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

Get Motivated: Lighten Up With Richard Simmons

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:30:00 -0800

Whether or not you enjoy Richard Simmons, one thing for sure is that he sure is motivating. Sirius Satellite has Richard's weight-loss show, Lighten Up, every Sunday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. EST on channel 102.

During the show, Richard reads faxes, letters, and emails from people who need a little lift or a little push, and then he calls them directly to give advice, provide a shoulder to cry on, or just make them laugh (which I did). While he can be a little over the top at times, he truly seems to care about the people who call in, who he calls, and those who are listening. If you have Sirius you should definitely check it out and be sure to let us know if you were motivated or not.

Maybe you need a video of Richard in action to jog your memory, and if you do check out this retro video for some extra special motivation.

Source

P.L.O.W - Dog Days of Summer

FitSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 03:00:00 -0700

No doubt about it, we are in the dog days of summer. During the end of July through early August, Sirius - the “dog star” - rises and sets with the sun. Ancient Romans believed the two stars conspired to double the heat creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather, so that's why they named the period of late summer "the dog days." This play list is dedicated to these dog hot days we are experiencing. It will help you warm up, workout and then cool you down!

"Walking the Dog" - Rufus Thomas, 2:32
"The Dog Song" - Nellie Mckay, 3:04
"Drop it Like Its Hot" - Snoop Dogg, 4:32
"Hound Dog" - Elvis Presley, 2:15
"I Wanna Be Your Dog" - Stooges, 3:12
"Diamond Dogs" - David Bowie, 5:58
"Move It On Over" - George Thorogoood, 4:19
"Fido Your Leash Is Too Long" - Magnetic Fields, 2:33
"Dog Problems" - The Format, 4:13
"Space Dog" - Tori Amos, 5:12
"Everything Reminds Me of My Dog" - Jane Siberry, 4:18

Total PLOW = 41:43

Do you have any additions for this play list? Then add them in the comments section below.

Source