4 Ways to Relax

Hope you had a wonderful long weekend!

I spent mine looking at this:

Friday Favourites: Music for Walking/Running

I am a big fan of music and fitness.

Music moves me, relaxes me and motivates me.  In fact, I find it really challenging to exercise without music. Especially running.

I know not everyone feels that way.  You may find music distracting or perhaps you just want enjoy those few minutes of quiet time and reflection as it is might be all you get for the day (especially if you have kids. :)

For those of you who need to press "play" before you hit the streets (or the treadmill), here are some of the tunes I have been listening to lately.

For Walking

Friday Favourites: Music for Relaxation

Music and relaxation (or yoga, pilates and meditation) are a perfect combination, in my books.
The right music can set the mood, help improve your focus and relax the body.

I thought I would round out my work-in week by sharing a few of my favourite albums, which I hope will help you in your practice.

(You could most certainly put together your own playlist, but I find the flow is much better in pre-made albums, especially for yoga.  However, if you are doing a short meditation, one song may be all you need.)

My Summer Playlist

#Fitblog Chats alway give me the best inspiration for posts.  Last night we were talking about music and how it can motivate you (or unmotivate you) in your workouts.

PIPES Challenge, Week 4 and My Spring Playlist

I have been reading quite a few posts in the blog world where people have been giving their workout playlist a face lift for the spring.

I have to admit that I have been running to the same music for months now and thought it was high time that I mix up my music.

Here is a little sample of what I currently have rockin' on my ipod.

My Chillout Playlist

My many thanks to everyone again for their well wishes.  I am slowly, but surely on the mend (fingers crossed).

Just as I am starting to feel better, I get side swiped with the news yesterday that our car won't start.  It seems that something is draining the battery.  Before I decided it was time to panic, I had to remind myself that this is beyond my control and if it doesn't get fixed right away, it is not the end of the world.

Then, I just spent the evening listening to some calming music and practiced some relaxation techniques.  It is amazing how soothing music can be in combination with breathing and focus.

In the fall, I shared my workout playlist with you.  Now, I thought is was a perfect time to share my chillout playlist.

As you can see, it is a pretty ecclectic mix.  I find this kind of music is great when played in the background of a small get together.  I also use it to set the tone when teaching my pilates classes.

What kind of music do you listen to when you want to chillout?

Stay Healthy, 

Tracy

Fitness is Free!

As many of you know, I do my workouts at-home.   I have said this many times before, but you don't need to join a gym, invest in fancy clothes or buy expensive equipment to get in your daily activity.

Exercise doesn't cost a thing.

Well, maybe a few hours of your time, some motivation and a little bit of sweat.

 Exhibit A:  This is an example of what I might wear for an outdoor run.  Layers of clothes I already own and 90-120 minutes of my time per week.  That's it.

Don't like running? (Neither did I, but I converted :).  How about a walk with your family after dinner?  Stair climbing? Skating? Skiing? You get the idea.

Exhibit B:  This is my workout room.  Now, I do have some purchased equipment, but you don't need it. You just need about 60-90 minutes a week.

See that chair?  Great for tricep dips. The floor?  Drop and do some crunches, push ups, lunges and squats.

  






Exhibit C: My iPod.  I am sure many of you have one and use it daily.

Why not download some free podcasts?  Yoga, pilates, stretching, you name it!  Great for working out and keeping you motivated.

What are your favourite free fitness tips?

 

Stay Healthy, 

Tracy

My Workout Playlist

Source

There is absolutely no question that music is great motivator. Whether you are hitting the treadmill or tackling your weekly chores, music can help you breeze through daily activities and have fun in the process.

Without further ado, I present my favourite tunes for working up a sweat. These are the songs that keep me going from warm up to cool down. (I have to warn you now, I love my old school :)

California Gurls - Katy Perry

I Begin To Wonder - Danni Minogue

Deeper and Deeper - Madonna

Disco Inferno - The Trammps

Flawless - George Michael

Runnin' -Doman and Gooding

I Turn To You - Melanie C

Just Got Paid - Johnny Kemp

Telephone - Lady Gaga f. Beyonce

Lovestoned (Tiesto Club Mix) - Justin Timberlake

Womanizer - Britney Spears

Silence (Radio Edit) - Sarah McLachlan f. Delirium

Rhythm Nation - Janet Jackson

Moments In Love - Art of Noise

So, what is on your workout playlist?

Stay Healthy,

Tracy