Brooklyn Fit Chick

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist "Feelin' Alright" My Favorite Radio Stations & the @Shazam app

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"Feelin’ Alright” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

The online radio I listen to every day plus the super-groovy music app Shazam.

 

 

 

 

(A picture of my cats “Feelin’ Alright” because they are too damn cute not to show off to the world!)

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

It’s been a while since I put up a playlist so I today I present one that I think will rock your socks off. (Or just give you some ideas for tunes to add to your MP3 player.)

 

Students have commented on my “eclectic” song selections which I take as a supreme compliment. The fact is I plan put together all of my classes carefully so that music swings, wails, bounces, grooves and more. Every single song must work with the others in sound, pace, mood, male vs. female voice and more.

 

In fact, my playlists are so unpredictable that people try to guess how old I am (not saying) and where I am from.   Some of the things I have heard from my students:

• “You have GOT to be from Boston to know that band!”  (I’m not.)   
• “Are you from Detroit?” (Nope.)
• “Did you really see Nirvana in concert? (Yes.)

 

But my favorite was the time a dude who looked like a typical 20-something Brooklyn hipster (complete with handlebar mustache) whisper to me slyly “Please tell me you are a Canadian, too!” (Sorry—born and raised in the U.S.)

 

As a consultant I work a great deal from home and like to have music keep me company. Unfortunately most stations in the New York City region suck BIG TIME so I usually listen online (when Time Warner is not screwing with my Internet) to get any good, new and interesting music.

 

I wanted to give a “shout out” to a few of my favorites today:

• 107.1 “The Peak” Nyack, NY: http://www.1071thepeak.com/ I get up every morning and put them on first thing as I apply my makeup. Great selection of adult alternative rock and Caroline Corley is my favorite radio personality out there right now. (Hey Caroline—Gordon Downie is MY boyfriend!)

 

• “Alice at 97.3” San Francisco, CA: http://radioalice.cbslocal.com/ Midday here I listen to “Sarah & Vinnie” live from the West Coast to get my daily dose of celebrity gossip plus they play all of the popular (and current) songs people seem to like. Normally I hate “hit” music but occasionally they play something that makes me really happy. I have to know what the kids like amIright?

 

• 104.5 KFOG San Francisco, CA: http://www.kfog.com/ They used to be my favorite station in the world but the morning show has been busted up so I just check in from time to time. I would say it is also adult alternative rock station as well but a bit on the mellower side.

 

• “The Edge” Toronto, Ontario: http://www.edge.ca/ I have a strong, passionate and innate love for Canada (as well as most Canadians) plus head-banging “alternative rock” music and this station is my secret fix. I am convinced no women listen to them but I just love The Edge to death. Fearless Fred in the afternoons is my main guy.

 

• WXRT-FM Chicago, IL: http://wxrt.cbslocal.com/ Not to oversell it but this is now my favorite station in the whole wide world and when their internet stream doesn’t work I want to bawl my eyes out. They play everything from The Who to Fiona Apple to Paul Simon to Feist to Led Zeppelin. If you do nothing else—check them out today and let me know what you think. (DJ Frank E. Lee rules my word by the way!)

 

Please feel free in the comments to send me links to your favorite stations. I am always on the lookout for good music!

 

When I do find songs that I like, I reach for my iPhone and Shazam the hell out of it. This app can identify songs and artists by some sort of magic system and I would be lost without them. I seriously do not know how it works but if you want to learn more about the Shazam app (there is a free & a paid version) check them out here: http://www.shazam.com/

 

I was contacted by Shazam and they offered me the following quote which I think works well with my ride today. (I am getting to the playlist—be patient!)

"We all have a soundtrack to our lives - music to drive to, read or study to, and, of course, work out to.  In fact, studies have shown that music can really help your motivation when you're exercising, helping you train faster or longer." Will Mills, Director of Music and Content

 

Go and check out Shazam’s Blog if you want ideas for more songs. They are NOT paying me to talk about them. It’s an app I have happily paid for and just wanted to pass along for your information.

 

And now—on to today’s playlist!

 

• Feelin’ Alright: Joe Cocker

I love every single thing about this song and think it has such a wonderful build in energy that is really makes for the perfect warm up tune. (Though sometimes I picture John Belushi doing an imitation of him and it makes me giggle.)

 

 

 

• Everybody Talks: Neon Trees

This is the fastest damn song I have heard in a while and people seem to love it.

 

 

 

• Just Like a Pill: P!nk

This is one of those songs I learned from “Alice 97.3” that has been around for ages but did not fly under my radar before. (I think I have a crush on P!nk now. She is so damn cool!)

 

 

 

• Who Loves You: Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

If you get a chance to see “Jersey Boys” do so. It will have you obsessed with Frankie Valli music.

 

 

 

• Zombie: The Cranberries

God, I just love this song to death and it is perfect for a long climb.

 

 

 

• …Baby One More Time: Britney Spears

The one and only song from her I really care about.

 

 

 

• She: Green Day

Excellent, fast-paced tune to get people in the mood to move fast.

 

 

 

 

• Gold Guns Girls: Metric

One of my favorite bands that I am dying to see live (please come back to New York!)

 

 

 

 

• No Light, No Light: Florence & the Machine

When I put this on I blare the living hell out of it. Florence RULES. Period.

 

 

 

 

• Icky Thump: The White Stripes

For some reason Jack White has been occupying my thoughts. Hmmm….

 

 

 

 

• Time to Pretend: MGMT

Another “perfect climb” song that gets everyone in the mood to add more gear and work harder.

 

 

 

 

• Stompa: Serena Ryder

A new favorite tune that came into my world through The Edge in Toronto.

 

 

 

 

• Unknown Legend: Neil Young

The “Grandfather of Grunge” writes some of the most beautiful songs in the world and this one is one of my favorites.

 

 

 

So what do you think of my list? Do you have any suggestions? Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1

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Brooklyn Fit Chick 2013 New Years Special! New Word! New Goals New Theme Songs!

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick New Year’s Day 2013 Extravaganza!!!!

 

 

Today we celebrate 2013 with a new attitude, new goals, a new favorite word and my new theme songs! 

 

 

 

(Me & Mah Boo Working on Our 2013 Goals)

 

Hello 2013!!

 

As my friend (and brilliant author) Jennifer Gilmore said so well today: “Goodbye 2012—don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out!”

 

Don’t get me wrong—I am not bitter about 2012 but it has been a particularly rough year for my close friends and family. I mean like terrible diseases, hurricanes, robbery, divorce, bankruptcy, multiple surgeries, layoffs and ass hats for clients kind of activity happening in a mere 12 months and would try the patience of Gandhi.

 

So long 2012—we have had our fun times too and met some super-cool new people but I am more than happy to send you off to a faded memory.

 

Last night, the biggest party night of the year, I was in bed with a head cold thinking of my New Years resolutions (photo above) and the word I kept coming back to was “finish.” I want to spend 2013 finishing things I have started. Trying that business plan competition one more time until I get the “just right” idea, putting together the standing bike stand so I can ride at home (I bought the damn thing last Christmas!), learning how to properly use my podcast equipment so I can get that out there (two years on my resolutions list) and all of the other things I overlook in my apartment that I know need to get done and yet I turn a blind eye to it.

 

Enough—it’s time to finish what I started! So that is my word and challenge for 2013. If I knew how to needlepoint I would frame the word “finish” and put it over my desk. (My birthday is March 29^th if any of my crafty friends out there need an idea on what to get me!)

 

In the meantime I am putting it on my wipe board, taking a picture and printing it out. I am going to remind myself every single damn day that when I finish what I start—the accomplishment I feel is incredible.

 

 

Now on to the new “theme songs…”

 

Here are my 2013 theme songs to get me over any personal/professional/family B.S. in the coming months:

 

• “No More Drama” Mary J. Blige: I resolve to fly above the fray when the drama levels cranks up in my life. “No more tears. No more pain. No more drama in my life.” Indeed.

 

 

 

 

• “I Love Myself Today” Bif Naked: If you are not aware of this song or the totally amaze-balls Bif Naked then start off with this song. “I’ve had enough. Spit-shine my soul. I’m gonna get up. And out. And out of control!!”  Yup.

 

 

 

 

• “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” Scissor Sisters: On my darkest days I will make sure to put on this tune and remember that it next-to-impossible to dance and cry at the same time. “So I’ll play along when I hear that special song. I’m gonna be the one who gets it right!”

 

 

 

So enough about me—what about YOU? What will your “one word” focus be? What will be your theme songs? Let’s do this whole 2013 thing as a team!

 

Together we can accomplish anything!

 

 

Ox Ox,

BFC 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick

Instagram: “margodono”

You Tube: BrooklynFitChick1

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New Playlist Time! "Did I Say" with Teenage Fan Club, Rhianna, Radiohead, Muse and More #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"Did I Say” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 

 

 

 

(Photo courtesy of “Brooklyn Fit Chick”)

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

How are all of you?  That’s good to hear! Me? Oh, I am fine thank you very much for asking!

 

I want to begin by apologizing for not getting more playlists up on this Blog to you. The gym where I teach most of my classes is still an evacuation center for Hurricane Sandy victims so I have been either working out at home more often or subbing at strange and far off locations.

 

Today I am featuring a playlist that is filled with some of my favorite songs of all time.  Put them together for an interval ride, longer run or for climbing on the elliptical. Let me know what you think of it!!

 

 

• Did I Say: Teenage Fan Club

Someone burned this song on a CD for me in a casual, “you might like this” kind of way and I am still completely in love with it. Please give it a listen—it’s just to pretty for words!

 

 

 

 

• Synchronicity 1: The Police

I remember LOVING this album back in the day and this song in particular made me want to dance each time.

 

 

 

 

• Bootylicious: Destiny’s Child

(Ladies—I speak for all of us when I say that we are finally ready for this jelly. Bring it!)

 

 

 

 

• Uprising: Muse

One of my favorite climbing tunes of all time—it’s just so inspiring and fun that also has a Nordic/Viking kind of vibe to it.

 

 

 

 

• Houdini: Foster the People

New favorite track from a band I was convinced would never have another hit. Who knew?

 

 

 

 

• We Got the Beat: The Go-Go’s

Every time I hear this song—it makes me think of the beginning of Fast Times of Ridgemont High. (Don’t you freakin’ love that movie?)

 

 

 

 

 

• Hot for Teacher: Van Halen

I should hate this video for being so damn sexist but it is old school Van Halen so I let it go. (“Sit down---Waldo!)

 

 

 

 

• In da Club: 50 Cent

Am I the only one who hates it when middle-aged white men say “Fiddy Cent!” like they are hip and cool? It gets on my last dam nerve. (Great song that people always love to hear, by the way.)

 

 

 

 

 

• Bodysnacthers: Radiohead

If you are looking for a hard-driving tune to get motivated for sprints—this will do ya just fine!

 

 

 

 

• Stronger: Kanye West

I think this guy likes himself. Just a theory.

 

 

 

 

• Lost!: Coldplay

Coldplay can drive some people crazy. I don’t care about those people.

 

 

 

 

• Umbrella: Rhianna

This is by far my favorite song by Rhianna. (Has she released anything that is more enjoyable? I don’t think so.)

 

 

 

 

• Ordinary World: Duran Duran

One of those swoony songs that makes me want to sing along with my arms waving in the air. (Love me some Duran Duran!)

 

 

 

 

So what do you think of my list? Do you have any suggestions? Anything I should try in my classes soon?  Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1

 

New Playlist Time! Feauring Ricky Martin, Pink, Foo Fighters and more #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"The Cup of Life” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 

 

 

 

(Photo courtesy of “Brooklyn Fit Chick”)

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

Sorry for the delay in my playlists but this week I promise to go music & playlist crazy this week beginning with today’s list (below) which is just a hoot to teach and I think will get you motivated on the treadmill, bike or wherever you take your cardio. It leads with what (IMHO) is Ricky Martin’s best song—The Cup of Life.

 

So let’s not dilly dally and get right to it!

 

 

• La Copa de la Vida: Ricky Martin

This song was the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup and gets things off to a very festive start.

 

 

 

 

• Crank it Up: Hipjoint & Sherry St. Germaine

My sister recommended this ditty and I could not thank her more for bringing it into my life. Such a fun and bouncy tune and really help build energy into the room.

 

 

 

 

• Promiscuous: Nellie Fertado & Timbaland

My second favorite song by Nellie with I’m Like a Bird being number one (of course.)

 

 

 

 

• Houdini: Foster the People

Every time I play this song people smile and bop their heads. I thought they were a “one hit” band but maybe they will have a long career?

 

 

 

 

 

• Everybody Wants You: Billy Squier

This used to be included I the commercials for Burn Notice. (Never seen an episode—is it any good?)

 

 

 

 

 

• Gone Daddy Gone: Gnarls Barkley

Honestly, this may be the best version of the Violent Femmes song.

 

 

 

 

 

• I’ll Stick Around: Foo Fighters

I love me some Foos in my playlist every now and then. (Well, they are featured frequently in my class because they rule.)

 

 

 

 

• Come As you Are: Nirvana

To stoke the fires of my 90s music love—we have THE grunge band that matters. (After Soundgarden.)

 

 

 

 

• Kids: MGMT

I am one of those dorks who thought the band name was a shortened version of the word “Management.” Anyhoo—this is song is perfect intervals.

 

 

 

 

• The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly): Missy Elliott

“Beep beep! Who’s got the keys to the Jeep? Vroooooooooooooom!”

 

 

 

 

• Fame: David Bowie

I like this song for tough climbs. Just add as much resistance as you can stand (or create a tough incline on the stairmaster) and go! Enjoy this clip I found of Bowie on Soul Train before someone makes me take it off.

 

 

 

 

• Stupid Girl: Garbage

More 90s love going on here.

 

 

 

 

• Get the Party Started: Pink

Pink is just about my favorite current artist and this song always puts a smile on my face.

 

 

 

 

• Wish You Were Here: Radiohead

Yet another remake on the list which is (almost) better than the original.

 

 

 

So what do you think of my list? Do you have any suggestions? Anything I should try in my classes soon?  Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1

 

New Playlist Time! "The Big Climb Workout" #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"The Big Climb” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 

 

 

Hi Everyone!

 

I am back and rearin' to go after my restful “staycation” and the playlists are just pouring out of me.  Today, it is my pleasure to send along "The Big Climb" playlist that had my classes happy this past weekend. (Seriously, I folks were dancing outside the spin room!)

 

I was inspired by my monthly ride out to Far Rockaway (30 miles roundtrip with some hills) that includes clmbing over over the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge which you can see way, way out in the background of this photo (below.)

 

 

Technically you are not supposed to ride your bike over the bridge nor am I saying you should .In fact, if you are a new cyclist and/or afraid of heights—than I do not recommend this bridge at all. There is barely room to get by and it is rather treacherous.

 

But, if you like that kind of thrill—I will tag along with you to Far Rockaway anytime!

 

Anyhoo, two weeks ago I was climbing the bridge and I heard a couple of songs on my iPod that made me say “wow” out loud. These are songs I normally wouldn’t associate with indoor cycling but they were somehow perfect for steady climbs.

 

So here is my “Big Climb” playlist which features a couple of fast tunes but mainly heavier on the resistance songs. Enjoy.

 

• Where the Streets Have No Name: U2

One of my favorite U2 songs of all time—I prefer to use the longer 5-minute version from The Joshua Tree CD.

 

 

 

 

• Are You Gonna be My Girl: Jet

A nice hard charging tune to get the heart rate up and going.

 

 

 

 

• 25 Miles: Edwin Starr

This song plays toward the end of Adventures in Babysitting and no one is immune to its charms. (“Come on feet—don’t fail me now!”)

 

 

 

 

 

• Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked: Cage the Elephant

This is the first “mini-climb” of the class.

 

 

 

 

• Wild Thing: X

After watching Major League again for the 100^th time on cable I knew I had to somehow include this song.(Can someone explain the weird video to me? Is this from an Xbox game? Just curious. Thanks!)

 

 

 

 

 

• Basket Case: Greenday

I was referring to a couple of songs with a very fast beat before and this is the first one.

 

 

 

 

 

• Objection (Tango): Shakira

In my dreams my hips can move like Shakira. In reality my dancing resembles Elaine from Seinfeld.

 

 

 

 

 

• Paralyzer: Finger Eleven

As I am typing this I just figured out what “Finger Eleven” means—ha ha ha!!

 

 

 

 

• Jump: Van Halen

This is one of those songs that make people clap and smile from the beginning. (“Aw, might as well jump!”)

 

 

 

 

• Midnight City: M83

I know nothing about this band but when “Midnight City” comes on my iPod—I get transfixed by the music.

 

 

 

 

 

• Tongue Tied: Grouplove

A really “young” sounding song that I would normally associate with annoying hipsters but, in fact, I find it bouncy and enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

• Can I Get A: Jay-Z

Word to the wise—get the “clean” version to play out loud.

 

 

 

• The Middle: Jimmy Eat World

One of my favorite tunes from 2001. (I don't know what else to write about it!)

 

 

 

 

• I’m Like a Bird: Nelly Furtado

My favorite song by Nelly Furtado—it always makes me happy.

 

 

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Instagram: “margodono”

You Tube: Brooklyn FitChick1

 

 

"Hits from Hell" (Do NOT play these in your fitness classes!!) Guest Post from @DeborahRaeCota

 

 

Hi there everyone!


I am taking a real vacation this week and have asked a few friends to help me out with some Guest Blogging. Today I feature my pal Deborah Cota who is a fantastic writer and a newbie to the group fitness class world. Let’s welcome her shall we?


See you all after Labor Day!!


Brooklyn Fit Chick





(Deborah Rae Cota, author of THE DANTE CHRONICLES series featuring The Kindred, The Brotherhood and the upcoming, The Traveler, hosts a blog on various subjects and short-story collaborations on her website at www.dantechronicles.com)

“When Enough is Really Enough, or The Exercise Songs from Hell”

Recently learning that I am just another one of the sixty-eight million people in the U.S.A. with high blood pressure was nothing startling (the way I learned this was, but that’s a topic for a whole ‘nother blog!). The learning of it made me take a good hard look at myself in the mirror, and when I did, my first response was, “Yeesh! What the f*** happened to me?” In a nut shell…life.


Admittedly I have lost the battle keeping up with the weight gained over the years, but I haven’t given up the fight just yet, and I’m ready to attack it head on!


Once upon a time, I was in theater: dancing from 20-36 hours a week, rehearsing, performing in shows and concerts at a scant past 100 lbs with about 8% body fat. To look at me now, you’d never know this, but I do. I remember! It’s that dancer in me that keeps me fighting. I know I can lose it. Not that I ever want to be that excessively thin again, I just know in my heart I can and I know what I need to help me start…a good music mix for inspiration.


Going through my endless collection of CD’s…I started first to look for songs that lifted me up, but kept finding the nightmare songs that I swore I would never workout to again. Why? Because of Mr. Thompson.

After I stopped dancing from a knee injury, I needed to keep my cardio going and wanted to stay active so I joined a class at the local Community College. It was described as a ninety minute full-body workout with non-stop music and fun (little did I know, the instructor, Mr. Thompson, was formerly known as Master Chief Thompson, United States Navy. Oy!)! And it was fun…until the last 30 minutes of the class that focused on a different area of the body, and usually had the most excruciatingly painful music that still to this day carry with it some painful memories.


Top 10 Exercise Songs from Hell, aka the Final 30 of Mr. T’s class:

10.    “MacArthur’s Park” (Richard Harris, and Donna Summer) – We did Abs work to the Richard Harris version, and then later we used the Donna Summer disco version for the run/water and bathroom break after 45 minutes of class. Either way, I didn’t give a hoot about that damn cake by the end of either version, and I still don’t.
9.    “Y.M.C.A.” (The Village People) – The cliché of all cliché’s and what do we do to this? Jumping jacks and all variations of them. I don’t know Jack, or why he is jumping, but I’ll kick his ass if he puts that song on again!

8.    “Hey, Mickey” (Toni Basil) – Arm work, with or without weights that could easily be hurled at the instructors head should the need arise. I worked without. It was safer that way…

7.    “At Seventeen” (Janis Ian) – the cool down. More like ‘The Downer’. Aren’t we supposed to leave the class invigorated, peppy and up…not manic depressive in search of medication?

6.    “Landslide” (Fleetwood Mac) – the substitute for “At Seventeen”…Really?

5.    “Too Much Time on My Hands” (Styx) – Straying from the subject here, I know, because this was a warm up song...and a good one…if you’re an Olympic sprinter who is already in great shape. If you aren’t asthmatic already, you will be after this warm up.

4.     “Macarena” (Los del Rio) – Ay-yi-yi!!! A funeral dirge has more oomph than this!

3.    Anything by The Police – I love The Police, don’t get me wrong, but with their 5/4, 4+3/4, and other oddity combo time signatures, there is no way to get a good rhythm going when working out, unless you have some sort of spasm or seizure.

2.    “Wannabe” (Spice Girls) – I know, I know…a lot of people like it, but I have a problem with the producer of this ditty. He seems to be under the impression that during the verse ONLY DEAF PEOPLE ARE LISTENING, because when the chorus comes on it’s a normal volume, BUT THEN THE VERSE COMES BACK IN AND IT IMMEDIATELY JUMPS TO ELEVEN! Makes it hard to enjoy the pain and burn in your butt while doing squats.

And finally….


1. “Enough is Enough” (Donna Summer & Barbara Streisand) – The name really says     it all, and the opening piano work struck terror in the hearts of the class because
we all knew what was coming….the Hip and Thigh-hikes Torture Test! If you survived, you lived to enjoy song #6 or #7 (oh joy!) If you didn’t, you snuck out the back door and high tailed it over to the Jack in the Box across the street for tacos and milkshakes.

Thanks Deb! You can follow her on Twitter @DeborahRaeCota and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanteChronicles


Tomorrow we will learn about Intuitive Eating….

New Playlist Time! "Watching You" by Eric Hutchinson @erichutchinson #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST
 
"Watching You” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 
Hello Gang!

There is no real theme to this ride except it opens with this sweet, sad tune that I simply adore from artist Eric Hutchinson and features a mixture of the old and new throughout. Hope you like it!

Here is a photo of Eric to get us all in the mood.

 

And we’re off……

•    Watching You Watch Him: Eric Hutchinson

Sad, sweet and very listenable—tell me what you think of this song!

 

 

 

•    Desire: U2

And now we get a change of mood & pace—one of my favorites by them.

 

 

 

 

•    Youth Without Youth: Metric

Love, love this band from Canada. This is their newest song and will hate myself forever if I miss seeing them live.

 

 

 

 

•    World In My Eyes: Depeche Mode

One of my students asked me to play Depeche Mode and I obliged with one of my favorites from Violator.

 

 

 

 

•    Bittersweet Symphony: The Verve

When I am running or cycling up a hill—this song gets me pumping for some reason. Apparently the lead singer really did walk into a bunch of strangers while filming this video.

 

 

 

•    Rock Lobster: The B-52s

This tune goes directly to the pleasure center in my brain.

 

 

 

 

•    I Kissed a Girl: Katie Perry

Man people love it when this song comes on!

 

 

 

 

•    Fixed to Ruin: Sam Roberts

This is another one of those tunes that makes my heart pump and my legs want to cycle faster.

 

 

 

 

•    I’m Shakin’: Jack White

Get ready to booty shake folks!

 

 

 

•    Sledgehammer: Peter Gabriel

I like to put this on my iPod when climbing the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge which technically I am supposed to walk my bike across but…

 

(Courtesy of The Bridges of New York City blog)

 

 

 

 

 

•    Milkshake: Kelis

This stupid song makes me so damn happy and I love every stupid second of it. (Nah, nah, nah, nah!)

 

 

 

 

•    Every Little Thing She Does: The Police

My sister and I would dance around the living room singing “eee-oh-oh!”

 

 

 

 

•    Bad Religion: Frank Ocean

(Swoon)

 

 

 

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

 
Until next time…

 

 
Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)
“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine with @fergie on the Cover!

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 SELF: July 2012

 

 
SELF Cover Star for July: Fergie!

July is SELF’s special “Music Issue” so they have tons of playlist ideas plus the diet & exercise advice from music biggies like Grace Potter, Rhianna; Beyoncé and Ms. Fergie who is featured on the cover.

Fergie is almost as well-known for her kickin’ curves as she is for her booming voice and here she offers her reasons for staying sane and fit in such a crazy business.

•        Fergie has learned to accept and love herself at 37 versus when she was 18 and believes in taking care of herself.
•        Saturday evenings she and her husband Josh Duhamel go to mass and then have dinner together to fill their spiritual side.
•        Though she has a trainer and pays attention to her workouts—Fergie knows that sometimes you need to push your body hard and other times—you need to rest and recover.

 

 

So What Else is in the July SELF?
 
 

"2012 Olympics Inspiring Women"

SELF features the some of the best female athletes who are set to compete at this year’s Olympics including the fabulous Lolo Jones (see below.)

 

 

 
"The Weighing Game”

I don’t know about you but I go though phases where I weight myself constantly (which I know is bad) and then never at all (which is also not good.) This story confirms that weekly weigh-ins is a far more sensible (and mentally healthy) option!

 
 

 

“The Perfect Week of Cardio”

I really liked this feature that describes the just right amount of cardio exercise you need each week.

 

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

If you haven’t heard this band yet—you should check them out. Grace Potter is not only gorgeous and talented but she can also cook up a storm. SELF managed to get a few recipes that Grace and her crew enjoys while on the road that are healthy and delicious.

 

“The Ultimate Workout Song”

In this issue we get tons of suggestions for great workout music from the editors of SELF plus celebrities like Alec Baldwin who actually mentions “Hear About it Later” by Van Halen which is one of my favorite songs by that band. (Okay Alec!)

Anyhoo, according to trainers, athletes and the editors of SELF—“Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO is the perfect workout song and list the various reasons why.

 

“JoJo + Dolvett = Knockout Legs”

Singer JoJo trained with Dolvett Quince of The Biggest Loser to get in shape for an upcoming tour and we get some of her moves here.

 

The Rest of the Best of the July SELF:

•    "Slimmer in Seconds. Really!” Beauty tricks that will highlight all of your gorgeousness.
•    "Rock Star Hair" If you want your mane to get that rock chick update—SELF has some ideas on how you can get the look of your favorite goddess.
•     "5 Foods That Keep You Summer Sexy” The superfoods you need to keep on hand all summer.
•    “Burn, Baby, Burn” All of the best advice to make your cardio workouts count for as much as possible.
•    “SELF’s Top 100 Tracks” I am buying quite a few of these for my classes for sure.

Overall Grade:

A  Being a music freak I really loved the overall theme and I pulled out plenty of pages in this issue to take away with me. Good work SELF!

 

You can check out SELF online at: www.Self.com
 

Ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (be sure to note the spelling!)
“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

New Playlist Time! Summer 2012 Workout Edition @BrooklynFitChik

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"Summer 2012 Playlist" (52-minute Ride)

 

 

 

Hey there everybody!

 

This is a holiday week which means Barbecues a Plenty in my neighborhood. Soooo, if you are looking for a few summery tunes to workout to this sweaty time of year—why don’t you try a few of these babies?

 

To get you in the mood, I  am sharing with you my favorite photo of myself as a kid in my usual summer outfit. (Come to think of it—I still dress like that!)

 

Let’s do this thing people!

 

• Summer of 69: Bryan Adams

If this song doesn’t at least make you smile a bit—there is something wrong with you.

 

  

 

 

• Vacation: The Go-Go’s

This one always reminds me spending my summer hanging out by my friend’s pool and drenching my body in baby oil to “get more color.” (Shudders.)

 

 

 

 

• Fantastic Voyage: Coolio

Hells yes! Makes me want to hang out in a hooptie and holler out the window. If you do not know what that means—check out this link from Urban Dictionary.

 

 

 

 

• Rain in the Summertime: The Alarm

I can listen to this anytime of the year.

 

 

 

 

• Waterfalls: TLC

Another classic that reminds me of hot weather, dance moves I can somehow manage and videos that had real production value. (RIP Left Eye!) Here is a fun, live version.

 

 

 

 

• Spill the Wine: The Animals

This one always reminds me of the movie Boogie Nights.

 

 

 

 

• All Summer Long: Kid Rock

Never thought I would warm up to ole Kid but this little ditty puts a big smile on my face and lose every ounce of cool I have (and I only have it in ounces.)

 

 

 

 

• Boys of Summer: Don Henley

When this was first suggested to me, I thought it was just a little too literal but you know what? This is a really great song and very motivating. Try it!

 

 

 

 

• Poker Face: Lady Gaga

This tune always says “summer” to me.

 

 

 

 

• Pumped Up Kicks: Foster the People

THE song of the summer last year and I am still not sick of it.

 

 

 

 

• Fly: Sugar Ray

Because I just wanna fly too. (Why the hell did they break up? They wrote some killer tunes!)

 

 

 

• Sexy & I Know It: LMFAO

This song was recently named “Ultimate Workout Song” by SELF magazine and their evidence is pretty amazing. (Wait for that review to come out this week!)

 

 

 

 

• Steal My Sunshine: Len

I really loved this tune back in the day. (From the soundtrack of the film Go.) Whatever happened to them?

 

 

 

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick)

New Playlist Time! Little Favours featuring "Two Jackson Climbs!"

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S FAVORITE PLAYLIST

(This Month...)

 

Little Favours featuring "Two Jackson Climbs" (50-minute Ride)

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

Are you looking for a fun playlist that mixes up a little bit of the old & the new and features two “Jackson Climbs?”  Well then you are in luck because the one I present today does just that—you’re welcome!

 

So let’s get started on this one, shall we?

 

• Little Favours: KT Tunstall

I love KT Tunstall and this song was one of the first I learned to play on my electric guitar. Try to ignore its charms (I dare you!)

 

 

 

• If You’re Wondering: Weezer

Just about everything this band writes I love right off the bat including this gem.

 

 

 

 

• Swamp: Talking Heads

If you have any appreciation for the band Talking Heads, be sure to check out their 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense directed by Jonathan Demme who would later helm The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

• De Doo Doo Doo, de Da Da Da: The Police

Do not take this personally, but sometimes, De Doo Doo Doo, de Da Da Da is all I want to say to you. (Please tell me you get that joke?!)

 

 

 

 

• Hot Dog: Led Zeppelin

This is a completely silly and inconsequential song by Led Zeppelin that always makes me smile when it shows up on my iPod.

 

 

 

 

• Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough: Michael Jackson

Aha! Our first “Jackson Climb” and just how happy does it make you feel? (Me? Off the charts!)

 

 

 

 

• Music:  Madonna

This video is completely filthy and I love it. (Look out for Da Ali G yo.)

 

 

 

 

• California Sun: The Ramones

I played it before and I will play it again. “California Sun” is just too perfect of a “break” song for my classes.

 

 

 

 

• Rhythm Nation: Janet Jackson

I remember trying to imitate the dance moves from this video and failing spectacularly. (Look kids—our second “Jackson Climb!”)

 

 

 

 

• Brain Stew: Green Day

Being a total sucker for crunchy guitar sounds—this songs makes me want to drink beer out of a plastic cup and scream “yeah!”

 

 

 

 

 

• Sexy Back: Justin Timberlake

For this "always a hit with the class" number, I have a whole complicated “in a 2 & now in a 3” choreography that took me forever to get just right. (Spinners will know what I am talking about—I think…)

 

 

 

 

 

• Tie Your Mother Down: Queen

If loving Queen is wrong—I don’t wanna be right.

 

 

 

 

• Clocks: Rhythms del Mundo

This is a saucier, sexier version of the Coldplay song which is neither saucy nor sexy but I love it more than most people.  

 

 

 

 

And—that’s it!

 

 Let me know what you think of my picks and feel free to share ideas with me!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick