Music Videos for the Elliptical

Last 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.)

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?