If you're like me, you occasionally fall victim to the seductive, siren-like ways of an all-you-can-eat buffet. On a recent trip to Vegas, I went full force on the buffet line, and ended up in a food coma that lasted for what felt like two weeks. FITiST co-founders Caroline Limpert and Neda Talebian Funk suggest that you go for a hot and sweaty indoor cycling class when you're in the mood to burn a bunch of calories, quick. "Indoor cycling is all about the rhythm," they explain. "If you're sprinting in the saddle, you want a playlist filled with your favorite fast songs." Think club-like songs that are over 100 beats per minute. That stuff is perfect for an ultra-intense workout.
I'm pretty even-keeled by nature, but every now and then I'll have one of those frustrating moments where I wish I could politely excuse myself, walk into an empty room, shut the door, and just scream at the top of my lungs. Know the feeling? When you're having a mad-at-the-world moment, let it all out via your workout.
Desperately need to relax and release the tension of the day? Ivanhoe suggests you go for a slower paced yoga routine where you hold each pose for several breaths. "As you listen to the music, concentrate on where your body and the floor connect," says Ivanhoe. Our zen playlist starts out with softer indie songs, and then leads in to more meditative, instrumental songs. There's even some chanting thrown in there. So breathe in and exhale.
You know that feeling when all you want to do is curl up on your couch and settle in for a marathon of whatever happens to be on Bravo? Fight the urge! You need a burst of energy, like, now, so go for a power walk around your neighborhood. You'll feel so much better than if you stayed inside loafing around the house all day. And there's a good chance moving your bod will help you fight the urge to grab your good friends Ben and Jerry. These peppy, upbeat songs will get you moving.
This playlist is for the days when you wake up feeling like all is right with the world.
When you've got that reflective, mellow vibe going, that's the perfect time to go for an easy or moderate hike. Take a moment to really soak in your surroundings and appreciate the beauty around you.
I am one of those people who just can't work out without music. If my iPod dies during my run, I slow to a halt, as if my batteries have died.
I've always wondered how people hit the gym without some type of music fueling them forward. The sound of my ragged panting just isn't my jam when it comes to workout music. I prefer something a bit, uh, catchier.
Since my go-to workout mix is getting a little tired, my fellow Total Beauty editors and I have come up with five workout playlists for whatever your mood may be.
We've got the playlist for when you've had an overly indulgent weekend in Vegas and need to work off those buffet pounds, stat. We've also come up with the soundtrack perfect for a mellow hike with your dog. Basically, whatever type of get-off-your-butt activity you've got planned, we've got the playlist.
Because even if you shot out of the womb wearing Nike sneakers and terry cloth wristbands, when it comes to working out, everyone needs some motivation, and music is that perfect motivator.
"We're affected by our external world, so therefore the music we're playing is crucial," says yoga instructor and celebrity trainer Sara Ivanhoe. "It completely influences the nature of a workout."
Ready to give your iPod a major overhaul? Keep clicking.
