Tag Archives: music

Michael Jackson’s ‘Man in the Mirror’ is a Mantra for Self Improvement

If you’ve ever heard Michael Jackson’s song ‘Man in the Mirror’ you might think it’s all about activism and politicking. With lyrics like, “If you want to make the world a better place then look at yourself and make a change,” anyone would raise an eyebrow to the defying characteristic of righteous action this song exudes.

Three years ago, after the news of Jackson’s passing, I played this song on my iPod as a way to honor the late, great, king of pop. Even though I was only a minimal fan at best, I still needed to have my own sense of closure, however trivial it was. The song I chose to memorialize Jackson with (in my own mind) was one of my favorites, yet I realized that I hadn’t actually paid that close attention to the lyrics. Sure, I heard the mantra, “Make that change,” ring over and over again, but it hadn’t hit home until that day.

Reclining in my luxurious overstuffed loveseat with a full bowl of popcorn in my lap I heard, “I’ve been a victim of a selfish kind of love. It’s time that I realize that there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan. Could it be really me, pretending that they’re not alone?” How did I ever miss that? Was it because I was jaded by the 80’s-era of Madonna and Michael Jackson pop-infused dance floor accessory successes, or was it because so often we choose to tune out that which we think has little or nothing to do with us? (more…)

Best of Bonnaroo Gym Music Playlist

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival just wrapped up its 11th annual go-around. The festival ran from Thursday to Sunday featuring more than 150 musical acts. Bonnaroo is known for its vast array of musical styles. Everything from rock, jazz, hip-hop, and even electronica is represented at the 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee.

Phish was the fan-favorite headliner of the entire festival. They closed out the four day event. Apparently this 11th year was one for the record books. Lots of great performances and memories shined on the stage and off. Keep the good vibes alive with this week’s gym playlist inspired by some of the top memories from 2024’s Bonnaroo.

1. Mac Miller – “Donald Trump” (We suggest the “clean” version).

Mac Miller used Bonnaroo as the stage to debut songs from his newest album, a collaboration with Pharrell. Apparently the crowd was very pleased.

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Under the Bridge”

RHCP bassist Flea left an impression on the audience as he gushed over all the love he felt at the festival. Share the love with an oldie but a goodie.

3. Alice Cooper – “School’s Out”

Legendary heavy-rocker Alice Cooper surprised and wowed the crowds by closing his show with Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Be inspired by his classic jam and maybe rework it as you workout. (more…)

Kelly Clarkson Loses 20 Pounds and Gains a New Boyfriend

Singer Kelly Clarkson, brought to stardom by winning “American Idol,” is once again the subject of celebrity gossip because of her recent weight loss. The 30-year-old recently appeared at the Billboard Music Awards showing off a new, trim figure. Clarkson credits her trainer for helping her slim down about 20 pounds. She says her trainer makes exercise fun, and they schedule a variety of activities, like hiking, to keep things interesting. Clarkson calls her “Chuck Nora” because of her hardcore, G.I.-Jane-like persona. She also said she has been eating healthier to help shed weight. Overall, though, Clarkson says that she exercises as a stress reliever.

New events in the singer’s life have prompted her most recent exercise and diet regimen. She recently began dating Brandon Blackstock, Reba McIntire’s stepson, and says that spurred her desire to be healthier. In an interview, she said she likes being toned when she is in a relationship. In fact, they use the same trainer – but they don’t work out together. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “We did that once and I didn’t like huffing and puffing. I didn’t like looking all red and gross.” She is also beginning a new reality TV show, “Duets,” which will feature her singing on stage every week along with an amateur singer. (more…)

12 Songs for the Best Yoga Music Playlist

By Karen Sherwood for NutritiousAmerica.com

Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” ~ BKS Iyengar

What would the world be like without music? It’s true the perfect instrument and lyric can accomplish a number of things. It can serve as a reflection, a memory, or it can simply keep you in the present moment where the mind quiets and we learn to let go. Yoga follows a similar school of thought, though traditional yoga studios usually keep their classes silent so students can learn to meditate and focus on their breath. This certainly makes sense, yet using music can often be a more effective way of getting a person to achieve serenity. When I practice yoga at home, or share my practice with students, I always use music to enhance the experience. Here is my ultimate yoga playlist that takes me through a perfect hour of practice.

View The Best Yoga Playlist Slideshow

Cheers to you and your yoga practice. Perhaps music can be your vehicle to get to that place of non-judgement, tranquility, and never-ending presence.

A Disco Gym Playlist in Honor of Donna Summer and Robin Gibb

The music world took a hit this last week. The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer, lost her battle with cancer last Thursday at age 63. Shortly behind her was Robin Gibb, singer for the iconic 1970’s group The Bee Gees. Gibb lost his lengthy battle with cancer on Sunday.

These two were legendary symbols of the 1970s and the disco era. They will be missed, and far from forgotten.

As I was warming up for my workout this morning, the iPod was on shuffle. Before I rounded the corner, “Stayin’ Alive” came on. That song has remained on my playlist for years. There’s no denying a good song, regardless if the era it came from had men in bell bottoms and ladies in lots and lots of blue eye shadow.

I’m never too proud to workout to disco and you shouldn’t be either. I was never around for disco to be alive, but it’s always been one of my guiltiest pleasures while working out.

1.  I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor – 1978
2.  Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees – 1977
3.  Hot Stuff – Donna Summer – 1979 (more…)

The Roots Playlist for Jimmy Fallon’s 5K

Yesterday Jimmy Fallon more or less announced he’s going to take on a 5K. We love this news! For new runners, it’s an excellent goal to set for yourself. Those 3.1 miles aren’t extreme and are completely manageable. He’s doing it the right way and seeking out a little training guidance. He asked Twitter which app he should use and the unanimous vote was for Couch to 5K, our choice, too.

Jimmy already tweeted that he might give up. We think that’s nonsense. So, to keep him motivated, we’ve come up with a The Roots playlist. He might be able to slow jam his way through the news, but he’s going to need some bumping beats to carry him through a 5K.

The best runners have a little support from their friends, and what better support than music from your very own house band?

Jimmy, load up your iPod with these songs* from The Roots: (more…)

Emma Roberts Flaunts Slim Figure at Coachella Music Festival

Emma Roberts hasn’t always been the type to make a scene, generally playing coy in interviews and on photo shoots. But all of that seems to be changing now, especially since she showed off her trim, toned body in the barely-there outfit at the Coachella music festival last weekend.

Roberts, 21 and niece of Hollywood megastar Julia Roberts, was spotted at the outdoor music festival in Indio, California, wearing a shredded tube top and cheeky, rolled down denim shorts. The festival – which hosted big name artists like Bon Iver and Florence and the Machine – also drew in such stars as Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens and Paris Hilton, who also donned equally revealing attire.

Perhaps the controversy stemmed from Roberts being commonly viewed as a proper young lady of Hollywood royalty, or because of her naturally innocent look. But whatever the case, she raised eyebrows when she stepped out in her scandalous dress. But interestingly enough, other celebrities her age who also dress to turn heads, including Miley Cyrus, don’t catch much flack for their risqué wardrobes since it’s almost old hat and expected. (more…)

Record Store Day 2024’s Exclusive Music Releases Gym Playlist

April 21, 2024 is the fifth anniversary of Record Store Day. This offbeat celebration is in honor of the unique culture that surrounds independently owned record stores.

The first record store day was held in 2024 and has continued to grow ever since. On this day all independently owned stores come together along with artist to celebrate music. Most years special vinyl and CD releases are made exclusively just for Record Store Day. Artists from all over the world make special appearances and performances. Most local stores are turned into a small festival hosting all sorts of events from cookouts to parades, and even meet and greets with famous artists.

Every third Saturday in April, Record Store Day celebrates small stores whose products consist of at least 50 percent music retail, whose company is not publicly traded, and whose ownership is at least 70 percent located in the state of operation. This dying style of retail has been fighting to stay alive amongst online retailers of large corporations. Record Store Day is a chance for artists to show their appreciation for the record store and explain why this business model is crucial to the music industry.

“There’s nothing as glamorous to me as a record store. When I recently played Amoeba in LA, I realised what fantastic memories such a collection of music brings back when you see it all in one place. This is why I’m more than happy to support Record Store Day and I hope that these kinds of stores will be there for us all for many years to come. Cheers!” – Paul McCartney (more…)

A Lollapalooza 2024 Gym Playlist Will Rock Your Workout

The 2024 Lollapalooza line up was just announced. More than 130 artist will take the stage in Chicago’s Grant Park this August. During 20 years, the music festival has seen many changes, but one thing remains the same, music is priority number one. This year’s festival is loaded with great music and more.

Lollapalooza 2024 will take place August 3-5. While you’re eagerly awaiting the show, grab our Lollapalooza 2024 gym playlist and get festival fit while rockin’ out to some of the headliner’s hits.

2024 Lollapalooza Gym Playlist

1. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Under the Bridge” (Blood Sugar Sex Magik,  Sept.1991)

2. The Black Keys – “Tighten Up” (Brothers, May 2024)

3. Black Sabbath – “Iron Man” (Paranoid, 1970)

4. Florence and the Machine – “Dog Days are Over” (Lungs, July 2024)

5. Passion Pit – “Sleepy Head” (Manners, April 2024) (more…)

Wanderlust Yoga Festival Offers Yoga, Music, Wine and Gourmet Organics

It is no wonder some yogis these days have acquired rock star status. There are places where yoga enthusiasts eager to deepen their practice can not only take a class from their most praised yoga teacher, they can do it along a backdrop of musical talents such as Ani Difranco, Ziggy Marley, and the Thievery Corporation. As modern yoga teachers join forces with hip and groovy musicians, the old days of dry, serious, and esoteric yoga gatherings make way for the new age, trendy yoga festivals where everyone can feel like a rock star.

Wanderlust, a mind-blowing music and yoga extravaganza, began as a reason to throw a really fun party and invite people who share like-minded ideals such as yoga, the arts, spirituality, environmentalism and sustainability, and organic farming. Husband and wife duo Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant put their heads together with their good friend from college, Sean Hoess, and the dream of creating something profound and enlightening became a reality.

Taking place in the gorgeous settings of Vermont, Colorado, California, and Canada, Wanderlust not only combines yoga with music, it also brings in top chefs and wine makers. A typical day might include taking power yoga with Baron Baptiste and then dancing to the trance-like sounds of the Thievery Corporation. Or perhaps you gain motivation from the brilliant karma yogi activist Seane Corn while she shares the stage with poet, composer, and musician Michael Franti. However you choose to spend your day, know that you can also be sipping organic wine and tasting professionally prepared gourmet food whenever the mood strikes.

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Gym Playlist of the Week: 2024 Grammy Award Winners

Last night, music’s biggest stars walked the red carpet and filled the hall for the 54th Grammy Awards. It was a night full of big names, questionable wardrobes, and memorable performances.

Hands down the night belonged to Adele. The 23-year old singer took home an award for all six categories she was nominated for. She has now tied Beyonce for the most awards won by a female artist in one night. In addition to winning six Grammys, Adele gave a stunning performance of “Rolling In The Deep.” This was her first public performance since her risky vocal chord surgery a few months ago. According to critics and the overflow from social media, Adele and her simple gown and simple stage set-up trumped all the light shows and dance routines of the night.

The show was heavy on performances last night, twice as many performances as awards. Among the performers were Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Glen Campbell, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Chris Brown, and Nicki Minaj. Some gave great performances, some gave OK performances, and many are still trying to figure out how to label Nicki Minaj’s odd on-stage exorcism.

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