Working out is hard.
I've been wearing my workout clothes for three days. At some point, it's bound to happen.
— Kate Hall (@KateWhineHall) May 30, 2014
So obvs, you need something that’s going to motivate you. Well nothing motivates me more than this list (Alright! And maybe dessert at the end), comprised of songs from the 70s, 80s and today-ish. If you’re a Gen-X, middle-aged, overwhelmed mom who hates to exercise then you’ll love this list. If you hate it, then tell me what you like at the end.
The title of this playlist is “Awesome.”
Knock on Wood (Amii Stewart) – This is my favorite song of all time because I cannot NOT move when I hear it. So when I feel unmotivated (everyday) this song makes me move. Also, it’s cool to “knock” in the air at the same time as the drum beat – that’s totally my favorite part. Plus, you look cool doing it.
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night (Bay City Rollers) – If walking or running are your thing, then you have to have this on your mixtape to play on your Walkman or Boombox. Plus, you feel really smart when you spell out “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night.” People will think you’re a genius if you yell that out at passersby while walking your block. Trust me.
Come Get it Bae (Pharrell Williams) – This song will make you feel hip. It’s gotta beat! It’s also a metaphor for other things besides riding a motorcycle. You end up focusing so hard trying to figure out the metaphor and interpreting the words that you forget you’re even exercising. Bwahahaha! You’ll never forget you’re exercising.
9 to 5 (Dolly Parton) – Errybody hates work. This song will empathize with you about the tribulations of employment while it keeps you “working” out. It screams “Girl Power!” Which is what I need when I’m huffing and puffing after that first 30 seconds of running.
Word Crimes (“Weird Al” Yankovic) – I love Blurred Lines, but who wants that raunchy song on their phone where their kids might hear it. So put on the next best thing. Not only is it clean, but it teaches grammar as well. You can leave your participles dangling in the wind as you continue flying through your steps.
Jive Talkin’ (Bee Gees) – Because if your goal for the new year is to get 10,000 steps a day, then why not strut while you walk them? This takes care of that. You can’t help but strut like the Bee Gees (or George Jefferson with his signature South Philly strut) while their sweet falsetto voices flow through your earbuds.
Macho Man (Village People) – Gay or straight, everybody wants to be a macho man, according to this song. Even I do, apparently. My favorite lines: “Dig the hair on my chest. Dig my big thick mustache.” Because that’s what being a man is all about. Sometimes even a woman. If that doesn’t put a bounce in everyones step, what will? At this point in my workout, I’m just hoping it bounces me closer to home.
The One Thing (INXS) – (I always skip over this song because I’m too lazy to remove it from my playlist. I like the song, but it doesn’t make me want to run or walk. It makes me want to eat cookies. So skip this one.)
I Love It (Icona Pop) – Another song that’ll make you think you’re cool and hip (even though your kids say you aren’t), plus it has a good beat. It’s got an “Oh Mickey, you’re so fine” kind of beat to it that makes you want to do cheerleader moves in your basement like you’re 13 years old again, but your herkie jump just isn’t the same, so you settle for walking the treadmill doing jazz hands instead.
Poker Face (Lady Gaga) – This song plays around the time I’m really getting sick of exercise and want to take a nap on the sidewalk. It’s got some beat to get me through the home stretch though. Sometimes.
Funkytown (Lipps Inc.) – I’m coming around the bend, only four blocks until I get home. I can do it! Why are there no taxis around here?!
She’s Got Me Dancing (Tommy Sparks) – Practically home and this song comes on and I get my second wind. Not really. Get me to the fricking front steps!
Heart of Glass (Blondie) – I don’t care, Debbie Harry, exercise sucks! But I made it home. Finally! Did you know Debbie Harry is 70 now? Holy crap. That’s how old I feel walking up my driveway after my workout. But I made it. Good thing I found that taxi.
So what are some of your favorite workout songs that get you around the block or through that last half mile on the treadmill? I’m always looking for some new stuff.
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The post The BEST Workout Playlist for the Gen-X, Middle-Aged, Overwhelmed Woman Who HATES to Workout appeared first on Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine.
