FitSugar

You Asked: Any Ideas for Music and Running?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

You're asking and I'm answering...
Dear Fit,
I am interested in possibly getting an iPod or something similar to use when I work out. I never jumped on the whole iPod train in the first place because the idea of having to pick out songs doesn't appeal to me, since I don't really know what to pick. That's why I like Sirius satellite radio. It exposes me to new music and I don't have to do anything but turn it on. I'd definitely get an iPod to work out with IF there was some sort easy way to download suggested playlists for working out.
-In Need of Tunes Tara

To see what I have to say on the matter, just read more

This is an awesome question since so many people love working out to music. With all the new technology out there, it's hard to know what will best suit your needs. You have two options:

Get an iPod nano - This tiny device can hold either 1,000 songs ($149) or 2,000 songs ($199). It's better to run with a nano rather than a regular iPod, since it uses flash memory and has no moving parts (regular iPods contain a mini hard drive that spins and jolting it around could cause damage). If you get a nano, you can copy all your own favorite music into the iTunes library on your computer, make playlists, and then put them on your nano. OR you can download Sport iMixes from iTunes (you have to buy them for around $15 a playlist).

Another cool thing about owning an iPod nano is that you can buy the Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($29). It comes with a receiver that attaches to your nano and a sensor you wear on your shoe. You can buy Nike + specific sneakers that hold the sensor or you can wear your fave sneakers and attach the sensor with this holder. Then when you run, it keeps track of the time, distance, speed and calories burned. You can even upload your runs to NikePlus.com and track your progress. I use it every time I run and it totally motivates me.
If you don't want to deal with your computer and downloading playlists, and you love Sirius radio, you can purchase portable Sirius radios to run with. The Stiletto 10 ($149.99) allows you to listen to live radio and it can store up to 10 hours of recorded programming. The Stiletto 100 ($199.99) offers a little bit more for your money. You can listen to live radio and store up to 100 hours of pre-recorded programs. You can also go online and purchase music that you can store on it. Sirius portable radios are great if you like your tunes to be a surprise. Just so you know though, after you buy the radio, you still need to pay around $13 a month for the service.

Those are two great options to help incorporate music into your workouts. Just make sure you choose something that will be easy to use and don't be afraid to ask for help. This technology stuff can be hard to figure out at first, but once you learn how, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Fit's Tips: If you're looking for other ideas for music playlists, every week FitSugar posts a playlist and you check them all out here.

Source

P.L.O.W. - Duets for Your Interval Workout

FitSugar — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 04:00:00 -0700

Music moves me. It speaks to me, and sometimes it's not a good beat I need, but rather a beautiful melody and lyrics to get me going. There's also something special about two voices singing together, so I've compiled a list of my favorite duets. This playlist begins and ends with two walking songs, and then alternates between sappy (yes, somewhat cheesy, I'll admit) love songs and peppy upbeat tunes. So you can switch it up between walking and running.

To hear this interval workout playlist just click on the white arrow after you read more.

Duets

Source

P.L.O.W. - A Tribute to Michael Jackson

FitSugar — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:00:00 -0700

As many of you were, I was saddened to hear the surprising news about Michael Jackson's passing. I have always been a fan of his music, and his upbeat songs definitely motivate me to work out harder. So here's a tribute playlist to the King of Pop. It's full of fast-tempo tunes to kick your cardio workout into full gear.

To hear it, read more.

P.L.O.W. - Celebrate Earth and Exercise Outside

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Although April 22 was Earth Day, every day is the perfect day to celebrate the beauty and expansiveness of Mother Nature. So this weekend, instead of hitting the gym or hopping on your treadmill, enjoy an outdoor workout that requires no electricity. Get on your bike, slip on your sneaks for a trail run, or go for a walk on the beach. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and the gorgeous scenery as you listen to these songs about the world and the environment.

To hear my playlist read more.

P.L.O.W. – Get Your Irish Up

FitSugar — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Nothing gets your heart rate up like dancing a jig on St. Patrick's Day. The Irish definitely have that down. While this playlist contains no songs from Lord of the Dance, it is chock full of fun, rockin' Irish music to make you move.

This St. Patty's Day playlist is about 34 minutes long. The last song, from the Oscar winning soundtrack from the movie Once is perfect for cooling down and stretching.

To listen to the playlist click on the white triangle and just read more

Total time – 34:37

Source

P.L.O.W. - Bike Ridin' to Bluegrass

FitSugar — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0800

This playlist of the week is all about bike riding and bluegrass. This kind of music is sweet, upbeat, always puts me in a good mood, and makes me want to tap my feet and get up and move.

To hear the playlist, click the white triangle below.

Just for the record though, those people in the photo should be wearing helmets.

Source

P.L.O.W. - A Grateful Playlist

FitSugar — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 04:30:00 -0800

Aside from family and food, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection. Now is a good time to remember the important things in life, and be thankful for all you have. While walking or strength training this weekend, here's a playlist of songs about giving thanks. Enjoy!

To hear it, click the gray triangle after you read more.

Total Time: 45:36

Source

Favorite Workout Songs

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:00:46 -0700

Music motivates movement, and if you need some ideas for what tunes to turn up for your next workout, here are some suggestions from fellow FitSugar readers.

To hear the playlist, click play after you read more.

P.L.O.W. - Celebrate the Sun

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:30:00 -0700

In case you hadn't heard, on Wednesday the longest total solar eclipse of this century was visible from India and China. Although those of us in the US and elsewhere didn't get to witness it firsthand, you can't deny that it's a miraculous and rare event.

Even though there won't be a longer eclipse until the year 2132, now is the perfect time to celebrate our glorious sun. So this weekend, get outside for a run and enjoy these songs about our shining star. There are 30 minutes of upbeat songs to run to, and 10 minutes of calmer tunes at the end for a walking cool down.

To hear the playlist read more.

Total Time: 41:43

Did I miss any songs about the sun? Tell me about them in the comment section below.

P.L.O.W. - Better Version of Me

FitSugar — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Life is complicated and bad habits, once tamed, can reappear under moments of stress. None of us are perfect. We all fall off the health wagon occasionally, but we must dust ourselves off and hop back on. Inspired by Fiona Apple's self improvement ditty "Better Version of Me," I have made a little playlist about finding hope in the mundane bits of daily adversity. There are no power anthems in this playlist, but it's great for a 30-minute cardio workout with a slow song to accompany your cool down.

To listen, click on the arrow button when you read more.