Spruce Up Your Workout Playlist

Nothing says Happy New Year like dusting off your old gym bag and setting foot inside that place where (sorry, Norm) everybody might not know your name. Sometimes simple things like going to the gym with a new killer workout playlist is all it takes to get excited and motivated about getting back into shape.  Come on, Sprucers, let's start 2010 off healthy and gorgeous!

Click on the "read more" link below to find the entire playlist and song descriptions.

(Most songs are available on iTunes.  Please note that a few of the songs are not suitable for children. Please e-mail spruce.report@gmail.com with any questions)

1. The Girl and The Robot (Royksopp feat. Robyn)  

Not only do I love Royksopp because they hail from northern Norway, but the duo also produces killer songs that are marvelous to dance to. Adding the uber-talented Robyn on this track is the cherry on top. This is definitely one of my current favorites.

2. Whyyawannabringmedown (Kelly Clarkson)

Clarkson's most recent release "All I Ever Wanted" is full of pop hits, but this high-energy track is a total standout. While the first true American Idol's voice is as strong as ever, gone is Clarkson's trademark power-ballad voice, and in is an edgier, raspier rocker voice. When she asks the guy in this song why he "wants to bring me down," I can't help but feel her aggression...perfect for the gym!

3. Brainwashed (Ultraviolet Sound)

Watch out for Ultraviolet Sound in the coming years, because I think they'll be huge. Brainwashed has a great beat and a pretty positive message for a dance track. Apparently, cheerleaders across America love using it in their routines. Bring it!

4. The Pretender (Foo Fighters)

An awesome workout song. It starts off slow, but don’t be fooled. The Foo Fighters can do no wrong.

5. Gimme More - Paul Oakenfold Remix (Britney Spears)

An excellent release from Ms. Spears is made even better by the dance master Mr. Paul Oakenfold. I never get tired of this song, and it gets my energy up whenever I need a kick.

6. 'Till I Collapse (Eminem & Nate Dogg)

While Eminem's huge hit "Lose Yourself" topped this song on the charts, I always preferred "Till I Collapse" as my go-to motivational song. Seriously, the beat, the lyrics (not child-appropriate, I might add) just get me pumped. Plus, the song's nearly five minutes long, so once it's over, a small chunk of my workout is complete. You can't have a workout playlist without this must-have in your collection.

7. Take It Off (Ke$ha)

Ke$ha is a new artist, and it's always nice to include a few “fresh” tracks, so the playlist doesn’t sound tired. I sometimes like to envision myself in the club that Ke$ha describes in this song. I've always wanted to go someplace where they go hardcore and there's glitter on the floor...

8. B.O.B. (Outkast)

B.O.B., Bombs Over Baghdad, is simply a masterpiece. The bouncing beat and fast-paced lyrical delivery from both Dre and Big Boi is just perfect for upping your energy while working out. This song, written prior to 2001, was written when Dre heard an anchor on a local newscast talk about the effects of the Gulf War and “bombs over Baghdad.” When you analyze the lyrics, the song isn’t so much about a war or dropping bombs, but it’s more about following through on your actions and finishing what you’ve started.

9. Friday (Daniel Bedingfield)

I miss Daniel Bedingfield. He made some great dance songs, and he needs to come out with more! “Friday” is all about him waiting for his girlfriend to come home. Bedingfield just does not know what to do with himself until his beloved returns, but his suffering is our entertainment.

10. Magnetic Baby (Semi Precious Weapons)

This is another song that is not kid-friendly, but it sure is workout-friendly! The ultra-glam lead singer, Justin Tranter, has been known to say that most of Semi Precious Weapons’ songs are all about how amazing he is, and, well, this song is no exception. What makes "Magnetic Baby" great is its tounge-in-cheek lyrics and chorus that makes you want to jump up and down. Plus, I really do believe that Tranter’s been magnetic since he was a baby…check them out live!

11. Fire Cracker (Ryan Adams)

This song is a long-time favorite, and it just goes to show you that you don’t always need dance music or straight rock to get motivated.

12. Broken City (Audioslave)

This is the perfect “strut” song. Just turn up the volume and do your best strut on the treadmill.

13. Love at First Sight (Kylie Minogue)

Probably my favorite Kylie song. Plus, after all these years, it still sounds futuristic and cutting-edge.

14. Smooth Criminal (Michael Jackson)

This song is a total classic. I have to restrain myself from replicating MJ’s dance moves from the music video while on the elliptical!

15. 4ever (The Veronica's)

These girls sure know how to produce energetic pop songs. This song's chorus will provide you with plenty of energy to push you through to the end of your workout.

16. If I Had You (Adam Lambert)

Here’s another track that is fresh on the scene. Lambert has a strong voice, and the song was produced by Max Martin of Britney Spears, ‘NSync, and Kelly Clarkson fame, so of course it’s got an awesome beat and hook.

Written by Kaisa Talaga