One thing is for sure: Music motivates you. It can excite, stimulate, focus or calm you.
That’s why you see ear buds everywhere—on Olympic athletes, morning runners, commuters, travelers, students and nappers.
The type of music sets the stage, whether it’s pump up jams, dance tunes, theme songs, holiday carols, world music, tribal beats or wind flutes.
Athletes and exercise instructors use music in their workouts to create an environment of concentration. I invited some local instructors to chime in on the subject. Give them a listen for a great workout. You can find these songs on the valslist.com playlist JUST MOTIVATE ME 5.
Jen Solberg, Owner, and Tory Raith, Instructor | Spynergy Cycling Studio, Winnetka
“A great playlist gets everyone in class on the same page.”
Favorite tracks: “Bloodbuzz Onion” by The National | Forget You by Cee Lo Green | Dog Days Are Over by Florence and The Machine | Just a Dream – Just a Dream – Single by Nelly
Paul Tomak, Dancer and Pilates-Fitness Instructor | The Pilates Barre, Winnetka
“Music should ignite the rhythm of the soul.”
Favorite tracks: “The Buddha Bar (Paris) CD series” | Boom (Bimbo Jones Remix) by Anjulie | Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna
Silviu Gansca and Eric Smoot | Owners and Personal Trainers, Redefined Fitness, Wilmette
“A fast-paced song can help you up your intensity level. Music can help dismiss the monotony of repetitive moves.”
Favorite tracks: Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas | “Wanna Be Starting Something” by Michael Jackson
Candus Suppelsa, Zumba Instructor | Winnetka Congregational Church
“Zumba classes are filled with up-tempo, exotic Latin beats—it’s more like a party than a workout.”
Favorite tracks: Mas Que Nada – Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 by Sergio Mendes (samba) | Arrasando – Arrasando by Thalia (merengue)
Eileen Collins, Yoga Instructor | Generations Yoga, Wilmette
“Music helps us move into those places buried deep within; it touches our soul.”
Favorite tracks: “If There’s Love” by Citizen Cope | “Sri Saraswati” by Bronwin
Sally Schneiders, Runner, Winnetka
“Putting on my headphones helps me get out the door and just run.”
Favorite tracks: Locomotive Breath by Jethro Tull | Two sisters (Live) by Fiction Plane
Kate Shapiro, Owner | Kid-Motion, Winnetka
“Music plays an integral part in teaching physical skills to children. It keeps the kids engaged!”
Favorite kid music: Jump Around by House of Pain | Keeping A Knocking by Little Richard
