Music Videos for the Elliptical

June 27, 2007     Posted in Body, Buzz

girl exercisingLast summer, thanks to my posh hometown gym, I got into the habit of watching television while working out on the elliptical. MTV reality shows, mostly. But then I returned to school and found that music alone just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. Without a visual distraction, my daily cardio was just too boring. And when I read magazines I slowed way down. So I spent the fall semester gaining weight and asked my parents to upgrade me to a video iPod for Christmas. That video iPod revolutionized my gym experience. (And I’m pleased to report that by extension, it also revolutionized my butt and thighs.)

2

Now that I’m home again, I can once again enjoy the luxury that is a personal television on each piece of cardio equipment. But now I’ve discovered that I don’t push myself as hard when I’m watching My Super Sweet 16 as when I’m rocking out to my music videos.

If you have a video iPod, I wholeheartedly recommend the following music videos, all of which are available on iTunes, to energize you on the elliptical or stationary bike. (After a terrifying experience that nearly spelled the end for my iPod, I cannot recommend watching videos on the treadmill unless your headphones have an exceptionally long cord.)

“Fergalicious” – Fergie

I like to start with this video because of the line, “I be up in the gym just working on my fitness.”

“Don’t Cha” (Busta Version) – The Pussycat Dolls

Not every video is good cardio material. First, I look for a quick, catchy beat.

“Promiscuous” – Nelly Furtado

Videos featuring the extremely toned bodies of female pop stars can be very motivating.

“Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira

If a video makes you want to dance, it’s probably a good choice.

“I’m a Slave 4 U” – Britney Spears

I love this video because I can lie to myself— Hey, I’m dripping in sweat, too. Maybe I also look really sexy!

“Wait a Minute” – The Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls are pretty much my cardio go-to girls. That weird, pseudo-girl-power thing is key.

“My Love” – Justin Timberlake

Obviously this playlist wouldn’t be complete without some JT.

“Girlfriend” – Avril Lavigne

I always pick up my pace when this video comes on.

“Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast in America” – Gym Class Heroes

Sometimes you need to take a break from coveting sexy girl bodies to lust after some boy eye-candy. And Travis (the lead singer) is definitely delicious.

“The Queen and I” – Gym Class Heroes

More eye-candy. When the camera zooms in on Travis’s profile near the end of this video, I have to cling extra tightly to the elliptical so I don’t fall off. Mmm, those lips make me weak in the knees…

“Lip Gloss” – Lil Mama

Um…I don’t know how to justify this pick. It’s kind of funny, though.

“Boyfriend” – Ashlee Simpson

Yeah, I just really like Ashlee Simpson. What can I say?

2 Comments on "Music Videos for the Elliptical"
  1. Jessica says:
    Wed, 27th Jun 200710:49 am 

    Woo! Awesome tips. I totally agree that music videos help tighten my butt. If only I could afford the video Ipod…

  2. bruce buchanan says:
    Tue, 3rd Jul 20079:32 am 

    no under 18's on the net ever

Tell us what you're thinking...