When I was working out today I heard a song that motivated me and keep me on task. I thought you might like occasional recommendations for workout music.
I’ve taught exercise routines, fitness classes and all kinds of workout styles since I graduated from Kansas University with a Master’s of Science degree in Physical Education degree in 1973. You can imagine the records, cassette tapes, CDs and DVDs I have bought, borrowed, used and collected in that 30 or so years. I have thousands of song that are just the right speed for encouraging physical activity of all kinds. Now that modern technology allows me to put all my music into one little electronic player and manage it with my computer, I can put together collections of songs for any and every kind of workout. I have playlists for Aerobic Bench Climbing, Jumbo Exercise Ball Seated Bouncing, Beach walking, Aerobic workout walking, jogging, and even a collection that works well for my original workout: The Rubber Band Hobble Dance Workout.
The song that I suggest to be part of a fun walking workout is by the Proclaimers, called Five Hundred Miles. I think you’ll find it is just the right pace for a brisk stride and it’s got words that are positive enough to be used for most adult workotu situations.
You may recognize the song, officially titled "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," from the radio in the past few years. If you have RealPlayer and a 56K modem or better, you can listen to the song on The Proclaimers’ official site. It's song #4 on the "Best of the Proclaimers" album. (Warning: it does have one verse that mentions getting drunk and one that mentions “waking up next to you.”)
Here are some of the lyrics, which also may help you recognize the song:
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
When I wake up yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you...
Alice Lockridge,
Physical Activity expert, MS PhysEd, Exercise Physiologist