Music goes a long way with motivating me (and most others) to work out. I can't imagine running, teaching Spinning class or even lifting weights without some good tunes to keep my mood and energy levels high.

When I teach classes, music takes center stage—especially in Spinning. I take a lot of time to create a good playlist and craft a class that follows the speed, beat and mood of the music itself. Most classes I've been to don't do this—and I think that's a disservice to the students who are usually paying a decent amount of money to attend. So I'm going to share a few of my own Spinning playlists with you!

Now you don't have to do Spinning to use it. I give a general idea of how to match your movement ("What To Do" using speed and incline/resistance cues) to the music—whether you're on a treadmill, stationary bike, stair-climber or even an elliptical. Match "what to do" with the "Intensity on scale of 1-10" (10 being the hardest you could possibly work). If you have a heart rate monitor, those levels will correspond (for example 8 out of 10 = 80% heart rate). But even if you don't follow this sample workout, these are some great tunes to take to the gym.

*Please note that this sample workout is for the intermediate to advanced exerciser. Adjust the time and intensity to suit your fitness level and needs.

(Time) Artist – Song Title
What to do
Intensity on scale of 1-10

(6:07) Imogen Heap - Hide & Seek (Morgan Page Micro House Mix)
Warm-Up
Reach 6 to 6.5 by end of song

(7:49) BT - Never Gonna Come Back Down
Increase incline/resistance every minute
Start at 7, Reach 8.5 by end of song

(5:05) Outkast – B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad)
Recovery (R) / Sprint (S) Intervals: R 55 sec, S 35 sec, R40 sec, S 50 sec, R 60 sec, S 60 sec
Recover to 7, Sprint to 9

(3:16) OK Go - Get Over It
Moderate Intensity with Short Bursts at Chorus (3 total)
Moderate 7, Reach 8 during Bursts

(5:08) My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade
Increase incline/resistance every minute
Start at 7, Reach 8.5 by end of song

(4:47) Daft Punk - Digital Love
Recovery/Easy Song
6 to 7

(4:04) Hi-Track - Say, Say, Say
Increase speed/pace
7 to 7.5

(5:45)New Radicals - Mother We Just Can't Get Enough
Moderate Intensity with Short Bursts at Chorus (4 total)
Start at 7, Reach 8 during Bursts

(2:47) Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Recovery (R) / Sprint (S) Intervals: R 10 sec, S 35 sec, R 25 sec, S 45 sec, R 25 sec, S 30 sec
Recover to 7, Sprint to 9

(5:59)The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
Increase incline/resistance every minute
Start at 7, Reach 8.5 by end of song

(2:18) Dropkick Murphys – I'm Shipping Up to Boston
All Out Effort!
Sustain 8 to 8.5 for entire song

(5:30) Madonna - Get Together
Cool Down
Reach 6 or lower

(3:35) Thievery Corporation - Shadows of Ourselves
Stretch
1 to 2

And you're done! Enjoy!

http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/music.html