I really need to change my MP3 playlist. I'm getting tired of the same old songs, and I need a new bounce in my step when I'm pounding the pavement in my running shoes. FitSugar suggests some girly tunes to try.

Like the Dixie Chicks, Christina Aguilera, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and Alanis Morisette? Then this might be the mix for you.

Source

Fitness magazine offers the perfect workout playlist in its May issue. "Freshen up your routine with these new tunes," reads page 18 in this inspiring publication. Five songs are featured, each with a specific purpose in mind. Here they are.

• Good Day by Tally Hall: A great feel-good song to get you started
  
  

• Mercy by Duffy: This retro soul tune will help you find your rhythm
  
  

• Elevator by Flo Rida: The hip-hop beat is hypnotic and will push you to go the distance
  
  

• 4 Minutes To Save the World by Madonna: This high energy track with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland will keep you going
  
  

• Touch My Body by Mariah Carey: Wind down with this hot new single

Source

Rebecca Brown over at Divine Caroline says she's worthless at her workouts without a good playlist to motor her along. I'm with Rebecca. My MP3 player is strapped to my arm whenever I exercise. I don't do well with silence and running, silence and weight training, silence and treadmilling. Silence and writing: I love the combination. But anything that causes me to sweat and huff and puff simply must be set to music.

Rebecca's got a bunch of readers sharing their playlists here. Check out this one.

• Paula Abdul - Dance Like There's No Tomorrow
  
• Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come
  
• Limp Bizcuit - Nookie
• Britney Spears - Stronger
• Jars of Clay - Faith Like A Child
  
  

Check out some more if you're in the market for some new tunes. Borrow a song or two. Heck, use an entire playlist if you wish. And let us know what you've got playing in your ears.

Source

Do you jam out with an iPod or other tunes when getting exercise? I know when I use to cycle, music was one of the biggest motivators for keeping the pace. Well it turns out there's actually a science to fitness and the music we listen to while doing it.

For starters, they've shown with research that listening to your favorite artists while exercising can help you go longer and harder. It helps by eliminating the unpleasantness that comes with the workout like pain and fatigue. However, an interesting bit information is that certain music helps you perform better than others.

The song needs to be around 120 to 140 BPM (beats per minute). It all has to do with the pace you want to go. If you just want to go for a walk, keep it less than 120. However, if you plan on doing some serious running, songs with a BPM of 160 might do the job better. Getting your heart rate up to the desired speed is important, and music has always helped athletes push themselves to the next level. Any favorite songs out there that pump you up?

Source

Here is an idea that has worked wonders for me and many other people: Listen to music that inspires you while you work out. It could be heart-pumping tunes with a great beat that you can pace your run to. Or something inspirational that makes you feel alive. Because let's face it. Working out can be tedious, and anything that takes your mind off of how much your body wants you to stop right now is a good thing.

I have pretty alternative tastes in music and I am not a fan of country music usually, but one song that always gets me in the mood to push harder (not to mention live every aspect of my life to the fullest) is Tim McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying. Another song that has a great beat and always put me in a good mood is Scissor Sisters' Don't Feel Like Dancing. I'm always on the lookout for more tunes to add to my iPod though. What are you listening to when you workout?

Source