spinning playlist Archives

Playlists May 25, 2018 by Margo Donohue

New Playlist: The RIP Avicii and Dolores O’Riordan Ride (50 minutes)

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“RIP Avicii and Dolores O’Riordan Ride” (50 Minute Playlist)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

It has been way too long since I posted a playlist as my podcasting world has expanded into FOUR shows (and counting!) and finding the time to not only create new lists but to also post them has been a little overwhelming.

The recent deaths of DJ Avicii and Dolores O’Riordan made me want to revisit their beautiful music and create something special. Today’s playlist is the usual mix of old and new and I hope it gives you that inspiration to run longer and faster than ever. I tried to get videos for all of them but their quality will vary.

I will be back as soon as I can with a new batch of tunes not randomly thrown together. Sending you good vibes wherever you may be!

Wake Me Up: Avicii

My favorite song by him, period.

Synchronicity 1: The Police

This is one of my top go-to “second songs” to play in class, but make sure the stereo speakers are working. If one of them is out, it will sound funky (not in a good way.)

Worth It: Fifth Harmony

Now we get to the dancy beats of Fifth Harmony. I love this song so much because it makes me want to show off my moves on the dance floor. (Not that they are worth showing off, but who cares?)

Sunday Morning: K-os

I plan to make K-os famous in America one of these days. (He is Canadian which means I like him sight unseen.)

Zombie:: The Cranberries

Dammit, RIP Dolores O’Riordan!

Wake Up Call: Maroon 5

This song makes me feel like a teenager (youthful but not as gawky as I really was.)

Lose Control: Missy Elliott

If you can withstand this beat, check your pulse.

Pray For Me: The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar

The soundtrack for Black Panther is even better than the movie which is saying something, people!

Only: Nine Inch Nails

This is one of the best songs I use for sprinting intervals because it has an intense feel to it without being overwhelming. Try it for yourself!

Sexy Back: Justin Timberlake

Okay, so his Super Bowl® appearance was a little less than inspiring, but his music still makes me want to move my booty and this song, in particular, gives me the “happies.’

Never Let You Go: Third Eye Blind

I actually like this song better than their biggest hit—Semi-Charmed Life.

Bamboleo: Gipsy Kings

When I want to give a “summery”/beachy feel—I put on this song. Great way to end before the cool down.

Empire State of Mind: Jay Z & Alicia Keys

This is probably my favorite song about my favorite city in the whole wide world.

That’s it for me this time. I will be back soon with another batch of tunes to get you all kinds of motivated!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

Check out my podcasts here! http://bookvsmovie.libsyn.com/podcast and here http://fitbottomedgirls.libsyn.com/rss

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Playlists May 27, 2017 by Margo Donohue

“Counting Stars” 50-Minute Workout Playlist #OneDirection

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Counting Stars” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I quickly threw together a playlist over the weekend and guess what? I managed to NOT include Avicii in one this time! (I will give you a moment to recover from the shock.)

Instead, I went back to a OneRepublic (their spelling, not mine) song that I love and did my usual “mix the old with the new” and see if magic can happen. (The initial reviews are looking good so far!)

Let me know what you think and please leave some song suggestions in the comments below or on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik.

Oh! And just wanted to remind you I am co-host of the brand new Fit Bottomed Girls podcast so come check us out! http://fitbottomedgirls.com/podcast/

Now let’s get to gettin’!

Counting Stars: OneRepublic

This song is a uniter not a divider because it makes the whole room happy when they hear it. Perfect for the warmup portion and gets things off to an energetic start.

Got Your Number: Serena Ryder

Canadian chanteuse Serena Ryder writes these kick-ass songs that are strong and bold. I really love to play this one as a “second song’ as it builds on the energy of the warmup.

Can’t Hold Us: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

This is the Macklemore I love—loud and brash without any sentimentality going on.

Promiscuous: Nelly Furtado & Timbaland

Some of my favorite jams comes from Timothy of Timbaland,

Waterfalls: TLC

I can’t think of any human being who doesn’t absolutely LOVE this song when I play it. I love using it for slow climbs in my spin classes.

Lust for Life: Iggy Pop

For this song I ask the students to perform some running out of the saddle drills but with some punk rock attitude. (Most attempt which is so adorable.)

Houdini: Foster the People

This is the most fun and bounciest tune in the whole ride. (LOVE it!)

Only: Nine Inch Nails

My inner 90s rock chick needs to hear some Trent Reznor from time to time and this song fits the bill. (Warning—there is a clean and an explicit version of this one!)

Hymn for the Weekend: Coldply (with Beyonce!)

I thought their paring at the 2016 Superbowl was a fluke. Turns out Bey recorded with the boys of Coldplay a while ago. Who knew?

Starships: Nicki Minaj

Once again—a clean and explicit version exists here!

Tearing Me Up: Bob Moses

This is my new favorite, sexy slow jam and I am turning many of my students into Bob Moses fans. (You’re welcome, society at large!)

I Feel Love: Blue Man Group

We finish with a faster pace song before the cool down and people seem to dig this version of the Donna Summer classic.

Wildflowers: Tom Petty

The world is better because Tom is in it and let’s just all form a prayer circle around him so we do not lose another amazing musician this year!

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 December 28, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick’s Top 7 Workout Songs of 2016

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“The Top 7 Workout Songs of 2016”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

2016 will soon be leaving us and may I just say on behalf of Prince, Davis Bowie, Alan Rickman and Carrie Fisher fans everywhere—don’t let the door hit you on the a** on the way out! (Sheesh—you sucked butt horrible year!)

So, I want to finish the playlist for the year on a happy note and pick my “Top 7 Workout Songs of 2016.” These tunes came out in the past year and made an appearance at one time or another on my playlists. Each is special to me for their tunefulness and ability to motivate my students.

I hope you like the selections listed here and maybe 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!

The Brooklyn Fit Chick “Top 7 Workout Songs of 2016”

24 K Magic: Bruno Mars

This song was sort of a “slow burn” for me. Wasn’t too crazy about it at first but then it just got under my skin and now I need to hear it every day. Bruno knows how to write a hook!

Tearing Me Up: Bob Moses

Bob Moses has a dreaming kind of style to his voice and this tune has a great steady beat that gains in energy as it grooves along. This is one of those songs my students ask the most about after class.

This Is What You Came For: Calvin Harris/Rihanna

I really love opening the class with this collaboration from Calvin Harris & Rihanna as it does that thing I love most—it builds in energy as it moves along. Try NOT to sing along to it—the beat is irresistible!

Welcome to Your Life: Grouplove

If there is anything that has left me in a positive mood, it’s this single by Grouplove that feels both majestic and hopeful for the future. (Warning if you use it for your classes—the chorus is LOUD!)

Wish I Knew You: The Revivalists

This New Orleans band is new to me and this tune is my introduction to their sound. Me likey!

Got Your Number: Serena Ryder

Serena is a Canadian chanteuse who writes fun, catchy pop songs. I like to call this the “perfect second song to a playlist” as it helps to up the energy level.

Hymn for the Weekend: Coldplay & Beyoncé

I love the combination of Chris Martin’s piano with Beyoncé’s lovely voice which builds in energy and excitement as they song along together. One of my favorites of the last year!

That’s it for me this time. See you all in 2017! (Stay safe this holiday weekend!)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

Check out my podcast here! http://bookvsmovie.libsyn.com/podcast

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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 July 22, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Bey Meets Avicii! (50 Minute Ride)

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Hey Brother (2016)” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

This past week Michelle Obama (FLOTUS) was featured on James Corden’s popular Carpool Karaoke segment singing to her favorite tunes including Beyoncé’s Single Ladies. Now, I loved that song so much when it came out that I might have played it just a wee bit too much and got very tired of it.

Now—I am all amped to play it again so I created a ride all around featuring my Swedish dreamboat Avicii to start us off. 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!

Hey Brother: Avicii

My blonde, much younger imaginary boyfriend teamed with bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski for this badass warm-up tune that is perfect for spin classes IMHO. And now we are off for the rest of the ride!

Last Nite: The Strokes

Remember in 2001 when we all thought these guys would be HUGE in the future? Was it just me?

Single Ladies: Beyoncé

I am so happy to bring back this tune and get the room grooving. (Maybe I can figure out how to get the dance moves on the bike as well…)

Wish I Knew Your: The Revivalists

Not familiar with this New Orleans rock/soul band? Neither was I but I am hearing this song everywhere I go and think it will be the hit of the summer. (Big prediction here!)

Get Higher: Black Grape

I am not going to lie—this is a weird, 90s, British, kind-of, sort-of a pro getting high song. If you can overlook that (or if that is your thing) give this one a go for a groovy-sounding climb.

Jump Around: House of Pain

This song always fulfills my inner Irish-American white trash “need to yell out” kind of mood set to music. NEVER get tired of this one or how much my students always seem to enjoy it.

Snow (Hey Oh): Red Hot Chili Peppers

I don’t want to freak you guys out but I just looked up their Wiki page and this band has been around since 1983!!!! (Makes me feel a bit old anyway…)

Hand in My Pocket: Alanis Morrissette

If there is a world record for how many times someone played this song over their headphones in 1995 that beats me—I want to shake their hand because I lived for Jagged Little Pill!

Freckle Song: Chuck Prophet

I love this sexy little tune for summer time listening. Give it a go if you are unfamiliar.

Hotline Bling: Drake

This song came out almost a year ago but it still sounds fresh to me. LOVE Drake!

Panic Switch: Silversun Pickups

When I need music that will help my students spring faster—I put on this band and watch them move.

What a Wonderful World: Joey Ramone

Long story short—I actually have an autograph from Joey Ramone that I let sit in a picture frame facing the sun. It is now basically invisible but I will NEVER throw it, out. RIP JR.

Don’t Dream It’s Over: Crowded House

Now we cool down with one of my favorites of all time. Enjoy!

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 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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Playlists April 25, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick: “Smooth Sailing” Playlist Featuring Prince, Black Eyed Peas, Foos & More

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Smooth Sailin’” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

“Dearly beloved

We are gathered here today

to get through this thing called life.”

As I am writing this playlist out I can’t help but think about how many super-amazing people have died this year so far including:

Prince
David Bowie
Lemmy
Garry Shandling
Glenn Frey
Doris Roberts
Alan Rickman
Michelle McNamara (truecrimediary.com)

2016 is turning out to be a brutal year but I am going to try and keep it light and breezy with this week’s mix of tunes from different decades to hopefully get your heart pumping and your booty shaking. Thanks so much for checking out my Blog.

Let me know what you think and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Smooth Sailin’: Leon Bridges

I first heard this song tearing down the highway on Route 17 in Santa Cruz and can’t seem to get it out of my head. I love the beat and how truly groovy it makes me feel.

Fire: Jimi Hendrix

One of Prince’s biggest guitar heroes is Jimi Hendrix so I felt like including him in today’s warm-up would be what the Purple One declare as “groovy.”

(No decent videos for this one, sorry!)

We Go the Beat: The Go-Go’s

Every single time I play this song it makes me want to watch Fast Times at Ridgemont High all over again (in the best possible way.)

I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man: Prince

This is by far my favorite prince song of all time and the 6-minute version contains a smokin’ hot guitar solo. (But the 3 ½ minute version is perfect for spin classes.)

Boys Wanna Be Her: Peaches

When I want to get the most out of my students with the HIIT (High Intensity Intervals) I put on some Peaches and make them move. Works every time.

Freedom! ‘90: George Michael

Key and Peele’s Keanu movie has me all kinds of excited because it features them, cute cats and music by George Micheal. Win/win, people!

Safe and Sound: Capital Cities

If there is a bouncier and more fun tune that exists—it will be too damn much for me.

Everlong: Foo Fighters

I love this song just as much now as I did when it came out 20 (!) years ago.

I Gotta Feeling: The Black Eyed Peas

Have yet to reach maximum number of times I can listen to this song in a week. Once again—I am a sucker for bouncy and fun.

Black Gold: Soul Asylum

Speaking of artists from Minnesota—this band is always a treat to see live if you ever get the opportunity.

Never Let You Go: Third Eye Blind

Probably mentioned this before—but this is my favorite Third Eye Blind song. Not the big hit about meth heads that goes on at least one minute too long.

Bamboleo: Gipsy Kings

Supposedly there is an English version of this out there in the world but for my money—the Spanish version kicks ass!

Steal My Sunshine: Len

A perfect little cool down song from this one-hit wonder by from this group from Canada.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there and get your own workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists, Uncategorized March 20, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Featuring The Killers, Dear Rouge, P!nk, TLC and More!

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Raiding the iPod Classic” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

iPods — My collection of iPod Classics on my shabby-chic desk. You’re welcome!

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Coming up with a new playlist on a frequent basis is one of the most stressful parts of my job. When I started out I played everything I liked and figured my students would just learn to dig my eclectic tastes. Over time I have learned to tailor my workouts and playlist to a broader audience so that it is not always “the Margo show.” (Big lesson to new instructors out there—play the whole room!)

When my mind runs out of ideas for songs to play in class it is time to power up the four old iPod Classics that I will never throw away even though their collective battery power barely lasts an hour. The iPod classic is now something of a relic as it seems that the marketplace demands for electronics that serve multiple functions. Why have an iPod AND an iPhone? Just have your calendar, photos, email and music in one place makes life so much easier, right?

The thing is—I love the iPod classic because all it does for me is contain my audio files in one place. I have thousands of songs and podcasts waiting in one easy to scroll screen. (Hate touch screens for song shuffles!)

It never takes messages or runs out space because it only serves one function. When I groove around Brooklyn with my iPod, I enjoy my music without any beeps or dings or buzzes to remind me of text messages or retweets.

My mistake was that I used them solely and not CDs in my classes (which though they are old-timey contain THE best sound for music IMHO) which quickly wore the “classic” down (you can’t replace the battery in those Apple products!) I reckon I went through an iPod classic every two years which is expensive and wasteful.

Currently I have a collection of them in a drawer in my office. It’s the same drawer that holds the cat treats so whenever I take them out to recharge (which can be an overnight task for one of them) my Tuxedo cat goes nuts until I give her some “Greenies.”

I decided to take all four of them out and do some digging into past playlists with names like ‘If So Ride,” Classic Ride Climb” and the truly cringe-worthy “One Hit Wonder Ride” when I thought themed classes were going to be “my thing.” (Shuddering at my hubris right now—yeesh!)

However, in the middle of my “way too many 90s and white dudes songs” are some real gems that I completely forgot about and I went through and cherry picked a few to reintroduce to my classes. (Hence the name—the “Raiding the iPod Classic Ride.”)

Let me know what you think and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Tuesday Morning: The Pougues

This band is about as Irish as it gets which is always a good thing to me and this song in particular is so lush and enjoyable that it starts the ride off in a joyful place.

I Heard I Had: Dear Rouge

Once again—I am doing everything I can to make this Vancouver band break it big in America so I can see them live in New York. (I have your back Dear Rouge!)

Battleflag (Radio Edit): Lo Fidelity Allstars

This song was used a few times in the show ER in the 90s to very creepy effect (remember when Dr. Carter was stabbed by the schizophrenic in that crazy episode?!) There is also version and the real version with tons of MFs in it depending on the kind of room you teach.

I Will Wait: Mumford & Sons

I love how I Will Wait builds in energy (and banjos!) as it moves along.

Wishing it Was: Santana with Eagle-Eye Cherry

I use this one for a slow climb with heavy resistance and tell me students if they feel sexy listening to it—that’s totally okay. Then I enjoy watching them all sway their shoulders to the beat.

Lose Control: Missy Elliott and Ciara

Remember at that Super Bowl half time show that started with Katy Perry who was totally upstaged by Missy Elliott? Me too!

Spaceman: The Killers

For really fast sprints and intervals—you can hardly do better than this one from The Killers.

The Step and the Walk: The Duke Spirit

I loved this band SO much and have no idea what happened to them. Do any of you have an update?

South Side: Moby and Gwen Stefani

This song goes right into the dreamy pleasure center in my brain….

Paralyzer: Finger Eleven

Do you think the name of this band has a dirty double-meaning? Hmmmmmm…

No Scrubs: TLC

Not only is this song great because TLC sings it but also Kandi Burrus of the Real Housewives of Atlanta wrote it. (Love my Real Housewives…)

Raise Your Glass: P!nk

Found this one on one of the old iPods and it made me happy right away. The students today loved it as well!

Wish You Were Here: Radiohead

This version is so completely dope that is blows my mind every time I hear it. Hope it makes your day as well.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there and get your own workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Playlists March 1, 2016 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick “Ventura Highway” 50-Minute Workout Playlist Featuring: Foos, Eminem, Gaga and more

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Ventura Highway” (50 Minute-Ride)

50 Minute Playlist Including a Cool Version of "Ventura Highway" — 50 Minute Playlist Including a Cool Version of “Ventura Highway”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Whenever putting together a playlist for one of my classes I truly struggle with the warm-up song as it sets the tone for the workout. A few years ago I came across this amazing remix of America’s “Ventura Highway” and love to figure out new ways to introduce it to my classes.

So today’s playlist is a mixture of old and a new tunes designed to get you working out in a good mood.

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Ventura Highway: (Deepsky’s Blizzard in L.A. Remix) America

I love how it has a California/Trance kind of vibe to it and it always starts the class off in a trippy mood.

Shake it Off: Taylor Swift

Is there any more joyful song than this one by the woman who travels in squads? I am not into collecting friends like that but she sure knows how to write a hit!

Rumble & Sway: Jamie N Commons

This tune has a fun, bouncy swing to it that makes me happy.

Saint Cecelia: Foo Fighters

This song mixes two things I love—the name Cecelia (because I am an old-school Irish girl) and the Foo Fighters (because I am also a total rock chick.)

Spiderwebs: No Doubt

Does anyone else miss Gwen Stefani and the dudes from No Doubt? Their music was so damn great!

Once in a Lifetime: Talking Heads

When I take my students on a heavy climb in cycling classes or to do a series of lunges in bootcamp—I prefer a heavy song with a strong beat. This one from the Talking Heads does the job nicely. (I prefer the live version.)

Without Me: Eminem

The funny thing about Eminem is that he seemed so important at the time and that we would miss him when he took time off from his career. Not so much for me but I do love some of his music still.

Butterfly: Crazy Town

I love me some early 00s pop hits like Butterfly reminds me of my younger days.

Let Forever Be: The Chemical Brothers

For high intensity drills (HIITs) I like songs that have a powerful feel to them and The Chemical Brothers are masters of that stuff.

Tusk: Fleetwood Mac

In spin classes I love to guide at least one out of the saddle climb with heavy resistance and then finish with a run up the rest of the hill. “Tusk,” which has the U.S.C marching band propelling the music helps give it a majestic feel.

Poker Face: Lady Gaga

My favorite version of Lady Gaga is the edge dance diva and this is one of my favorite hits by her.

Use Me: Hootie & the Blowfish

For the final climb (or floorwork depending on the class) I like to out this Bill Wither’s classic on and ask the class to guess the band. It’s a hoot (pardon the silly pun) to watch them try to figure it out!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

I am a “dyed in the wool” city gal at my core but man do I love me some southern rock and this band always makes me smile.

That’s it for me this time. Now go out there and get your own workout in!

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Uncategorized December 23, 2015 by Margo Donohue

Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Featuring Eminem, The Weeknd, JR JR and More!

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BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“Gone” Playlist (50 Minute-Ride)

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How on earth did a whole month go by without me creating a new playlist? Sheesh! You know how it is—Thanksgiving shows up out of nowhere and the next thing you know there are gifts to buy, breads to bake and multiple holiday cards to send. It’s a wonder I was able to sneak one in this past week but I did just that (patting herself on the back.)

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Gone: JR JR

The band’s PR rep got in touch with me via my work for Fit Bottomed Girls where I am compiling a peppy/upbeat playlist to post sometime in January.

Those of you who actually know me would not exactly call me “peppy” (spastic, yes but not peppy.) However, this song just got under my skin and I decided to use it in classes this past weekend and everyone loved it. So there you go!

Welcome to Paradise: Green Day

For every class I teach I make sure the “second” song is a butt kicker to get everyone in gear and to really get their collective heartrates up. This song might just be a wee bit too fast but, so what? It works!

Mass Romantic: The New Pornographers

One of my favorite Canadian bands really cooks with this playful tune that has a jangly sound. (I like me some jangle!)

Adventure of a Lifetime: Coldplay

I know there are Coldplay haters that exist in the world but I don’t give a rat’s butt about any of them. They know how to craft music that will make you want to move and bop your head to the beat. #teamchrismartin

Lose Yourself: Eminem

True story—the gym’s stereo broke over this past weekend and I had to use a little boom box in a big room to teach my classes. That in and of itself was bad enough, but having to play this amazing song by Eminem with a low volume almost killed me! You need volume to really raise the roof with this one. (Truth)

The Wolf: Mumford & Sons

Thee is nary a banjo in this one from the British band that really rocks it out here.

2 Heads: Coleman Hell

Another Canadian (Thunder Bay, Ontario!) on my list and this one DOES indeed use a banjo with amazing results on his song here.

Can’t feel My Face: The Weeknd

ANOTHER Canadian (Toronto!) and this is his biggest hit in the U.S. so far. Just try to listen and move to the beat—it’s impossible!

Price Tag: Jessie J

I love this song because it mixes unbridled optimism with a fun /not-posh British accent.

Cannibal: Silversun Pickups

The Silversun Pickups write songs that are so hard charging and excellent that they are virtually all perfect for high speed sprints and intervals.

Please Don’t Leave Me: P!nk

Alecia Moore (P!nk’s real name!) writes some of the sweetest ear candy in the whole world and this romantic song always gets to me.

Time to Pretend: MGMT

Whatever happened to this band? Does anyone know?

Song for Someone: U2

Some people groused about getting a whole free album downloaded (for free!) into their iTunes accounts by one of the biggest bands of all time. (First world problems, people!) I on the other hand think it’s one of their best efforts and this song in particular is beautiful.