Me against the music

I was reading an article in the New York Times today about which music to listen to when you're exercising. Apparently, there is a scientific reason why some music is better to exercise to than others:

Generally speaking there is a science to choosing an effective exercise soundtrack, said Dr. Costas Karageorghis, an associate professor of sport psychology at Brunel University in England, who has studied the effects of music on physical performance for 20 years..

One of the most important elements, Dr. Karageorghis found, is a song’s tempo, which should be between 120 and 140 beats-per-minute, or B.P.M. That pace coincides with the range of most commercial dance music, and many rock songs are near that range, which leads people to develop “an aesthetic appreciation for that tempo,” he said. It also roughly corresponds to the average person’s heart rate during a routine workout — say, 20 minutes on an elliptical trainer by a person who is more casual exerciser than fitness warrior.

Dr. Karageorghis said “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg are around that range, as is the dance remix of “Umbrella” by Rihanna... For a high-intensity workout like a hard run, he suggested Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On.”

I got to thinking about my own choice of exercise music and here's a list my favourite tracks to sweat along with while on the cross trainer:

Charlotte Church Crazy Chick - this has the perfect tempo and rhythmn for me. It's also a bit badass so it gets the adrenalin pumping!

Girls Aloud Love Machine - more flirty girly sass

Madonna Ray of Light - I like to wig out to this one

John Paul Young Love is in the Air - it all gets a bit disco down at the gym sometimes..

Mylène Farmer Peut-être toi - Mylène's dance remixes are perfect for working out

Sheila B. Devotion Spacer - I used this one for a mellow warm up or cool down

Britney Spear Gimme More - for those moments when I get a bit bump 'n grindy on the cross trainer. Hey, there are some cute guys at my gym!