Work it Out

VIA/VIA/VIA/VIA

I can whole-heartedly say that working out is something that I wish I loved to do. When celebrities say that they love going to the gym and spend 3 hours a day working out I just can't help but roll my eyes. Yes, I do feel good after I work out...but only because I know I am supposed to. I look like one of those pigs with an apple in their mouth on the rotating roaster at a barbecue, I am bright red, sweaty, and out of breath. I feel better only because I know that the extra 5 chips I grabbed from the cabinet won't matter as much. Don't get me wrong, I love being outside and have been whitewater rafting, biked down a mountain, climbed up a mountain, know how to water and downhill ski-you get the picture. So, I decided if I love these things so much, I must not hate exercise all-together, and have tricked myself into enjoying it-somewhat. I needed a goal, and seeing pictures from the color run and various 5k's, especially those that involve drinking beer at checkpoints, I decided a 5k is the perfect goal. I began the couch to 5k program, which I recommend to any non-runner looking to become a convert. I have the app which I use to pace myself and ease myself into running. However, even with my little Iphone trainer, I still need to do the work...which is where my dance party begins. I have composed a playlist that at times literally has me throwing my hands in the air at the gym because, in my head, I am in my best friends' house, dancing at one of our many pre-game or late-night parties. With my best friend Christy as the DJ, there was lots of Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and rap, thus, these are on my workout playlist. Anything that can take my mind off of where I am. I have even gone so far as to picture myself on a roadtrip with the windows down singing along, it makes the minutes tic by much faster, I promise. 

Next time you find your feet dragging to the gym, let one of these songs be your anthem: 

1. Big Sean: Dance (Ass): It reminds me of why I am running, and countless drunk dance moves that make me smile 

2. Nappy Roots: Good Day: This song automatically puts me in a good mood with the lyrics and the upbeat tempo is easy to run to, plus the it reminds you that if running is the worst part of your day...its a good day. 

3. Chris Brown: For Ur Love: I was first introduced to this song in a YouTube video of the Cal Soccer team music video and have loved it ever since- I can run thinking about those boys. 

4. Nicki Minaj: Super Bass: This is one of those picture yourself dancing/driving and you can get through the last  few minutes 

5. Paul Simon: You Can Call Me Al: All my friends and family call me Al, so this is my theme song, but I every time I listen to it imagine myself in Mexico, dancing to the local mariachi band, having a blast with a margarita in my hand--2:00, down. 

6. Annie Lennox: Walkin On Broken Glass: This is one of those my feet are now moving in different ways and my hands leave their clutched position because I am actually dancing songs 

7. Shop Boyz: Party Like a Rockstar: I am kindof embarrassed that this is on the list, but it seriously gives me a boost, it is really easy to run to!

8. Kayne West: Breathe In, Breathe Out: for obvious reasons. 

9. Nelly: Heart of a Champion: Nelly is working out during the song and telling himself he can do it...and I think he is talking to me. 

10. One Direction: What Makes You Beautiful: Another dancing song that gives me a boost 

11. Beyonce: Schoolin' Life: The refrain reminds me of Christy and I love the power in her voice, it pushes me. 

12. Shakira: Waka Waka: I am obsessed with the USWNT, United States Women's National Team, or USA's women's soccer team, and this song is the official World Cup song, I imagine I am on the field, and in front of a screaming crowd, I could manage to run a few more minutes. 

13. Cascada: Evacuate the Dancefloor: Its a fast-paced,go-to dance song. 

14. Jason Derulo: Riding Solo: It puts me in a great mood and makes me feel like a rockstar 

15. Whitney Houston: Its Not Right, But Its Okay: I sing this outloud, maybe other people at the gym think I am upset about a boy cheating on me...I'm not, but I can sing with Whitney whenever asked. 

16. Jay Sean: Do You Remember: Its upbeat, fun, and a good starting song. 

17. Katrina and the Waves: Walking on Sunshine: because if I wasn't (running) on sunshine, I am now. 

And look at that! YOU just RAN for 30 minutes! Don't you feel great?! Well, even if you don't, you just had a little dance party! 

xx, 

Alex