Music and exercise are best friends. My playlist keeps me engaged and motivated, and it also helps the time go by faster.
Now that the weather is so much nicer, getting outside should be a priority. There are so many health benefits to fresh air and sunshine, and workouts feel better when done outside. The main point is to get outside and get your body moving!
Below is my playlist for a quick and fun workout in Forest Park. You will note that I did not include how many reps to do. This is how I figure out my rep goals: How many do you think you can do? Now do five more.
Put in your headphones and let’s get started!
Warm-Up
“Cruise” by Florida-Georgia Line ft. Nelly
This song has a gentle, steady beat that’s perfect for timing steps. Start at the Grand Basin. Do stretches during the song and change it up with lunges at each chorus.
Cardio
“Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
This song is a classic. Go to the base of the steps up from the Grand Basin, and take a stair per beat. If you want a bit more of a challenge, take two stairs at a time. Or channel your inner Italian Stallion and run up and down for the duration of the song.
Weights
“Kings Never Die” by Eminem
This song has a steady enough beat throughout that it's good for body-weight exercises. Pick one of the following exercises and do 3 sets:
- Burpees
- Push-ups
- Squats
Crunches/Russian Twists
“Beast” by Rob Bailey and the Hustle Standard
It's probably because the lyrics are “I'm a mother****ing BEAST” but this song gets me through my toughest workout like no other song can. I absolutely hate ab workouts and tend to procrastinate them, so I use this song to tell myself I'm strong enough.
Once you’re done, treat yourself to any song that makes you happy while you stretch and cool down.
As always, please check with your doctor before beginning any workout plan.
Amanda Kintz is a registered nurse, a veggie-loving wife and mom, and author of the blog Crunchy Hippie Life. She can usually be found eating delicious food or drinking yet another cup of coffee.
