Heather Estey, a personal trainer for 24 Hour Fitness, says music – especially inspiring music –  boosts, motivates and promotes an increase in heart rate during an intense sweat scene.  “Music can definitely motivate one to work harder and divert attention away from a challenging and painful workout.” 

While many pride themselves on their eclectic taste in music, putting the pride aside and breaking free from the society of so-called “music-snobs” will also help one break a steady sweat. Trendy pop, jock jams, 80s mash-ups or hip-hop may not be at the top of your everyday iPod playlist. But when you want to feel the burn, nothing moves the feet faster.

Holly Minear, Group X Instructor for 24 Hour Fitness, finds that participants in her Yoga Pump, Turbo Kick Boxing and indoor cycling classes prefer a mix of Top 20, hip-hop and 70s/80s music to get into a perspiring perspective.

Here’s her list of 10 download musts, a combination of old, new and in-between songs to get your mind and body moving: 

1. “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
2. “Wind It Up” – Gwen Stefani
3. “Push It” – Salt-N-Pepa
4. “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
5. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
6. “Starlight” – MUSE  
7. “Gonna Make You Sweat” – C+C
Music Factory
8. “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” – Kylie Minogue
9. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard
10. “What Goes Around” – Justin Timberlake

Songs are available for download on itunes.com or napster.com. BB

Colleen Corkery is a contributing writer.