GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts
Photo 4/6
The 'Put Me In My Happy Place Again' Playlist
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.

The "Put Me In My Happy Place Again" Playlist:

"Your Hand in Mine" by Explosions in the Sky

"Destiny" by Zero 7

"The Lightning Strike" by Snow Patrol

"The Greatest" by Cat Power

"Silence" by Sarah McLachlan and Delerium

"Gayatri Mantra" by Deva Premal

"Crimson" by Morcheeba

"Sita Ram" by Krishna Das

"Devi Puja" by Baird Hersey and Krishna Das

"Radhe" by Wah!

"Like Rain" by David Newman

Photo 5/6
The 'I Need Energy Now' Playlist
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.

The "I Need Energy Now" Playlist:

"Take a Walk" by Passion Pit

"This Head I Hold" by Electric Guest

"Move Along" by The All-American Rejects

"California English" by Vampire Weekend

"Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand

"How We Do (Party)" by Rita Ora

"Catch My Breath" by Kelly Clarkson

"Little Secrets" by Passion Pit

"I Never Knew You" by The Avett Brothers

"Ray of Light" by Madonna

"Music for a Found Harmonium" by Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Photo 6/6
The 'I Want a Mellow Workout' Playlist
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.

The "I Want a Mellow Workout" Playlist:

"New Soul" by Yael Naim

"Mr. Blue Sky" by Electric Light Orchestra

"Sitting, Waiting, Wishing" by Jack Johnson

"Montezuma" by Fleet Foxes

"Blue Mind" by Alexi Murdoch

"These Days" by Nico

"Addicted to Love" by Florence + The Machine

"Navy Taxi" by Kate Nash

"Who'd Have Known" by Lily Allen

"God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise" by Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs

"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

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.
BY EMILY POPP | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.