Fitness Friday - Pump Up the V

Walking, running, doing yoga or working out while listening to music is a great way to get into a groove. Don't feel like you have to download Lady Gaga because her tunes are supposed to pump you up—go with any music that you find uplifting.

CLICK HERE to see a list of work out tunes compiled by Women's Health Magazine.


Numerous studies and experiments have found that music not only increases a person’s motivation during a workout, but also helps to enhance strength, endurance, and motor coordination. On days where you’re just not feeling it, the right tunes can help carry you to the finish line with their ability to distract you from fatigue while simultaneously charging your heart and other muscles. 

An Ohio State University study found that those who listened to music while walking did four more miles on average than subjects going tune-free. The distraction music provides allows people to focus on things other than the arduous physical task they’re performing. In London, an annual half-marathon called “Race to the Beat” takes this message to heart by playing invigorating music throughout the route to motivate runners to go the distance.

It’s undeniable that the benefits of music are powerful, but are some types of songs more advantageous than others when it comes to working out? Movie star Hugh Jackman thinks so, and he credits the music of Metallica and Godsmack for helping him to pack on muscle for his Wolverine character in X-Men. On contactmusic.com, Jackman admits he cranks up his favorite heavy metal tunes to give him that extra adrenaline rush for a “bitch of a workout.”

Okay...who wants to be Hugh's workout partner?
I'd like to see a raise of hands please.

Cleaning Day

Mondays are "Change the Bed Day" here at my house. This is the day of the week I catch up on cleaning the house and the laundry created from the weekend. So in honor of this eventful day, I decided to blog every Monday with the theme of cleaning. Perhaps I can inspire others, dole out tips to help with the strenuous task of cleaning, or simply add a bit of humor to the day. Cleaning is certainly not my favorite thing to do, but the task can be made fun or easier. I will do my best... so here we go!


Now I have preached before on turning the task of cleaning into a spiritual experience. As you throw away useless papers, throw away bad feelings to cleanse your mind and soul. But today lets have some fun... turn on the stereo.

You don't have to put on white cotton socks, and play an air guitar... but it is encouraged. Any music will do... as long as you enjoy it. Feel the music, let yourself smile and your spirit lift.

I like to play some blues at a high volume and sing along with the black master who tells the tale about getting dressed for his date. As I'm gathering discarded sweatshirts and smelly socks, I sing about putting on freshly pressed pants of a zoot suit, polished shoes, and don't forget that silk handkerchief for the breast pocket. Not all blues tunes are sad, many are very humorous... one can sing the blues with any words, the music simpy comes from the soul. I dance with my broom and the dog cocks her head in a curious manner while watching me. I try to encourage her to dance but she prefers to "sing".

A selection of light Spring Jazz is playing on my computer speakers...for now. There is a load in the washer, one in the drier, three other sorted piles in line on the floor waiting for their bath. When I return to the mud room, I'll play some fun jazz with birds and other nature sounds. Once a wren outside the window had an intersting coversation with the bird featured on the CD. I wonder what they discussed.

Currently, the house is quiet,the toddler is still asleep, the coffee pot just turned off. Today is my last day of drinking coffee; I'm switching back to tea. Coffee upset my constitution a bit too much. Speedy, the office guinea pig is even quiet at the moment; perhaps he knows his cage will be changed today and isn't bothering to complain.

Well, I'm headed downstairs to sweep. I think I'll tune in my favorite blues station and put on some cotton socks. Have a Happy Monday!