Running for my summer swagger
Blame it on all of the hot bodies I ogled in Vegas. Or, perhaps it's the fact that I just looked at my calendar and realized...TODAY IS JUNE 1ST!! Summer. Really. Is. Here.
While I'm on the topic of body envy, I had a little "come to Jesus," if you will, upon my return flight from 'Sin City': If I want my figure to look as smokin' hot as all of those 20-year-old sluts that I spied pool-side at the Wynn, then I'd better shake-up my fitness routine! Currently, my workouts consist solely of indoor activities: Watching television, spinning, barre, and, occasionally, ballet. While each is fantastic and, believe it or not, *fun*, deep down, I'm aching to get back to jogging outdoors...
The last time I attempted to incorporate jogging in to my exercise routine, I was 40-pounds heavier than I am now. Because of all of the extra weight that I was carrying, coupled with the fact that I had taken an 8-year workout sabbatical, I ended up fracturing my knee. How sad and lame is that?
It's almost been 2-years since that painful incident, and not a day has passed that I haven't thought about putting on my sneakers and hitting the pavement. For me, running is the ultimate de-stressor (I imagine that boxing would also have similar effects. Perhaps I'll look in to that, next?). I tend to carry a lot of anger and emotional weight, so a good jog really helps me to refocus and gain composure. It's the ultimate "me" time - when I can completely zone-out and lose myself in my music.
Run Forest, Run!
And, speaking of music, I'm in dire need of some kick ass tunes to add to my playlist. See, it's for this reason, alone, that I love attending exercise classes instead of "doing my own thing." Why? Because having to download music and create playlists is overwhelming, time-consuming and, frankly, I'd rather have someone else to do it.
Check out what's on my current "jogging playlist," below. And, before you laugh at some of my out-of-date selections, a) shut up, and b) just remember that I don't have a car, so listening to the radio isn't really an option.
What do you jam to when you work out? I'd love some great suggestions!
Rap/Hip Hop
*This is my favorite type of music. I've grew up in a Motown household - with a mother who went to more Michael Jackson concerts than anyone I know/have read about - so, for me, rap/hip hop was a very natural transition.
Red Cafe - Fly Together
Love the beat and the line about the "JetBlue stewardess"
Kanye West/Big Sean/Pusha T/2 Chainz - Mercy
Completely, ridiculously obsessed this song!
Usher - Scream
Sexy lyrics and a great beat
Ice Cube - Check Yo Self
...Great video, too!
Rick Ross/Drake/Chrisette Michele - Aston Martin Music
I love everything about this song - this is one of the first times I had ever heard "Drake" on a track
Rick Ross - B.M.F.
As you can see, I have a lil' thing for Rick Ross. This song makes me feel like I'm a force to be reckoned with - and that I could kick some serious ass.
Tupac - To Live & Die in LA
One of my favorite Tupac songs of all time - love this tribute to LA
Tupac - I Get Around
Funny lyrics - and I know every last one of them, by heart. I could acapella the shit out of this song!
Tupac - How Do You Want It
A sexy classic with a killer beat
Nicki Minaj/Drake - Moment 4 Life
For me, the verdict is still out on Nicki, but I adore this duet w/ Drake
Positive K - I Got A Man
The lyrics are hilarious, and I can recite every last one of them. An old-school classic!
Neyo - Closer
Wow, now if this song doesn't turn you on or make you yearn for the 'one that got away,' then I don't know what the hell to tell you.
Dance
Calvin Harris - Feel So Close
This song makes me want to get up from my desk chair and dance! All-around awesome
Far East Movement - Like A G6
Ultimate dance-party jam. Love.
Goldfrapp - Ooh La La
Sexy. Great beat that makes you want to run faster
Anything by Girl Talk
This dude is a fcuking genius. He doesn't have a boring jam out there
Alice DeeJay - Better Off Alone
Love the lyrics - reminds me of college and makes me smile
September - Cry For You
Euro-pop and totally cheesy, but it has a great beat
Pop
Pink - Sober
Whew! These lyrics are intense, but the song is great and I love Pink's raspy voice
Empire of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
This song just sounds like summer - like California - and it makes me smile
Coldplay/Rhianna - Princess of China
Great beat - love the unusual combo of Chris Martin and Rhi-Rhi
David Guetta/Usher - Without You
Lyrics are sweet and you can only hope that someone feels or has felt this way about you
Britney Spears - Piece of Me
If this song doesn't make you wanna kick some ass, then I'm not sure what will. It's one of my all-time favorite Britney tunes!
Kanye West - All of The Lights
The ballad of summer 2011 - amazing grouping of singers that only Kanye West could orchestrate. Still cannot get enough of this one!
Florence & The Machine - Dog Days Are Over
This song radiates happiness and inspires change. I absolutely adore it
Demi Lovato - Give Your Heart A Break
I have a lot of respect for Demi Lovato, as she's been through quite a lot and has had the balls to share her story. This song is peppy and sweet, and I love the girl's voice.
…
Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle