Playlist panic

Hummingbird

(a morning hummingbird!)

Crazy things happen at work. Hilarious things are said in the locker room -my friend Michele said the highlight of her day is cracking me up, which happens often- schedules change (we have a set schedule but could end up teaching anything at a second’s notice. I’ve gone in before and found out that nothing on my original schedule was what I’d be teaching that day- definitely keeps you on your toes!), and snafus occur. Many of them are seamless (as in no one would notice, and when you’re an instructor, you’re usually good at a little improvisation), but some can rattle you up. Like when I went out to teach the pool class, plugged in my iPod and my pool playlist.. gone. It disappeared.

I blame updating my iPod on my new computer, and think it got rid of some stuff. I was horrified. I started the “purchased” playlist, said a prayer that nothing explicit would come on (mama likes some rap music) and went for it. I asked my assistant (who knows every song ever made) if he would mind changing it if something weird, like Michael Buble Christmas, came on. Pool classes already stress me out a little -it’s a newer class mode for me- and the playlist (or lack of playlist) was not my fave way to start a class. Thank goodness it was appropriate and ended up fitting the class pretty well, sine I usually download workout-friendly jams.

I told the Pilot about it and he immediately said, “these kind of things made you a better person. It happens, it sucks, and then you’re better for it. And then there’s Gina talking about how awful it was and hangs her head.”

I can be dramatic. At least he understands me 😉

Speaking of playlists, I came across this while browsing Pinterest last night:

100 best workout songs:

NewImageSource

Some of the songs I totally agree with:

-Club Can’t Handle Me (it will never get old)

-Only Girl (Rihanna)

-Sweet Disposition

-We Speak No Americano

And some of the songs, I’d be happy to live the rest of my life without hearing again, like:

-California Girls (though I do enjoy the Kardashian parody version)

-Bulletproof and

-Telephone

If you had to pick your top 5 BEST workout songs ever, what would they be?

Mine:

1. “Fuel” by Metallica

2. “Explosive” by Bond

3. “Stronger” Kanye West

4. “Tamacun” Rodrigo y Gabriela

5. “Barracuda” by Heart

Interesting mix, eh?

Some eats:

Smoothie

Yesterday’s #smoothieaday ended up being more like a protein ice cream, because I added some ice cream to it. Evilly delicious.

-1 C frozen organic cherries

-1 scoop Sun Warrior

-1 hefty scoop of chocolate coconut milk ice cream

-1.5 C almond milk

This morning’s work snacks:

Snacks

An apple, the almond butter jar and leftover’s from last night’s dinner.

All I did was sautee some onion and mushrooms, added a splash of balsamic,

turkey sausage, oregano, thyme, minced garlic

Veg and sausage

and some homemade a la jar sauce. Topped some zucchini pasta with the mixture:

Pasta

and even though I had stuffed my face after work, I was still hungry after dinner, so I had an almond butter and jelly sandwich before bed 😉

The Pilot’s dinner:

Pizza

Pizza on the grill.

I’m off to work- buff booty and Zumba today.

Hope you have a very happy almost-Friday <3

xoxo

Gina

*My wavy hair how-to is on the Fashion page 🙂

Head’s up: This week’s OpenSky deal is something I’ve been using in at-home workouts for the past couple of weeks. You can get a Pilates reformer-style workout for about the price of one class. Check it out here if you’d like!

Something to think:

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71 Comments

  1. Suzi @ Confessions of a Fitness Instructor on May 31, 2012 at 11:25 am

    I totally agree with Club Can’t Handle Me. I recently just brought it back into rotation as my Zumba warm-up. I thought people would be sick of it by now but they still cheer and “woop!” when it comes on, lol

  2. Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat on May 31, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I’ve experienced similar playlist panic in the past! Although it was no one’s fault but my own…. I have my iTunes set so that it only syncs playlists that I choose to my iPod, and after creating a new playlist for my spin class one night, I forgot to tick the box for that list. I turned up at the gym the next morning and (not surprisingly) no new music! I went back to an older one instead, but I was definitely panicking at the time because I had a different workout in my head!

  3. Abby @ Change of Pace on May 31, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Yikes- that would be panic-inducing! Are you feeling more comfortable in the water?
    Thanks for some of the music ideas. I rarely update my iPod but am in need of one, so I’ll take some of your tunes!
    And, I think I’m making pizza tonight after seeing that glorious one on the grill!

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 8:31 pm

      not yet but i’m working on it 😉

  4. Anu on May 31, 2012 at 11:36 am

    5 fave workout songs: 1) stronger (kanye); 2) lose yourself (eminem); 3) international love (pitbull); 4) all of the lights (kanye/rihanna); 5) show goes on (lupe fiasco)

    i’ll definitely be checking out the tunes on your list. thanks!

  5. Lindsey on May 31, 2012 at 11:38 am

    Love that quote! I just shared it via Twitter 🙂 My favorite two workout songs are Stronger – Kayne West, and Poker Face, Lady Gaga.

  6. Heather @ For the Love of Kale on May 31, 2012 at 11:43 am

    Awesome playlist! I always love your music, Gina! My current top faves are: 1.) JLO – Dance Again 2.) Justin Bieber – Boyfriend 3.) Tegan & Sara – Bodywork 4.) Afrojack – Take over Control 5.) ANYTHING KE$HA (forever obsessed) Love that quote so much! Found it on Pinterest last fall and repeat it myself on a weekly basis. 🙂

  7. Hillary on May 31, 2012 at 11:44 am

    I sympathize with the playlist thing. As a teacher, I always need to be on my toes because anything can go awry at any given moment. My kids got to do a little improv-workshop a few weeks ago, and I jumped in for a session. They were super impressed with my improv skills and asked if I had ever done anything like that before. My response? “I’m a teacher. My entire JOB is improv!” I’m only half-kidding ; )

  8. Allywan on May 31, 2012 at 11:51 am

    5 best workout songs

    The Pretender- Foo Fighters
    Poser – N.E.R.D
    Run the World- Beyonce
    PYT – Michael Jackson
    Control- Janet Jackson

  9. Shelley on May 31, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    I’m totally going to steal your dinner idea! Looks delish!

    Also, I have to have good music to run to, or else I won’t do it. Lately, I’ve been loving:
    Your Love – The Outfield
    All the Things She Said – t.A.T.u.
    I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness
    Jump (For My Love) – Pointer Sisters

    Totally cheesy, I know, but I was getting sick of all my rap!

    • Kelly on May 31, 2012 at 4:27 pm

      Haha! I just downloaded Jump for my running list too.

  10. Shelley on May 31, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Oh, one more thing: When I first saw the quote at the bottom, I thought it said, “Work for a cause, not for APPLESAUCE.” Lol – I think I need a cup of coffee!

    • Ana on May 31, 2012 at 3:21 pm

      Hahahaha!! that is too funny!!
      I love that phrase, it is awesome!
      Ana

  11. Faith @ For the Health of It on May 31, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    Not gonna lie, I love La Roux’s Bulletproof. So stinking catchy. I actually prefer really wordy songs so I can get lost in the lyrics on my runs – Rise Against and Shinedown are awesome for that!

  12. Anna @ The Guiltless Life on May 31, 2012 at 12:16 pm

    Love that quote! There are definitely a few workout song staples that are always played, class after class, that I could do without. I am quickly getting sick of Sexy and I Know It, for example…

  13. Liz @ Tip Top Shape on May 31, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    I would have been freaking out with that playlist snafu! I’m happy to hear it all worked out for you!

  14. Becki on May 31, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    I totally agree with “Stronger” by Kanye West. My all time favorite workout song. Really pushes you!:)
    I’ve got a question/suggestion:
    Could you do a post on your favorite inner thigh moves?
    They are soo hard to target and i’m running out of effective moves.
    Would love that. <3

  15. Averie @ Averie Cooks on May 31, 2012 at 12:26 pm

    Nothing like a “smooth” day at work, eh? ! Ugh! But you handled it like a champ!

    And I agree, Barracuda is a pretty rockin’ track. Heart. The memories! Love them!

  16. Annette @ FitnessPerks on May 31, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    You’re right, those moments as a teacher are what make us BETTER! 🙂 Yesterday my mic wouldn’t work….so I tried it without a mic (And yelling), and then decided to fiddle with it for a few minutes. And it worked fine after that! Staying on our toes is what keeps us young and alive!

    Have fun in Zumba! I teach again tonight too. Love to shake it 🙂

  17. nicole on May 31, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    Hi Gina, I’ve been *trying* to get into the smoothie a day but I can’t quite seem to get the texture down. Mine taste gritty, like maybe too much protein powder. Any suggestions?

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      it might be the type of powder you’re using! what kind are you putting in your smoothies?

      • nicole on June 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm

        Sun warrior, I bought it from OpenSky when it was on special. =)

        • Fitnessista on June 1, 2012 at 12:27 pm

          and you don’t like the texture?? that’s the least grainy one i’ve tried, so i don’t have any ideas :/ i heard jay robb was silky too, so maybe that might be a good one to try?

          • nicole on June 2, 2012 at 4:53 pm

            I added a 1/2 banana and that helped, I may just be putting too much in. Thanks! 😀



  18. Kristen on May 31, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I tried your waves this morning. I LOVE this look. And it was so easy. I wasn’t sure how it would do with my shoulder length hair but it worked! My hubby called me sexy… So it’s a win!

    When you mentioned that Chalean was your girl crush it reminded me…just the other day some friends and I were talking about “girl crushes.” Most of them picked major celebrities (although Jessica Alba is my style crush) As far as all around girl crush, I totally picked YOU! You are so inspirational, level headed, hard worker, fantastic mommy, a loving wife and just a really great role model. I always read your posts and take something away from them! If I have a question about fitness or baby stuff I often look for it on your blog before I look anywhere else and it usually gives me an idea of what I’m looking for. I told my friends this and they were very intrigued so I’m pretty sure you have some new readers!!
    So there you go, you are my girl crush…it’s out! Haha

    • Kristen on May 31, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      *Chalene…oops…you know who I meant

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 3:39 pm

      jessica alba is my style crush too.
      and you are a sweetheart- thank you for making my day 🙂
      xoxo

  19. Madison @ Pilates Makes You Happy on May 31, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    This is my hidden hipster coming out but anything by Vampire Weekend, Phoenix or Franz Ferdinand = awesome workout music.

  20. Andreina on May 31, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    So many good songs out there but if I have to pick up only five these are the ones I can thonk about right now:

    1) Mr Brightside by The Killers

    2) Wild Ones by Florida

    3) Let´s get loud by JLo

    4) Stereo Love by Edward Maya and Mia Martina

    5) Dance Again by JLo

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 3:39 pm

      i love wild ones, too! 🙂

  21. Tia @ Veggies and Pearls on May 31, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    “4. “Tamacun” Rodrigo y Gabriela
    5. “Barracuda” by Heart”

    YES. Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Classic Rock dominate my workout playlists.

  22. Catalina @ Cake with Love on May 31, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    Now I am listening to Snoop Dogg – I just wanna make you sweat, it really makes me want to work hareder 🙂 and Jennifer Lopez – Dance, also Eva Simons – Take over control!

  23. Katie on May 31, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    I <3 anything Metallica!!! (And Pitbull. Those two probably take up most of the songs on my iPod). Not to mention, James Hetfield and Pitbull are super sexy!

  24. Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola on May 31, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Ugh I just updated my phone and the same thing happened- my playlist just disappeared! It wasn’t a big deal for me, but I like to have a playlist for my nap on public transportation (weird, I know) and all of the sudden I woke up to Christmas songs this morning! Thanks for all the new music- I’m excited to download some of your faves. I feel the same way about Kanye’s Stronger- it seriously pumps me up!!

  25. Laura is Undeterrable on May 31, 2012 at 1:08 pm

    We all know that stuff happens when instructing classes. It’s how the instructor deals with it that makes an impression. It sounds like you laughed it off and made it work – that was totally the right thing to do! Glad it all worked out!

  26. Talia @ Bite Size Wellness on May 31, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    I’m seeing a lot of people talk about cherries…I am jealous and need to get my hands on some!
    Your pizza on the grill looks soooo good. I get teased by everyone else’s BBQ pics while I keep using the good ‘ol Foreman!

  27. Jill @ Classy with a Kick on May 31, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Have you tried Spotify yet? I LOVE making random playlists on it and you don’t have to pay for each song! You do have to have an internet connection or run it through your phone if you use the app. It’s so worth it because you can listen to things you may not necessarily want to OWN. Grooveshark is good too, but they don’t have a good mobile app. Just an idea! 🙂

  28. Laura @ She Eats Well on May 31, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    I am pumped to download your top workout songs…I only have 1 of them on my playlist. Agree with songs you’d never want to hear again.

    Your dinner looks yummy and protein filled. The pilot’s looks amazing too…

  29. Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana on May 31, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    That pizza looks so yummy!! Is that just a regular pizza stone on the grill?

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 3:37 pm

      yep! we just kept the temp a little lower

  30. Ana on May 31, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    That phrase at the end of the post is awesome, I loved it!!! So much that I printed it out and stuck in my fridge door, thanks for sharing!!
    Ana

  31. Kyra on May 31, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    BOB by Outkast makes me sprint!!!!!!

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 8:31 pm

      loooove for sprints!

  32. Kris on May 31, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    I need some new music! Will have to look at everyone’s suggestion. Here’s the link for that article http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/music/popular-playlists/100-best-workout-songs/

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 4:01 pm

      changed it- thank you!

  33. Melissa (Better Fit) on May 31, 2012 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks for the hair video! I’ve been out of the country for a couple of weeks and just realised I have a wedding this weekend, so I’ll definitely give it a watch for some inspiration. Unfortunately my natural curls limit me somewhat, but I do find a curling wand helps to relax them.

    That’s too bad about your play list!! That would definitely throw me! I’ve been missing equipment before for personal training and it totally puts me on super alert adrenaline mode. Good thing the play list worked out well! 🙂

  34. jen hurley on May 31, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    I LOVE that Baracudda is one of your favorites….I get chills when Ann Heart says “Ooooohhhh..Baracudda!!” (or is that the other Heart sister?? Either way, LOVE IT!)

    Top 5:
    1. Wild Ones – Flo Rida
    2. Pause – Pitbull
    3. Telephone – Gaga
    4. On the floor – J Lo & Pitbull
    5. Gimme Dat – Ciara

    Or anything Paramore on a run…perfect tempo.

  35. Danielle on May 31, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Love your food for the day. I will have to try the smoothie and your dinner recipe. Both look great!

  36. Abby on May 31, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    That smoothie looks/ sounds delish! how are the nutrition stats for the coconut ice cream?

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 8:33 pm

      they’re ok- it’s sweetened with sugar, so it’s definitely a treat

  37. Sarah on May 31, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    Hello! I also live in Tucson and I’m desperately in need of a good zumba class. I have yet to found a instructor I like, do you have any recommendations for the area?!?!

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 10:47 pm

      YES! take melissa or darlene’s zumba class at platinum fitness (darlene is injured right now so she’s recovering) on oracle and ina. OR if you’re closer to downtown, take cameron and garrett’s zumba at breakout studios on 4th ave

  38. jaclyn on May 31, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    I would love it if you posted your pool class routine!!

  39. Brittany @ Eating Bird Food on May 31, 2012 at 10:40 pm

    I really need to change up my workout playlist. Recently I’ve just been listening to the hip-hop station on Pandora. Rap music is definitely my favorite for working out.

    I’m sad smoothieaday May is over tomorrow. I slacked off during the middle of the month but finished strong with three green smoothies this week. 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 10:45 pm

      whoo hoo! i slacked a few days too 😉

  40. Ashley on May 31, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    That pizza looks insanely good!

  41. Katie on May 31, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    Hi Gina! I love your blog! I seriously check it out daily and your life seems amazing.
    I just heard this new song and it made me think of your family so I thought I’d share in case you haven’t heard of it. It’s called Military Man by Jessie James.

    You inspire me every single day! 🙂

    • Fitnessista on May 31, 2012 at 11:32 pm

      hi lovely! thank you so much for reading <3
      off to listen to that song now! thank you for telling me about it.
      xoxo

  42. Julie on June 1, 2012 at 12:55 am

    I love California Girls, a tricep track. A lot of my favorite workout songs are from my weight-lifting class.

  43. Alexis on June 1, 2012 at 3:06 am

    So I’m just catching up on posts and saw you just bought a Mac. I just had to have a nerd moment and tell you… Return ASAP before your 14 days are up! Not because they aren’t the absolute best, but because the new MacBook Pro comes out next month. That means that for the price you paid you could get farrrr more than you got (faster processor, better screen, larger memory, etc). Also, if you’re fine with the old version, aka the one you just paid full price for, they’ll drop in price!

    I hate to butt in but my pilot loves tech toys and he’s been watching this for awhile and while my old MacBook is nearly dead, I’m confident that it’s worth holding out. Any. Day. Now.

    • Alexis on June 1, 2012 at 3:07 am

      Also curious as to why you didn’t buy it from the NEX? No tax!

  44. Ali on June 1, 2012 at 3:28 am

    Favorite workout song right now is definitely Wild Ones. Every time is comes on in the dance class at my gym I just get a smile on my face. That song seems to make me happy no matter what I’m doing…..I’ve probably heard it a million times and I’m STILL not tired of it 🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2012 at 11:50 am

      i won’t get tired of it, either. used it for warm-up yesterday and it still pumped me up 🙂

  45. Jessy (squeezetheday) on June 1, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Thank you for recommending “Explosive” by Bond, love it!

  46. Sarah on June 1, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Totally random, but came across this song on another blog—immediately thought about you! Thought you might like it for a warm up, or cool down song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JscMwXGKlqk

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2012 at 11:38 am

      i love it… downloading now to use for stretch! thank you 🙂

  47. Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food on June 1, 2012 at 11:02 am

    For Jazzercise, we get evaluated once a year. The very first time was evaluated (I had only been an instructor for two months), I loaded my pre-made class on my iPod (it has to be a specific amount of time and follow a specific format) and started my class. I got through my warm-up song and then nothing played after that. My playlist didn’t upload! I had a CD in my car that I had burned a class onto, so I just had to run out and throw that in…I had no idea what songs were on it and what order they were in! In the end, I passed my evaluation, but it was very stressful!!

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2012 at 11:35 am

      oh noooooooo!! that’s amazing you made it through!

  48. Shayna on June 1, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Right now, my 5 fave workout songs are:

    Danza Kuduro – Don Omar & Lorenzo
    Mariah – Juan Magan
    Shake it out – Florence & The Machine
    So Good – B.o.B.
    Anything by Prince (how is that beautiful beautiful man not aging? My husband doesn’t get the obsession, but Prince is supa-sexy to me)

    Although, it’s hard to narrow it down, I switch up my iPod all the time 🙂

    • Fitnessista on June 1, 2012 at 11:35 am

      oh i love danza kuduro- not sick of that one, either!!
      i’ll have to download the b.o.b song 🙂

  49. Lauren T on June 1, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Five of my top work out songs are:
    Run the World-Beyonce (my dance club group at the University of Iowa where I go to school performed a hip hop dance to this song, and it always gets me pumped up and ready to work out…or dance :))
    Pump It-Black Eyed Peas (awesome abs song!)
    Runaway Baby-Bruno Mars (good cardio song)
    Amphetamine-Everclear (good weights song)
    and I totally agree that Club Can’t Handle Me is a great work out song too!!!

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