May Music: Work It Out

A little-known fun fact: I was an exercise instructor for 10 years back in the early ‘80s at a popular Gold Coast studio called The Workout Ltd.

Picture me in full Jane Fonda gear, down to the leg warmers, belted leotard, headband, and full-footed tights. We worked you ‘til you dropped; the sign of a great class was not being able to walk the next day. Feel the burn?

As you can imagine, I cared most about the music. I spent hours finding the best tunes, a painstaking process before iTunes, iPods, downloading or burning CDs. I still have a recurring nightmare that a large class is waiting to start and I can’t get the music to play.

I have friends who teach exercise classes today, from spinning to Zumba. They know if the music is great, you’ll enjoy their class more. But I still hear this comment a lot: “I’m sick of the music at my workout place.” One thing that could be going on here: people’s tastes are different. What motivates me might not motivate you. So be good to your instructor; they’re working hard to keep you happy.

Try this workout playlist. For fun, I’ve also thrown in a few of the vintage tracks I used in the ‘80s.

PLAYLIST: Make My Workout Better!
Find this playlist on ValslistRadio iPhone app.

1. “Come to My Party” by Black Joe Lewis

2. “The Glow” by Kopecky Family Band

3. “Secondhand Love” by Pete Townshend (vintage)

4. “Supersoaker” by Kings of Leon

5. “Medicine” by Broken Bells

6. “Since You’re Gone” by The Cars (vintage)

7. “Come On ‘n’ Ride It (The Train)” by Quad City DJ’s

8. “Go” by Aer

9. “Can You Do This” by Aloe Blacc

10. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell (vintage)