Working out in the winter is rough, especially if you live in a colder winter climate. It's so hard to get yourself outside for a run let alone to the gym!
Good news Musique on MizzFIT readers: I picked my TOP 5 FAVE ALBUMS (+ one BONUS album that's you can download for FREE) that I've been listening to on my workouts lately.
Read on, add them to your iPod + get out there!
This is an epic classic rock album. It's always awesome to work out to AC/DC. When you work out to a live AC/DC album you can pretend that the crowd isn't just roaring for the band but also cheering you on through your fitness routine. If you feel like working in a little air guitar while hitting up the elliptical listening to Thunderstruck, just see it as a little extra arm workout.
AND...this is my new fave workout-and-go-anywhere bag from Electric Yoga that has also been thunderstruck.
#2. Cyndi Lauper, She's So Unusual
This was one of my first albums. My friends and I dressed up like Cyndi Lauper and practiced a dance routine after school for weeks to perform in the school talent show. With classics like Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, She Bop and All Through the Night, every song on this album brings back great memories of trying to approximate Cyndi's iconic style and I can't help but to rock out some 80's inspired workout clothes with these songs on my iPod. Like these cool paint splattered print leggings from MessQueen:
Pair them with this Fishnet Racer Back Bra from Free People:
#3. Jay-Z + Kanye, "Watch the Throne"
This album came out two summers ago...perfectly timed for when I pulled my hamstring and couldn't go running for several months. I funneled my obsession with cardio workouts to interval weight training, push-ups and core work listening to this album constantly. To this day, I love doing push-ups to the song: That's My B*tch. When I got to see the live show at MSG last autumn, I had to stop myself from jumping in the aisle and busting out some push-ups.
This was one of my favorite albums of 2012. His music, voice and lyrics really transport you to another dimension. Pilates and faster moving vinyasa flow yoga works really well with this album since Matthew Dear’s melancholy yet exhilarating sound creates the perfect meditative effect for a more zen workout.
Here’s one of my fave tracks from the album, Ahead of Myself.
Take this album on a long run and suddenly you are at the hottest synth pop electro dance party circa 2007. The best part: when the album is over you have just worked out and did your body right instead of stumbling out of a club at 4am. Sample it here.
Here are pics of me in the Seamless Power Running Jacket from Zensah that I LOVE for cold weather running and beyond. This jacket is amazingly functional and fashionable with an ultra breathable fabric and a super flattering shape. Other great features are the thumbholes for extra warmth and the back zipper pocket that's the perfect size for securely stashing my iPod nano. The pink zipper adds the perfect pop of color and style allowing me to totally rock this jacket on and off the running trails.
BONUS: A FREE ALBUM to download for your winter workout!!!
The Hood Internet, "Volume Six"
Download it HERE!
Mashup mixtapes are the perfect soundtrack when logging in some miles on the stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical machine. These songs make the minutes fly by when you are stuck in one place while you work out. This is Volume Six so if you love it you have five more to check out! There are days when I get into such a zone with these songs that I start dancing and singing to myself while running on the treadmill. Who cares what your treadmill neighbors think as long as you rock out your workout!
What's your favorite album to work out to? Comment below and let me know!