Contributing editor Lane has pulled together a playlist to get us motivated to sweat. After my fairly depressing workout-dvd for new moms article, this is like a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Lane!
xo,
S
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At 7 weeks post-partum, it's time to face facts. Even though I follow ANMJ's tips for camouflaging my post-baby pooch as much as I can, the truth of the matter is that I'm going to have to integrate some exercise into the daily blur of living with a newborn if I want to banish the bulge for good.
Now that I have my doctor's blessing, I'm slowly beginning to reacquaint myself with the gym. Motivation is often hard to find between breastfeeding, diaper changing, napping, eating and pretending to keep my house clean, so I've been working on a play list to get the proper juices flowing when I'm on the treadmill.
Maybe you're also working on some baby layers, or just want to undo some of the holiday damage. If so, I suggest you find the proper shoes, get some workout pants that make you forget about your muffin top, strap on a well-fitting sports bra and get to sweating. I hope some of these beats will help your inertia!
Uprising, Muse: Just try not sing along! "HEY HEY HEY!"
Little Lion Man, Mumford and Sons: Maybe you don't think of a folk rock band who uses the banjo liberally would help you get through your workout, but trust me when I tell you these folks know how to rock, and the pace of this song is a great intro to my run.
Dog Days Are Over, Florence + the Machine: You might feel like you're over Florence right now. Her songs are played heavily and are used widely in commercial spots. But trust me when I tell you that context is everything. When you're about 10 minutes in and feel like quitting the drums behind her voice will push you forward. My ponytail starts to feel long, red and flowing when this song comes on.
Hang Me Up To Dry, Cold War Kids: All I can tell you is that this band is one of my favorites, and this song is perfect to get you up a long hill on the bike or through some heavy resistance on the eliptical.
Power, Kanye West: Sometimes Kanye can get annoying as a person, but I can help but love him. His lyrics always get me moving! If you don't like the chanting chorus of this song, sub any Kanye for similar effects.
-- Lane
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Contributing author Lane is an intentionally unemployed social worker who is currently a new mom, following her husband's dream, trying to stay relevant, and practicing her mothering skills on two rescued dogs, Enid and Falcor (in addition to her new addition, baby Vesper). Check out her fabulous blog, the Overseas Trapeze.
