I am a chronic list-maker, whether I have to make a difficult decision or not.  Lists help me organize my thoughts and remember important facts and details that I need for later.  However, there are some things that I would rather forget and that’s what this week’s showdown concerns.

Nary has there every been a time in fashion when everyone looked so confused.  In one city block you can walk past an early 90’s blazer, liquid leggings a la the 80’s, gorgeous leather oxfords from the 40’s, a dress from sometime in the future, and a million other things that make me wish for an unlimited platinum credit card.  I love it.

What I don’t love is an outfit which looks like an advertisement for Skanks-R-Us or some strange, preppy love child of Hot Topic.  In my book, the two worst offenders are Lady GaGa and Katy Perry.  That is, when they’re wearing clothes.  And it seems clothing (or the lack there of) is the least of their problems… Read More »

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. Read More »

Gym Class Heroes: “The Queen and I”

From the album As Cruel as School Children. Download it here.