Music Makes Exercising Fun

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Music turns me on when I exercise alone or in a group fitness class. Great music makes the exercise more fun and the duration flies by in a blink of an eye. These days, music is very important as I run long miles during my half marathon training.

Science shows that music can increase endurance and reduce the perception of effort during a workout. I'm not a scientist but I know how music makes you feel when I exercise. Several times while I workout, I've caught myself running faster because the song energized me. In a group class, I may clap my hands, sing along or pedal faster in a spin class. 

I have several playlists I listen to when I exercise but here are ten songs on my running playlist:

1. All of the Lights by Kanye West: I first heard this song on the radio in my car about two years ago and every time I heard it, I turned the volume up and danced in my seat. I knew I had to put it on my list because it pumped me up and I like all the artists such as Alicia Keys, Elton John, Rihanna who are featured on the song.
2. Drop it Low by Kat DeLuna: I want to dance every time I hear this song but instead of dancing, I increase my speed while I run or have a great tempo for doing squats.
3. Get Me Bodied (extended mix) by Beyonce: this is an oldie but a goodie. I feel like breaking into a dancing every time I hear it. Who can resist not patting their weave?
4. Gonna Make You Sweat (everybody dance now) by C+C Music Factory: this song was big when I was in college and I like the nostalgia of it. It definitely moves me to another level when I hear it.
5. Universal Mind Control by Common: besides being handsome, Common is a great poet and rapper. I like to run, do push-ups, or sit-ups to this song and usually have it on repeat.
6. Don't Stop the Rock by Freestyle: I first heard this song at the skating rink and I've liked it ever since.
7. Ni**as in Paris by Kanye West & Jay Z: this song brings out a different energy when I hear it and I feel that I can power through running hills. Running hills is "cray" but this song makes them pass by fast.
8. Outta Your Mind by Lil Jon & LMFAO: I liked this song the first time I heard it on So You Think You Can Dance and had to get it on my play list ASAP. It's fun and has a great tempo.
9. Shots by LMFA & Lil Jon: this song is fun and makes me run faster, do more push-ups, or jump higher.
10. Everyday (coolin') by Swizz Beatz featuring Eve: I first heard this song on America's Best Dance Crew and couldn't wait to add it to my playlist. It's fun to dance to as well as run.

I'm always looking for songs to create a new playlist because once I get board with the music, it's no longer motivating. When a song moves me to the core, it's only a matter of time before I buy it from the iTunes store. Here's to your health!