by Jen M. Hernandez

Created on: November 19, 2010   Last Updated: November 20, 2010

The truth of the matter is that not everyone enjoys working out. And although some of us COULD afford to lose those extra pounds that have been hanging around since the holidays (or post-baby, post-marriage…you name it!), it’s not actually as easy as it seems. This is especially true if it feels as though you’ve overextended yourself and you spend the entire time you’re at the gym feeling as though you could be appropriating that energy somewhere far more productive.

Though most gyms offer televisions, they are typically muted and you have to be a speed-reader to be able to keep up with the closed captioning. Furthermore, what if you really don’t have the slightest interest in what they’re showing. 

I’ve seen some people bring books, or their own portable DVD players, but by far the most popular of them all are MP3 players. After all, how could your own soundtrack NOT make exercise at least slightly more bearable?

Create a playlist with songs you enjoy. Songs that you feel will motivate you to continue going even a couple of minutes longer.

Here are some of my favorite songs to workout to: 

1. Eye of the Tiger, Survivor: It’s a good song all on its own, but it helps that every time I hear it I’m flooded with images of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa – the undeniably relatable underdog you can’t help but root for time after time.

2. Cry Baby, Janis Joplin: I just LOVE anything Janis Joplin. I’ve accustomed myself to shutting off the music as soon as I’m done with a workout and I can NEVER shut Janis off. So, it keeps me going at the very least until the song is over.

3. F*k You, Cee Lo Green: Perhaps not the most PG song in the world, but there are other versions available. “Forget You” is probably the cleanest. This song motivates me as a message to anyone who thinks I can’t achieve whatever goals I’ve set for myself (including increasing my time on whatever machine or workout I’m facing).

4. I Don’t Wanna Stop, Ozzy Osbourne: "All my life I've been over the top, I don't know what I'm doing all I know is I don't wanna stop. All fired up, I'm gonna go 'til I drop, you're either in or in the way, don't make me, I don't wanna stop." Need I say more?

5. Knock Three Times, Tony Orlando & Dawn: This song has a great beat. It almost makes you want to sing along and break out in dance. If not, then at least to continue on that treadmill

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