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Playlists December 6, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Wicked Game” 50-Minute Ride

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Wicked Game” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

022012-music-girl-groups-destinys-child — Send us the ethereal wonder that is Stevie Nicks!

Hey there! Hi there! Ho Ho Ho there! (See what I did there? #clever)

I can’t believe how long it has been since I put one of these together. This year has been kind of a jumble of amazing things and not-so-great things that have been keeping me from Blogging on a regular basis. I hope to fix that in 2017 but in the meantime, I wanted to share my newest playlist that this past weekend earned me lots of shouts of “woot!” and “hell yeah!”

I hope you like the selections listed here and hope one or two may wind up on your iPod soon! Let me know what you think in the comments below. Also—be sure to leave a few of your favorite workout song suggestions as well.

Wicked Game (featuring Anna Naklab): Parra for Cuva

This song was suggested by one of my favorite students (a front-row achiever who has been a regular of mine for over 6 years now!) She heard randomly on either Pandora or Spotify and thought it would be perfect as a warmup tune and darn it– she picked a good one!

I love the dreamy vocals and steady beat.

All the Small Things: blink-182

The video always cracked me up as it spoofed on boy bands of the day though it turns out to be far more of a pop song than a rock one if you ask me.

Fantastic Voyage: Coolio

I really prefer the mix I have from an old MTV compilation CD but I gave it away in a rare “Marie Kondo-inspired” fit of tidiness. The “real” version is fine and gets people in a fun, 90s mood.

Jingo: Santana

This is one of my favorite “go-to” songs for running drills as the percussion beat and searing guitars are impossible to resist. You hear Jingo and you want to move faster and longer.

Hallelujah: The Happy Mondays

I have never heard of this band until viewing the film 24 Hour Party People and fell in love with the music and culture of 80s/90s Britain. This is a longer climb (over 6 minutes) and the beat is perfect for getting people in the mood to load resistance and WORK!

In Da Club: 50 Cent

This is one of those tunes that makes everyone in the room bob their heads to the beat of the music. Its tres adorable to watch!

Machinehead: Bush

There are times when I need something that SCREAMS 90s rock and Bush always fits that bill.

Welcome to Your Life: Grouplove

To keep myself motivated and upbeat in 2017 my plan is to include songs with a positive message which is what I assume is going on here. If you decide to play in your classes be aware that the volume makes BIG changes during the chorus meaning it gets VERY loud then.

The Pit: Silversun Pickups

I love me some Silervsun Pickups for sprints and this song does the job very nicely.

Bootylicious: Destiny’s Child

Recently I was getting my bi-weekly pedicure (because I am super fancy like that) when this song came over the headphones of the big, muscular dude sitting next to me (true story!) It made me smile to hear it when he turned to me and said “You have to love Beyoncé and Stevie (Nicks) together in a song!” He is my spirit animal.

24K Magic: Bruno Mars

While not his best work, this tune is fun and bouncy which is all most things need to be to make me happy. Truth!

Bohemian Like You: The Dandy Warhols

(See above about my occasional need for 90s rock)

Madness: Muse

One of my other favorite regulars shows up every Monday and Friday morning wearing pajamas OVER his workout clothes and he loves Muse—so here they are!

That’s it for me this time. What are your new favorite tunes you think I should check out?

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists October 16, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick: “This is What We Came For” 50-Minute Ride

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“This is What We Came For” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Sorry for the delay everyone. I did not realize how much time has gone by but between work (two jobs,) turning my hobbies into paying gigs (two podcasts) and travel– I have been terrible about keeping up my playlists. When I began teaching I would make the point to create a new one each week. Over time it has turned into maybe once per month that I can curate a new set of tunes that I feel good about.

One of my big lessons in teaching fitness is that quality trumps novelty anytime. Sure some people can churn out new and different with an almost alarming frequency but are they creating anything good? If the list is contains only 20% good tunes—then who cares if it is all new?

Many of my old playlists (I keep them all on file cards like some kind of a spin maniac) embarrass the hell out of me. I am so much more thoughtful now as to what my students want to hear which is a variety of styles. By getting out of my own iPod and looking at other places to gain new music I have learned how amazing Pink, OneRepublic, Maroon 5 and Justin Timberlake really are. That 80s music (no matter how it makes me) is not everyone’s favorite genre. How amazing and inclusive it is to have all kinds of music represented in one hour and that produces happy students.

So today is a collection I have been trotting lately out that has been getting lots of praise. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

This is What We Came For: Calvin Harris with Rhianna

Welcome to the Brooklyn Fit Chick playlist Calvin! It only took you shading Taylor Swift on Instagram to get my attention! (Not really—you make great music and I should have included you ages ago.

Kid Icarus: Sam Roberts Band

Second songs on my playlist are sometimes the toughest one for me to figure out. They need to gain on the energy from the starter and help set the mood for the workout. The Sam Roberts Band has lost of great tunes of you are not aware of them. Check them out!

Uprising: Muse

This song is a uniter not a divider. Everyone loves banging their heads along to this one!

I Don’t Feel Like Dancing: Scissor Sisters

This is my absolute top song for when I am in a bad mood. Elton John co-wrote which adds to its overall awesomeness.

No More Drama: Mary J Bloge

Everyone is powerless to this magical power ballad. I have seen straight white boys cheer along to it!

Tongue Tied: Group Love

I like the overall “boppiness” of this tune and yes, I did make that word up on the fly. You like?

Monkey Wrench: Foo Fighters

It would not be a Brooklyn Fit Chick ride without my beloved Foos.

Ride: twenty one pilots

I really enjoy this band but can someone please explain to me why they use all lower case letters in their names? (Coughs) affected (coughs, coughs.)

Keep the Car Running: Arcade Fire

This is one of the best songs to sprint to so why is it only 3 ½ minutes? Work on that Arcade Fire peeps!

Sexy Back: Justin Timberlake

A blast from the past and cannot believe it took me so damn long to bring it back.

Creep: TLC

Supposedly Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez (“Turn on channel 5—she’s burning the house down!”) hated this song as it seems to promote people cheating on one another. Thankfully they talked her into releasing it as it is the dopest jam.

Baby, You’re the World to Me: David Gray

Can someone please tell me what happened to David Gray? I miss hearing him on the radio!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

Never have three guitars dueling it out have sounded so down, dirty and amazing.

That’s it for me this time. What are your new favorite tunes you think I should check out?

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

Check out my podcast here! www.bookversusmovie.com

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Playlists June 9, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Superlove with Avicii”

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Superlove 2016” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am a loyal Avicii fan and am so sad I will most likely never had the chance to see him live as my Swedish heartthrob is retiring at the ripe old age of 26-years old. (Wahhhh!)

So I wanted to include his music in one more playlist this year to celebrate his magical producing abilities. You’re welcome!

The rest of this list is my usual mix of old and new (filled with tons of 90s tunes, of course.) Let me know what you think and please leave some song suggestions in the comments below or on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik. Now load up that smartphone and get to working out!

Thanks!

Superlove: Avicii with Lenny Kravitz

This song is almost THE perfect warm-up for an indoor cycling class in like, ever. It has this great beat that has a European vibe and then the drums kick in and BAM! The pace quickens and you peddle like mad. Then it gets kind of quiet and Lenny Kravitz’ voice takes over. Trust me—this is a dope jam.

Are You Gonna be My Girl: JET

How is it possible this song is actually 13-years old? (Makes me wistful for 2003…)

California Love: 2Pac

My favorite thing about using this song is the expression on people’s faces while it plays. California Love is a uniter not a divider!

Supersoaker: Kings of Leon

I love this one for sprints out of the saddle in 30, 20 and 10 second intervals in case you are wondering what to do with it.

On the Road Again: Canned Heat

This is my first “climb” song for the ride and I love how trippy it sounds over the speakers. The beat is consistent and motivating as well. Don’t be afraid to try it out on your students!

Supermassive Black Hole: Muse

The singer, Matt Bellamy, rocks out with a cool falsetto in this number I remember from the Twilight movie (don’t judge!)

Let me Entertain You: Robbie Williams

If you are not familiar with the awesomeness of Robbie Williams—start with this song. He kills it live, by the way.

My Moon My Man: Feist

I use this for “out of the saddle” climbs and the best part is the past part of the song which ends with a weird “walk off.” (Download it and you will see what I mean!)

Gold, Girls, Guns: Metric

As the biggest fan of Metric in the U.S. I will keep including them in playlists until they take off around the world.

It’s All Been Done: Barenaked Ladies

This band achieves a neat trick—they are in real life hilarious and great as a band. Only The Monkees do it better.

Stupid Girl: Garbage

Shirley Manson is one of my favorite singers of all time and this tune in particular rocks my socks off.

The Impression That I Get: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

I always time for this loud and raucous song that screams 90s.

Baby, I Love Your Way: Peter Frampton

It’s summer when I am writing up this playlist and nothing says “sum-ah” more to me than listening to some Frampton. Enjoy!

That’s it for me this time. What are your new favorite tunes to check out!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

Check out my podcast here! www.bookversusmovie.com

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Uncategorized February 10, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick “I Lived” 50-Minute Workout Playlist

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“I Lived” (50-Minute Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Today’s playlist is a mixture of old & new songs as well as different musical genres. Back when I was first teaching classes it was my obsession to have a theme for each ride and every song had to blended seamlessly from one to the next. I had “Prince Vs Michael Jackson,” “Love Stinks,” “90s Only,” “Stadium Rock” and (wince) “Boy vs Girl” bands playlists put together that took hours to assemble.

Here is the thing with theme rides—if any of the students don’t like the theme it becomes the worst hour of their life. So now I make sure to “play the whole room.” meaning if the students are generally into hip hop, get some hip hop in there. If they like pop more than classic rock do NOT play The Eagles. If they prefer hard rock do not force Katy Perry on them.

Seems simple but it took a while for stubborn me to listen to different kinds of music including (gulp) pop which I thought I was too cool for in the past. (Turns out I am probably the biggest P!nk fan alive!)

Today, I am open to play just about anything which has made my playlist selection so much more enjoyable for both me and for my students.

Whatever you do to prepare for your classes—remember the room. Always play to the room and you will be sure to enjoy every session.

Enough of my yakking—here is my newest playlist that got me some major “thumbs up” the last few days I have used it. You’re welcome!

I Lived (Party Remix): OneRepublic

I know nothing about OneRepublic (well, except for the fact my friend Missy saw them live and said they were excellent) but their songs are becoming a favorite for me to play in class. This remix version has a fun “entering a stadium” feel to it.

Shut Up and Dance: WALK THE MOON (their name is in ALL CAPS for some reason)

This song just cracks me up because it sounds like it could be on the soundtrack for any 80s comedy film ever filmed. I mean this in a good way, by the way.

Pon de Peplay: Rhianna

Rumor has it Rhi Rhi is dating Leonardo DiCaprio and is making him work out until he gets a six-pack. I love her for this.

Lust for Life: Iggy Pop

Just about everyone in the world knows this song but do you know the story behind it? If you can stand some adult themes and cursing listen to this podcast from This American Life. It will change your life!

On the Road Again: Canned Heat

Get the long version of this song (about five minutes) and you take it for a climb. Great 60s groove happening here.

Supermassive Black Hole: Muse

The next band I hear that I MUST SEE LIVE is Muse so it is on my musical bucket list.

It’s Time: Imagine Dragons

Even my friends who are not into rock music like this band and enjoy this song in particular.

Lose Control (featuring Ciara & Fa Man S.): Missy Elliott

In my opinion the Super Bowl halftime show was all about Missy Elliott. She rocked it big time!

The Pit: Silversun Pickups

I love this song for doing some hard core sprints and because it is over four minutes long, you will feel like you really feel the burn.

Can You Read My Mind: The Killers

The Killers really know how to write good hooks and this song always motivates my students to work harder.

Bohemian Like You: The Dandy Warhols

If you are in the mood to watch an excellent documentary about rock bands going on a tour check out The Dandy Warhols in Dig.

Every Breaking Wave: U2

The boys of U2 are busy getting ready for a new world tour and Bono is working on recovering from a bike accident. Hoping I get to see them live and play this tune when they head to NYC!

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

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists July 15, 2014 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Good Feeling” 50-Minute Playlist

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Good Feeling” 50-Minute Ride

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Its midsummer when I type this and I am in the mood to listen to good tunes that motivate me to work out indoors (the “summuh” heat in New York City is off the charts!) So today I collected music that will take you through a 50-minunte interval workout for either the treadmill or elliptical that will keep you in the mood to move.

Be sure to keep hydrated while you workout and as always—send me your favorite song suggestions!

Good Feeling: Flo Rida

I was not too familiar with Flo Rida before so let me know tell you what I have learned about him. He’s 6’3”, grew up in Carol City, Florida, attempted college twice before deciding to make his rap dreams come true and is a WWE fan. You’re welcome!

Valerie (featuring Amy Winehouse): Mark Ronson (featuring Amy Winehouse)

The 60s vibe is just so infectious and catchy. What a talent! RIP AW

Uprising: Muse

As much as I love listening to this band on my iPod everyone tells me you have to see Muse live in order to really appreciate them. So who is taking me to the show?

Walk: Foo Fighters

If you are wondering where the band name comes from—WW2 pilots would call UFO’s “Foo Fighters” because they did not know what else to call them and not look crazy. Got it?

Also—warning about playing this song in class as the volume goes CRAZY HIGH in the middle section. Still totally awesome but be aware of that.

Waterfalls: TLC

My favorite thing in the world is to tell my students to sing along to the chorus of Waterfalls because really what is more fun than that?

Please Don’t Leave Me: P!nk

This is one of the sweetest and saddest songs about thanking someone for loving you that I have ever heard.

Tell Me Baby: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Some people complain that they can’t tell one Red Hot Chili Peppers tunes from another one but I don’t care. If music is good—who cares if it is repetitive?

Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High: Arctic Monkeys

I think we have all had friends like this…or is it just me?

Feel Good Inc: Gorillaz

This song is fun to play when I want to incorporate sprints into the mix.

Pumped Up Kicks: Foster the People

If you listen to the lyrics of Pumped Up Kicks are pretty violent but the beat is so boppy and fun that no one ever seems to notice or care.

No More Drama: Mary J. Blige

I usually use this song for a slow climb and it’s another care where if you don’t feel the need to sing along you are officially a monster.

I Feel Love: Blue Man Group

True story—my friends Claudine & Keith would play this song over and over and over again for their eldest daughter when she was a baby because no other sound would soothe her.

Stay: Rhianna featuring Mikky Ekko

Patti Smith performs a lovely version of this song in her live shows.

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

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists April 9, 2014 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “That’s Not My Name” 50-Minute Ride Ting Tings, Rhianna, Muse

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“That’s Not My Name” (50-minute Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Today I want to start off with a song that every once in a while becomes an earworm in my brain. It’s just so damn catchy and fun that I can’t think of a reason to NOT play it.

Anyhoo—I hope you like this mix today of the old and new. This is a 50-minute interval ride of varying in tempo and mood from song to song. Hope you enjoy it!

That’s Not My Name: The Ting Tings

I dare you to NOT sing along to the chorus—it’s damn near impossible!

Pon de Replay: Rhianna

Rhianna is a new obsession for me. I have been downloading her music like crazy lately.

Fixed to Ruin: Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts has been very popular in Canada and looks like he might be taking off here as well. This is from his last album and is my favorite from him by far.

Runnin’ Down a Dream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

The video for this song still kind of freaks me out but I love playing it super loud!

Zombie: The Cranberries

The Cranberries bring out my inner “Irish Badass” to the fore.

Gold Digger: Kanye West (with Jamie Foxx)

I played this on Sunday morning and one of my students said “What was that Ray Charles song you played today?” I told him it was actually Jamie Foxx singing and that there was a BIG difference between the “clean” and “explicit” version.

Supermassive Black Hole: Muse

This was the first hit from Muse that made me pay attention to them.

Glory and Gore: Lorde

Some people get annoyed by Lorde but I think she is really interesting.

It’s All Been Done: Barenaked Ladies

Funny Canadians signing catchy music brings out the “happy” in me.

The Passenger: Iggy Pop

“Singing La La La La La La La!” (Don’t mind me while I dance around my apartment right now…)

Pony: Ginuwine

Outside of the annoying spelling of his name—this song is so much fun to play in class and the metaphors to silly to not enjoy thoroughly.

Porcelain: Moby

My favorite DJ in the whole wide world (Dave Morey) would play this song on KFOG all of the time and said that it went “right to the pleasure center” of his brain. Not a bad way to end a ride—right?

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

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists March 25, 2013 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick “Trojans” Playlist: Macklemore, Metric, Jack White, Kanye West, Foos & More

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Trojans” Playlist 50-Minute Ride

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am trying to get better about putting up my playlists as people seem to enjoy them so let us not dilly dally—okay? Today’s ride features a few of my current favorite songs plus a 7- minute climb using an eerie Dave Matthews number from the 90s.

Do I have you intrigued? Then let’s get to it!