitney Houston

Celebrate the Grammy winner by enjoying her vocal talent! (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
- “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” I’m Your Baby Tonight
- “I’m Every Woman,” The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack)
- “How Will I Know,” Whitney Houston
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” Whitney
- “It’s Not Right But It’s OK,” My Love Is Your Love
- “So Emotional,” Whitney
- “Queen of the Night,” The Bodyguard (Original Soundtrack)
- “Million Dollar Bill,” I Look to You
- “My Love Is Your Love,” My Love Is Your Love
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Now tell us: What’s your favorite Whitney song?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Grammys, Music Monday, Whitney Houston, workout music, workout playlists
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Music Monday: Love Songs That Will Make You Want to Dance

Kisses are sweet, but so is a new playlist! Load this one up for the one you love. (Photo by Peter Ardito)
With the most lovable of all holidays just over one week away, you’re probably already getting bored with the traditional love songs. We have just the fix: A fun, upbeat playlist with all the same sentiments, but with way more fun beats! Whether you use this as a soundtrack for your next gym workout or as background music for your Valentine’s Day dance party, these 10 songs—both classic and contemporary—will get your heart pumping a bit faster.
- “Waiting for Tonight,” Jennifer Lopez
- “Take On Me,” a-ha
- “Love Me Do,” The Beatles
- “Love On Top,” Beyonce
- “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” The Police
- “We Found Love,” Rihanna, featuring Calvin Harris
- “I Want You to Want Me,” Letters to Cleo
- “Tearin’ Up My Heart (Radio Edit),” *NSYNC
- “Come On Over Baby (All I Want is You) [Radio Version],” Christina Aguilera
- “Without You,” David Guetta, Featuring Usher
Now tell us: What’s your favorite love song?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation | Tags: love songs, Music Monday, Valentine's Day, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: Your Super Bowl Playlist

Don't let the players have all the fun. Take your own team outside for a pickup game! (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
No matter what team you’re rooting for (or even if you’re not a fan of football at all) you can find inspiration from the amazing athletes who will hit the field this Sunday. In the meantime, get motivated during your own active endeavors by these classic tunes from Super Bowl halftime performers past and present! Then hit repeat and use these tunes as a soundtrack for backyard touch football games and tailgating this weekend.
- “Start Me Up,” Rolling Stones
- “Walk This Way,” Aerosmith
- “Beautiful Day,” U2
- “Rhythm Nation,” Janet Jackson
- “Holiday,” Madonna
- “Pump It,” Black Eyed Peas
- “Born to Run,” Bruce Springsteen
- “Get On Your Feet,” Gloria Estefan
- “Rock Your Body,” Justin Timberlake
- “Take Me Higher,” Diana Ross
- “Let’s Go Crazy,” Prince
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
More from FITNESS:
- How to Build a Superhuman Athlete
- Boot Camp Body Playlist
- Non-Gym Activities (Including Football) That Boost Calorie Burn
Categories: Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Music Monday, Super Bowl, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: Your Spring Break Playlist
With the cold, wintry weather we had over the weekend in the northeast, spring seems very far off. But you can channel a little spring break flavor in the gym with this playlist from music producer Emilio Estefan (who also happens to be married to Gloria)!
Estefan should know what motivates those in the fitness world—he is also an executive producer for Univision’s weight-loss reality show Dale Con Ganas that we told you about last month. Download his 11 picks to feel like your island hopping even when it’s below zero.
- “Wepa,” Gloria Estefan
- “Sexy and I Know It,” LMFAO
- “On The Floor,” Jennifer Lopez, featuring Pitbull
- “Super Bass,” Nicki Minaj
- “Hotel Nacional,” Gloria Estefan
- “Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5, featuring Christina Aguilera
- “La Vida Es Una Carnaval,” Celia Cruz
- “Give Me Everything,” Pitbull, featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
- “Me Rio de Ti,” Gloria Trevi
- “I Like How It Feels,” Enrique Iglesias, featuring Pitbull & The WAV.s
- “El Poeta,” Chino Y Nacho
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
More from FITNESS:
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Music Monday, spring break, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: Ringin’ in the New Year
Written by Lauren Cardarelli, editorial intern
Kick-start 2012 with a soundtrack that will celebrate the old and pump you up for all the new this year has to offer. After all of those holiday cookies and cocktails, who doesn’t need a little “fitspiration” to get started on the right foot? Here’s to another happy and healthy new year!
- “Cheers (Drink to That),” Rihanna
- “Tonight is the Night,” Outasight
- “This is the New Year,” Ian Axel
- “Party Rock Anthem,” LMFAO
- “The Edge of Glory,” Lady Gaga
- “Night of Your Life,” David Guetta, featuring Jennifer Hudson
- “This Will Be My Year,” Semisonic
- “2012 (It Ain’t the End),” Jay Sean, featuring Nicki Minaj
- “The New Year,” Death Cab for Cutie
- “My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year),” Regina Spektor
Bonus track (just for fun!): “Kiss Me at Midnight,” *NSYNC
Now tell us: How are you celebrating the beginning of 2012?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: 2012, holiday, Music Monday, new year, workout music
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Music Monday: 2012 Grammy Nominee Playlist
You may have missed it due to playing post-Thanksgiving catch-up (not to mention squeezing in workouts, holiday shopping and more!), but the 2012 Grammy nominees were announced last Wednesday evening. To honor the best of the best from this year’s music scene before the big awards show on February 12, download these tracks—from a wide variety of music genres—that are perfect for your workout playlist.
- “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele (Record of the Year)
- “Yeah 3X,” Chris Brown (Best R&B Album)
- “Every Teardop is a Waterfall,” Coldplay (Best Rock Performance)
- “Only Girl (in the World),” Rihanna (Album of the Year)
- “Radioactive,” Kings of Leon (Best Rock Album)
- “Otis,” Kanye West and Jay-Z, featuring Otis Redding (Best Rap Song)
- “Pumped Up Kicks,” Foster the People (Best Pop Duo, Group Performance)
- “Love I’ve Found in You,” Lady Antebellum (Best Country Album)
- “All of the Lights,” Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie (Song of the Year, Best Rap/ Sung Collaboration, Best Rap Song)
- “Dance, Dance, Dance,” Red Hot Chili Peppers (Best Rock Album)
- “Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera (Best Pop Duo, Group Performance)
- “Marry the Night,” Lady Gaga (Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album)
- “Call Your Girlfriend,” Robyn (Best Dance Recording)
- “Better Than Revenge,” Taylor Swift (Best Country Album)
- “Grenade,” Bruno Mars (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Performance
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Now tell us: Who do you think most deserves a Grammy this year?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Grammy nominees, Grammys, Music Monday, workout music, workout playlist
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Music Monday: Coldplay’s Best Workout Tunes
They may have broken into the U.S. music scene with mellow tracks like “Yellow,” but as Coldplay has progressed, they have released more and more rocking, workout-friendly anthems. After seeing them perform on Saturday Night Live this weekend, I couldn’t help but download their new album. I subsequently played it on repeat for most of the day yesterday while I deep-cleaned my apartment. Hey, that’s a workout, right?
Here are nine songs from the band that will make great additions to your workout music library:
- “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” Mylo Xyloto
- “Viva la Vida,” Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- “Speed of Sound,” X & Y
- “Hurts Like Heaven,” Mylo Xyloto
- “Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love,” Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
- “Priness of China,” featuring Rihanna, Mylo Xyloto
- “Clocks,” A Rush of Blood to the Head
- “Charlie Brown,” Mylo Xyloto
- “Fix You,” X & Y
More from FITNESS:
- Work Out Like a Celebrity: Gunnar Peterson’s Workout Playlist
- The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Playlist
- Rihanna’s Workout Playlist
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: Coldplay, Music Monday, workout music
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