We’re getting close to summertime and with that, the rush to get a beach body is on. Whether it’s simply living a healthier lifestyle, aiming to tone up, or setting a goal weight and achieving it, working out is a key component to getting in shape. It will also help you keep the desired shape long after the summer has faded into autumn. Whether you run, walk, or go to the gym, I find one aspect of my workout that keeps me going is the perfect playlist—one filled with motivation, empowering words, a little aggression, and a lot of fun.
Before we delve into the playlist, there are a few helpful tips everyone should follow when starting a new workout regimen. It is recommended that you get approximately a half hour of exercise three to four times a week when starting out. Adjust the pace to your personal needs, health concerns, any physical issues, and consult a doctor prior to taking on any strenuous exercise. Try to accompany this with eight glasses of water every day not only to accelerate results but to stay hydrated, especially in the deep heat of summer.
I prefer using a treadmill because I can start out slow, go on an incline, and raise it when I feel stronger, or go harder for the days when I have a little more aggression in me. But I don’t push myself. If my body is exhausted, I listen to it; maybe take a nice walk outside at a slower pace or just use some weights. But I always make sure I have my motivational playlist handy so I’m ready to rock! Here are my top picks:
Runaway Baby— Bruno Mars
Blow Your Mind (Mwah)— Dua Lipa
What Lovers Do— Maroon 5 featuring SZA
Baby I’m a Star— Prince & The Revolution
Fight Song— Rachel Platten
Can’t Stop the Feeling!— Justin Timberlake
Crazy in Love— Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
You Drive Me Crazy (The Stop Remix!)— Britney Spears
You’re the One That I Want— Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta
U + Ur Hand— Pink
Lip-synch like no one is watching and work out all the same. Make it fun for yourself and keep going, because, in the end, it will be so worth it.