It’s one thing to set goals for the New Year; it’s another thing entirely to keep with them – especially when it comes to getting in shape.
There’s one trick, however, that will help keep you motivated and 78 per cent of Canadians say it’s just as important to have as workout clothes and gym equipment: music.
According to a new SOCAN study, having a solid playlist is essential for Canadians for when they hit the gym.
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Whether it’s mental or physical, 88 per cent of Canadians agree that there are clear advantages to listening to music when they exercise, and 66 per cent say time passes more quickly when they’re listening to music.
What makes a good song and playlist for the gym?
Taste in music is subjective but if there’s one thing both Jenna Mosher from Ottawa’s JUMP! 106.9 and Stephen Keppler from Edmonton’s Fresh Radio 92.5 agree on, it’s that a song’s energy is important.
For Mosher, that means a lot of Beyoncé and Rihanna.
“A good workout song for me is a strong female driven song,” she says. “One that makes you want to take over the world. I also like a bit of an aggressive beat so I can attack those squats and lunges. It’s all about what empowers you to conquer your health goals and put you in a beast mode.”
To help make your workout a more enjoyable experience, Mosher also suggests listening to feel-good songs that will make you smile.
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A good workout song for Keppler is something that has a build up to it. While he can appreciate a good Top 40 hit, Keppler is all about the ’80s music these days.
Jenna’s list
Working out for Mosher is 80 per cent mental, she says, so she needs music that will help push her in her workout.
Mosher prefers choosing songs that have good rhythm to help pace herself, but also requires a hard-hitting beat to help get her blood pumping.
Check out Mosher’s workout playlist below.
(Videos may contain explicit language and images)
California Love by Tupac ft. Dr. Dre
Doing It by LL Cool J
Goodies by Ciara ft. Petey Pablo
B**ch Better Have My Money by Rihanna
Trust Nobody by Cashmere Cat ft. Selena Gomez
Clique by Kanye West ft. Jay Z and Big Sean
Fake Love by Drake
Stephen’s list
When it comes to choosing songs for your workout playlist, Keppler says pace and tempo is what he feels is most important.
Don’t be afraid to add songs that are a bit slower to help with your breathing and lower your heart rate. These songs are great for endurance training and cool-downs, Keppler says.
He suggests adding the following to your playlist:
Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar
Straight Up by Paula Abdul
Holding Out For a Hero by Bonnie Tyler
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons
Heathens by 21 Pilots
Ex’s and Oh’s by Elle King
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