🧵 Friday thread: What's your workout soundtrack?
Share the songs (or other media!) that get you moving
Last time (aka the first time!) I did a Friday thread, we talked about what gets us moving when we truly. just. cannot.
There was some great discussion in that thread about music (and podcasts, and the like!), and it made me wonder:
What music — or podcasts, or TV shows, or other media — helps you get motivated to move?
We’ll see where this takes us, but if we get a bunch of great song suggestions, I’ll compile them into a HTM Spotify playlist, and maybe some kind of other-media recommendations list for easy reference.
If you can, get specific about the type of workout you like to do to this music or media. Depending on what you all share, we might be able to create special playlists for weights, yoga, jogging/walking, etc.
A few thoughts from me to get started:
In my in-person Pilates classes, I always play jazz* — I want the vibes to be relaxing and positive, but without the distraction of anything too poppy, or anything with lyrics. My most-frequently played music during class is the absolutely incredible 1970 album The Awakening by the Ahmad Jamal Trio. Kenny Dorham and Vince Guaraldi often fit the bill, too.
If I’m working out on my own, I usually listen to a podcast like
’s Burnt Toast, or Normal Gossip (but I often save that one for chores!).If I really need to get some pep in my step, I’ll start a Spotify radio station based on whatever pop-ish song I’m obsessed with at the moment. Currently (and possibly permanently) it’s “Be Sweet” by Japanese Breakfast, which also has one of my favorite music videos ever, btw:
During my bouts with running, I really liked having BPM-specific playlists that matched my stride. I also found that Motown music often fit the bill and just put me in a great mood.
So, let us know: What’s on your playlist? (Or media list?)
xo
Anna
*By the way, if you like jazz, check out my friend
’s excellent Substack exploring the recommendations in the Penguin Guide to Jazz:
Nothing beats B-52s' 'Love Shack' for cardio! Dare you not to shimmy!
Every workout starts with Brittney’s “Work Bitch.” If you can’t get into a workout after that, it is not your day.