20101205 Workout SOTD.

Artist: The Black Eyed Peas
Song: The Time (Dirty Bit)

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20101203 Workout SOTD.

Artist: The Notorious B.I.G.
Song: Hypnotize

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20101202 Workout SOTD.

Artist: Linkin Park
Song: Waiting for the End

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20101201 Workout SOTD.

Artist: Kings Of Leon
Song: Back Down South

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20101130 Workout SOTD.

Artist: Little People
Song: Start Shootin'

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20101129 Workout SOTD.

Artist: 30 Seconds To Mars
Song: Closer To The Edge

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The new focus.

I haven't written in a while. Lots of things are going on, but with new equipment, new thoughts, and a new focus, I'm moving towards making entries into my blog again. I'm also armed with a whole new slew of workout songs, for WSOTD.

One thing I haven't lost sight of is working out. My streak finally ended: 83 consecutive days of working out - from July 4, 2010 to September 24, 2010. I probably had close to 100 workouts during those 83 days because of several two-workout days. I have since been working out very regularly, however I have taken some days off. Until now. My new streak started November 19, 2010. That means I have 10 consecutive days, and if I workout today - 11.

My schedule has been somewhat challenging, but so far I have managed to fit in my workouts, somehow. We'll see how this streak develops.

I am moving towards organizing my thoughts on working out into some form of a guide. Hopefully, there will be more to come on this new focus later. Until then, I'll be enjoying my new workout music and sticking with the program, one day at a time. Enjoy!

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20101031 Workout SOTD.

Workout SOTD returns! Enjoy this gem of a song with a good rolling beat... :)

Song: Coming Back
Artist: Gotye

Enjoy!

20100924 Workout SOTD.

Song: Cowboys
Artist: Counting Crows

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20100923 Workout SOTD.

Song: Seven Spanish Angels
Artist: Willie Nelson and Ray Charles

A truly great song.

Enjoy,

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20100922 Workout SOTD.

Song: All Star
Artist: Smash Mouth

Enjoy...

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20100921 Workout SOTD.

Song: Jerk It Out
Artist: Caesars

Enjoy :)

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20100920 Workout SOTD.

I almost made this song WSOTD about a month or so ago. I've been hearing it all of the radio now, so I suppose it's due it's proper place as a SOTD. It's got a good groove for working out I think. Enjoy..

Song: Magic
Artist: B.o.B.

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20100919 Workout SOTD.

I've really grown to love these guys most recent album, for listening and for workout out. Enjoy.

Song: The Outsiders
Artist: Needtobreathe

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20100918 Workout SOTD.

I have found R.E.M. especially good for cardio. They have some great songs, and here's one for SOTD.

Song: Shiny Happy People
Artist: R.E.M.

Enjoy..

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20100917 Workout SOTD.

The second SOTD from Chino XL. This one is a favorite of mine. It is raw. It makes a great workout song.

Song: Nunca
Artist: Chino XL

Enjoy..

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20100916 Workout SOTD.

A classic. Love the guitar at the end. Great for a workout.

Song: Amazing
Artist: Aerosmith

Enjoy..

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20100915 Workout SOTD.

Love that refrain. This song is not for those with a heart condition. Good for days when you're increasing weight. :) Enjoy...

Song: I Will Be Heard
Artist: Hatebreed

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20100914 Workout SOTD.

Ever since I heard this song almost 15 years ago, I became a huge Travis fan. This song has a great carefree quality to it, and the video is hilarious. They've had a lot of hits, but because of the way this song builds, I think it's a really strong workout song. Enjoy.

Song: All I Want To Do Is Rock
Artist: Travis

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20100913 Workout SOTD.

I've been checking out Audioslave and their songs. I started working out to this song, and it's a good one.

Song: Cochise
Artist: Audioslave

Enjoy.

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20100912 Workout SOTD.

When I first heard this song, I was not crazy about it. But it's actually grown on me a bit. And when I listened to it while working out, I found it's a pretty good workout song. I like the message of the song too. The song has the danger of getting old fast, but for a few workouts, I think it works.

Song: Live Like We're Dying
Artist: Kris Allen

Enjoy.

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20100911 Workout SOTD.

Song: I Try
Artist: Macy Gray

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20100910 Workout SOTD.

Song: Dynamite
Artist: Taio Cruz

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20100909 Workout SOTD.

My favorite album of all time was The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion by The Black Crowes. This is one of my favorites off this album. The way this song builds is phenomenal, and as a workout song, it works.

Song: Thorn In My Pride
Artist: The Black Crowes

Enjoy.

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20100908 Workout SOTD.

Another classic today - RATM has some great workout songs, but I think this one might be my favorite. This song will add a degree of intensity to any workout.

Song: Bulls On Parade
Artist: Rage Against The Machine

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20100907 Workout SOTD.

This is a classic from 15 or 20 years ago - and it still makes a great workout song. Enjoy..

Song: Low
Artist: Cracker

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20100906 Workout SOTD.

John Mayer was amazing last night. He is a truly talented musician, singer, and songwriter. In something I've never done, I am going to have back to back SOTD's from the same artist. These songs are even on the same album. Because I find his music enjoyable to listen to at any time, I also find it great for working out - and he has lots of very upbeat songs that are quite motivational when you are running the treadmill, climbing stairs, or pushing iron. Enjoy.. :)

Song: Heartbreak Warfare
Artist: John Mayer

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20100905 Workout SOTD.

A great song off his latest album. John's in town tonight - can't wait to see him! Wish I could workout right there on the lawn while he plays... I am just kidding. :)

Song: Perfectly Lonely
Artist: John Mayer

Enjoy..

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20100904 Workout SOTD.

These guys are in town this weekend. When this song came out, it was a regular in my workout mix. It works.

Song: Fireflies
Artist: Owl City

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20100903 Workout SOTD.

The song has a great sound to it, what can I say. I've been working out to it and it works. Enjoy..

Song: Just The Way You Are
Artist: Bruno Mars

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20100902 Workout SOTD.

This is an interesting song I was introduced to on Vevo. It stuck in my mind and I have a feeling it will make a good workout song for a few days. Enjoy..

Song: In Love With You
Artist: Jared Evan

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20100901 Workout SOTD.

Workout Song Of The Day has now been active for 2 months. Today's song is one of my favorite songs of all-time, and one of my all-time favorite workout songs. It is from the album August And Everything After. Enjoy..

Song: A Murder Of One
Artist: Counting Crows

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20100831 Workout SOTD.

One of my all time favorites to workout to.

Song: Breathe
Artist: Fabolous

Enjoy..

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20100830 Workout SOTD.

Maroon 5 is great to workout to. This song has an especially good beat and tempo to it, and the lyrics work out well with, well, working out. :) Enjoy..

Song: Harder To Breathe
Artist: Maroon 5

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20100829 Workout SOTD.

Song: Cross The Line
Artist: Superchick

Enjoy...

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20100828 Workout SOTD.

Wolfmother equates to high energy. This song has a great tempo, powerful guitar, and should do the trick to keep any workout going strong. With a new moon rising and new workout goals, this song will be a favorite on my latest workout mix. Enjoy..

Song: New Moon Rising
Artist: Wolfmother

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Healthy Eating Houston: My Top 5.

Houston is actually known for some pretty good restaurants. For those of you in NY or LA, don't knock it until you've tried it. :) I've eaten in various cities, and I have to say, I think we have a good thing going here.

But for all of the good eats, you have to ask yourself, how healthy is this stuff?? Well, I have some favorites that I go to for healthy eating. They are not the famous 5-star places you may have read about, but they are some of the best tasting places I have found.

Those of you living in Houston might find this useful. For those of you who visit Houston, you might find this useful. Lastly, if you don't live in Houston, but you have a similar style restaurant close to your home, perhaps you will find the dishes useful. I go to each of these places at least once every couple weeks or month. Some I go to multiple times a week if I get the chance. I put links to their websites. Enjoy!

I give you my top 5 favorite places to eat, and the healthy dishes I order, in Houston, TX:

5. Barnaby's [or Baby Barnaby's] / Annie's Burrito: I go for breakfast or lunch, almost always on weekends. The Annie's low-fat high-protein burrito is fantastic made with 6 egg whites, chicken, black beans and a whole wheat tortilla. It is served with slices of tomato.

Barnaby's

4. Le Peep / Health Nut: The health nut is made with six egg whites scrambled, turkey, and mixed veggies. Delicious with salsa. It comes with a side of fruit. If offered, I get a wheat English muffin, dry. I usually have with a couple cups of coffee to wash down a great lunch.

Le Peep

3. Ruggle's Green / Buffalo Burger: At 98% lean, this is a high protein meal packed with flavor. I order it cooked with no butter/oil/grease, no cheese, and get the side of fruit. I love their chipotle ketchup and often only eat one half of the bun [the bread almost detracts from the flavor of the buffalo]. I love the flavor of buffalo. The restaurant is certified "green" as well. Simply fantastic.

Ruggle's Green

2. Chicken Kitchen / Cuban Chop-Chop: This chain is truly the closest thing to healthy fast food you can get. The chicken is cooked rotisserie and grilled, and they remove the skin [though I usually ask to make sure]. The Cuban Chop-Chop is a bowl of rice [I order brown rice for 50cents extra], black beans, chicken, lettuce and tomato. They give you a pita too, if you want it. I use a very small amount of mustard curry sauce on mine, and can sometimes make two meals out of a regular size bowl. You can order a large or get extra chicken for a couple bucks more. Absolutely simple. Absolutely delicious.

Chicken Kitchen

1. Ziggy's Healthy Grill / Chicken Enchiladas: This is my number 1 right now, but all these places are great and could be number 1. Ziggy's recently took the chicken enchilada's off the menu, but you can still get them if you're really nice to the servers. Also probably helps that I order the same thing every time I'm there, and I've gotten to know the crew. The dish is three medium sized enchiladas with corn tortillas, chicken [try the lean buffalo another time too], their enchilada sauce, low fat cheese [I usually ask for "light on the cheese" too]. They give some salsa [which I use] and low fat sour cream [which I usually don't use - they are full of flavor stand alone]. Side is brown rice and black beans. I usually divide the whole dish in half, and take half home for a delicious second meal reheated. Ziggy's has lots of good menu items for healthy eating, and they make a great effort to make low cal, low fat foods that taste good. Their pecan coffee is delicious too.

Ziggy's Healthy Grill

So the next time you want to eat out in Houston, but don't want to be at the mercy of unhealthy cooking on the part of local restaurants, try one of the places and dishes above. Enjoy!

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20100827 Workout SOTD.

A classic today. This song has definitely inspired me while working out over the years. I hope you find it inspiring as well. Enjoy.

Song: Jump
Artist: Van Halen

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Starting July 4th.

As a preface to this post, I have to say that I do believe strongly in rest. I believe that the human body needs to recover, rebuild, regenerate from workouts and stresses.

With that said, I will also say that if I had to choose between working out 50 days in a row, or *not* working out 50 days in a row, I would choose the former.

In 2009, I had a stretch of workouts that numbered 50 days in a row. I set a goal that in 2010 I would surpass this number. A couple days ago I broke my personal record. The last day I took off was July 3rd, which puts me well past 50 consecutive days of working out after my workout today. I'm still going strong. :)

Here were/are my rules.

1) It only counted as a workout if I was at the gym for at least 45minutes, from when I started my warm-up cardio, to when I finished [travel time, checking in, etc did not count - had to be 45min of working out]. Most of my workouts were longer than this, vast majority longer than 1hr, and some as long as 2hrs or so. But I had a couple really busy times that only allowed 45min.

2) Two workouts in a day did not count towards another day. I had a number of two-for's. :)

3) The workout had to occur on the calendar day itself - so a 1AM workout would not count towards the previous day.

Here are some notes:

I usually rotated through lifting different muscle groups over 5-6 days. When worn out or exhausted, I would do a day of cardio/abs or circuit training, hitting different muscle groups on the same day.

I did not have any major injuries. I did notice a few days of fatigue or aching. In my case these days could usually be remedied with more cardio and lightening up on weights for a day. Occasionally I would have a workout partner, though most workouts were solo. I also incorporated basketball into my weeks, usually Wednesdays, and this was usually a second workout of that day.

I cannot say that my diet was perfect, though it was well regulated. The second month has been better than the first diet-wise. In addition, I had no alcohol during the entire time [the potential subject of a future post]. I have lost 6lbs, which occurred in the second month also. My strength is probably close to the best it's been, and I have made some minor to modest gains, though my goal has not been to increase my lifting weight significantly.

I am perhaps in the best shape of my life today. I am beginning to adhere to the theory that rest days should not be days of inactivity. Instead, having days that are lighter or give specific muscle groups a rest should be incorporated. It may not be necessary to rest at the expense of working out, is what I'm saying.

It has also made me interested in other forms of working out that I do not utilize, but that I see others use with success - such as plyometrics, rotating in various sports, and what has been referred to as "muscle confusion." Working out every day may make these activities possible, or more beneficial. If I start using any other methods of working out, I will report here.

Have a great weekend..

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20100826 Workout SOTD.

I heard this song on the radio in Houston and had to look it up. It will add some intensity to your workout. Enjoy..

Song: First 48
Artist: J-Dawg

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20100825 Workout SOTD.

Song: Club Can't Handle Me
Artist: Flo Rida

Enjoy..

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20100824 Workout SOTD.

I was in a U2 mood, and heard this version of One with Mary J. Blige. I loved it and now I'm gonna have to workout to it. Enjoy... :)

Song: One
Artist: Mary J. Blige, U2

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20100823 Workout SOTD.

Heard these guys perform last night. They were good. This track has a good tempo and builds well. I will definitely listen to their album while working out. Enjoy.

Song: Out Of My Hands
Artist: Green River Ordinance

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20100822 Workout SOTD.

This marks the first time that a band has been represented twice in WSOTD. This is one of my favorite Switchfoot songs to listen to while working out. A great song and a great bridge. These guys are playing in Houston tonight, so in their honor, here's one of their greats.

Song: Awakening
Artist: Switchfoot

Enjoy...

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20100821 Workout SOTD.

The original Jimi version will for sure make it to SOTD sometime. Until then, I'll have the John Mayer version, which is actually the song I listen to while working out. More Mayer to come, for sure.

Song: Bold As Love
Artist: John Mayer

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20100820 Workout SOTD.

Strong beat. Great workout song in headphones. Enjoy.

Song: Because Of You
Artist: Ne-Yo

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20100819 Workout SOTD.

The whole album is a fantastic workout album. There will be more songs off this album to come, for SOTD. Enjoy.

Song: This Is War
Artist: 30 Seconds To Mars

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20100818 Workout SOTD.

Great band. I'm looking forward to listening to their music while at the gym. This is the first song of theirs I heard.

Song: Lazy Eye
Artist: Silversun Pickups

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20100817 Workout SOTD.

A song that I've heard on the radio, I Will Not Bow has all the characteristics of a good workout song. Enjoy.

Song: I Will Not Bow
Artist: Breaking Benjamin

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20100816 Workout SOTD.

Today's song is a rockin' little number that always gets me pumped before or during a workout. I have talked with others who think this is a fabulous workout song too. Enjoy.. :)

Song: Chop Suey!
Artist: System Of A Down

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20100814 Workout SOTD.

Weezer has lots of great songs to workout to. This is one of them. Enjoy...

Song: El Scorcho
Artist: Weezer

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20100813 Workout SOTD.

I love this song to workout to. Enjoy, and have a great and healthy weekend!

Song: Santeria
Artist: Sublime

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20100812 Workout SOTD.

Cool song. Great ending. Enjoy..

Song: The High Road
Artist: Broken Bells

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20100811 Workout SOTD.

A great workout song, that frequently makes it on my mix for the day.

Song: I Tried
Artist: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Enjoy..

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20100810 Workout SOTD.

There a lot of Guns N' Roses songs that come to mind when talking about good workout songs - Welcome To The Jungle, Sweet Child O' Mine, Civil War, etc. There are some good ones. But this song is one of my favorites to listen to when working out. It's a pretty long song, but has some great guitar riffs [thanks, Slash], high energy, and a great ending. I recommend putting this one in your headphones for your next workout, see if you agree. Have fun!

Song: Locomotive
Artist: Guns N' Roses

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20100809 Workout SOTD.

First off, I listened to the whole Paper Tongues album yesterday while working out, and indeed it's a great album to workout to in total. Lots of high energy songs, good beats and rhythms, and quite catchy.

Next, today, SOTD is one of my absolute all time favorite songs to listen to preworkout, as well as during a workout. I like a lot of Pearl Jam's stuff to workout to, but this song gets me exceedingly pumped. I recommend downloading the song because the YouTube online sound quality is not the absolute best. If you ever need a song to get you to the gym, this is the one.

Song: Go
Artist: Pearl Jam

There will be more Pearl Jam in the future for sure, as they have lots of good workout music. Enjoy!

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20100808 Workout SOTD.

I heard this band on the radio in Dallas. I Googled them and one of the first things that popped up was that someone was talking about how they listened to their music in spinning class. I listened to some of their songs and I liked what I heard. Looking forward to playing their album during my next workout. This is the song I heard. Enjoy..

Song: Trinity
Artist: Paper Tongues

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20100807 Workout SOTD.

A great upbeat song from a great Australian band.

Song: Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Artist: Jet

Enjoy your workouts!

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20100806 Workout SOTD.

This is a song I heard when I was in California, and I thought it was gravy. Turns out it's a pretty good song to listen to when working out too. The link is to the band's myspace.com page. If you click the second track you can hear the song.

Song: It's You
Artist: Pictures And Sound

Enjoy!

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20100805 Workout SOTD.

An all-time classic workout song.

Song: Ms. Jackson
Artist: Outkast

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20100804 Workout SOTD.

Song: Nine In The Afternoon
Artist: Panic! At The Disco

Enjoy...

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20100803 Workout SOTD.

Fort Minor was Mike Shinoda's [from Linkin Park] experimental/side project. Very good album for working out, it's called The Rising Tied. This is one of my favorite songs of the compilation.

Song: Where'd You Go
Artist: Fort Minor

Just the song is here.

Enjoy..

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20100802 Workout SOTD.

Great song. Bizarre video. I think I like the homemade version better. Good workout song. Enjoy.

Song: Kids
Artist: MGMT

Fan-made video here.

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20100801 Workout SOTD.

Song: Something Beautiful
Artist: Needtobreathe

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20100731 Workout SOTD.

Almost a month into SOTD. This has become a fav of mine. Enjoy.

Song: Forever
Artist: Chris Brown

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20100730 Workout SOTD.

A great song, great message, great workout song, and the band put together two great videos for the song. The first link is to the recorded song. The second two links are to the two videos.

Song: This Too Shall Pass
Artist: OK Go

Notre Dame marching band video
Rube Goldberg video

Enjoy! Have a great Friday..

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20100729 Workout SOTD.

This song has great momentum. I've always enjoyed it when I included it in my workout mix for the day. Link is to YouTube.

Song: Handlebars
Artist: Flobots

Enjoy!

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20100728 Workout SOTD.

The entire album Only By The Night, is a great workout album I have found. I chose one song in particular that I really enjoy, though there are many. Link is to YouTube.

Song: Manhattan
Artist: Kings Of Leon

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20100727 Workout SOTD.

I listened to Eminem's new album a couple time through when working out last week. It is great for workout out, and there were a lot of songs I liked. This was my favorite right now. Enjoy.

Song: Cinderella Man
Artist: Eminem

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20100726 Workout SOTD.

Music from the south coast today. Link is to YouTube video [there's lots of pictures of Houston in there]. Enjoy.

Song: I Run
Artist: Slim Thug

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20100725 Workout SOTD.

Thanks to a friend for recommending this new song. I listened to it yesterday working out, and really I kept listening to it. I have always liked Keane, and this new song is strong. Great chorus, good rhythm. :)

Song: Stop For A Minute
Artist: Keane

Link is to the video on YouTube. Enjoy.

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20100724 Workout SOTD.

This is a great song to start your workout to. Works great in a general wo mix too. Link is to the song on YouTube. Enjoy..

Song: Fire It Up
Artist: Modest Mouse

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20100723 Workout SOTD.

An all-time classic. And a great video too. Enjoy.

Song: Sabotage
Artist: Beastie Boys

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20100722 Workout SOTD.

My first workout song of the day that was a suggestion. Thanks to a good friend who introduced me to this song. It has great momentum, good words, good beat. All good characteristics of a workout SOTD.

Song: Ali In The Jungle
Artist: The Hours

Link is to YouTube. Please feel free to suggest any Workout SOTD, and I'll consider it. Enjoy...

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20100721 Workout SOTD.

I have always loved Sheryl Crow's music. Many of her songs have been on my workout mixes over the years. This is brand new stuff, and I like it a lot.

Song: Summer Day
Artist: Sheryl Crow

Link is to the video on YouTube. Enjoy.

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20100720 Workout SOTD.

Song: Best Of You
Artist: Foo Fighters

Link is to video on YouTube. Enjoy...

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20100719 Workout SOTD.

A great band. Many great songs. Here's one.

Song: Start Choppin'
Artist: Dinosaur Jr.

The link is to their MySpace music page for the album. If you click on the play button for track 2, you can hear the song. Enjoy.

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20100718 Workout SOTD.

This song is about keeping going even in the midst of embarrassing moments. It's got a good workout groove. Link is to the song on vimeo, which had the best sound quality I could find along with the video. Enjoy...

Song: Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head)
Artist: Ben Folds

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20100717 Workout SOTD.

For those who like hip-hop/rap, or even if you just like it for working out:

Song: Nahh
Artist: Chino XL

Link is to YouTube. Chino XL has been around awhile, but this is new stuff and it's not available on iTunes yet.

Enjoy.

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20100716 Wokout SOTD.

Have a great Friday, and a better weekend.

Song: Best Of Me
Artist: Sum 41

Link is to song on YouTube. Enjoy...

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20100715 Workout SOTD.

So many people have at some point in time or another had this song on their workout mix. Link is to YouTube - 20million views can't be wrong - it's a great video too. Enjoy!

Song: Bittersweet Symphony
Artist: The Verve

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20100714 Workout SOTD.

Wokout song of the day is two weeks old today! This is one of my absolute favorite workout songs. This song gets me going - whether it's pre-workout, cardiovasc, or weights - and is one of the most powerful songs I listen to. Switchfoot is my favorite, so I'll probably promote them more in the future too. They have lots of good music, and lots of good workout music. Listen to it with caution [link is to YouTube], as you will feel pumped. :) Enjoy.

Song: The Sound
Artist: Switchfoot

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20100713 Workout SOTD.

I cycle through this song on my workout mix periodically. It's got a great beat to workout to. Link is to YouTube. Enjoy...

Song: Protect Ya Neck (The Jump Off)
Artist: Wu-Tang Clan

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20100712 Workout SOTD.

Song: 40 Dogs
Artist: Bob Schneider

Today's song has a great feel to it. And I actually really love the video on this one. The link is to the video on vimeo. This is one of my favorite artists, so I'm likely to post more music from Bob in the future. Enjoy. :)

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20100711 Workout SOTD.

One of my all-time favorite workout songs today.

Song: I Don't Want To Be
Artist: Gavin DeGraw

Link is to the song on YouTube, as always. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

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20100710 Workout SOTD.

Song: Uprising
Artist: Muse

Link is to the song on YouTube. I'm thinking about starting my own YouTube channel to avoid videos, although this one is kind of funny. The song itself is a great workout motivation. Enjoy. :)

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20100709 Workout SOTD.

Song: Back Against The Wall
Artist: Cage The Elephant

Link is to the official music video on YouTube. For most of these songs I've posted, I have never seen the video. Often times the videos don't really match the songs from my perspective. I just like listening to the music, especially when working out. Enjoy this one. It's got a great American rock feel to it.

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20100708 Workout SOTD.

Song: Trillionaire
Artist: Bun B

New track featuring T-pain. Link is to the song on YouTube. Enjoy!

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20100707 Workout SOTD.

Song: Brick By Brick
Artist: Train

This song has really become one of my favorites off of this album. It actually works well into a workout mix too. Link is to the song on YouTube. Enjoy.

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20100706 Workout SOTD.

Today's song is a song I like to listen to during cardio workouts. It's great for a run. The song is long, and is very mellow, has a cool transition and then a great resolution. The tempo is different than most of my workout tunes. It is definitely not my go-to song for powering through one more squat, but during a long cardio workout, it is an inspirational listen to listen through the whole thing. I hope that you find it worth a listen through as well. The link is to the song on YouTube. Enjoy!

Song: Bluebird of Happiness
Artist: Mojave3

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20100705 Workout SOTD.

Song: They Want EFX
Artist: Das EFX

Old school hip hop does a workout good. Enjoy.

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20100704 Workout SOTD.

Today's:

Song: Jump Rope
Artist: Blue October

Happy 4th of July! Physical activity, sporting competition mimics life. That's what this song is about. And it's great to workout too. Enjoy. The link is to the song on YouTube.

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20100703 Workout SOTD.

If you've never heard this song, I would give it a listen. It's good, and good for working out. If you get the chance, their whole album is pretty groovy. The whole thing is on my workout iPod right now. The link is to the song on YouTube.

Song: Bang Pop
Artist: Free Energy

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20100702 Workout SOTD.

Today's Workout SOTD:

Song: Ridin' Solo
Artist: Jason Derulo

Link is to the official music video. Great pop beat, great words.

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20100701 Workout SOTD.

I'm starting something new to infuse this blog, and my workouts, with a shot of musicaffeine.

I am officially starting a workout song of the day [Workout SOTD]. When I hear, remember, find, or want to share a song that I find particularly inspirational for me and my workout, I will report it here and/or on my fb page. Where possible, I'll provide a link where you can hear the song too, if you don't know it.

My hope is that any collection of the SOTD's will make a killer workout mix, or as I like to call it PEM [performance enhancing music].

Today's SOTD:

Song: Let Me Go On
Artist: Seabird

I provided a link to the song on YouTube. Enjoy.

-cb

Who do you yoke yourself to?

Check out this very recent article:

http://psp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/36/2/251

If you don't have access, at least you can get the gist from the abstract.

These studies address the influence of those around you. It begs the question: who do you yoke yourself to?

A summary of this research: apparently if you are around those who practice healthy living you are more apt to do the same - and vice versa. More specifically, the studies strongly suggest that the underpinnings of self-control are influenced significantly by thinking about the behavior and actions of those around you. Everyone likes to think they are above the influence of others, but even if it is slight or subconscious/accidental, we are influenced by those with whom we are yoked, and those we interact with and think about. In other words, self-control, and/or a deficiency of self control is somewhat contagious. Obesity, for example, tends to spread itself through human networks. Exercising works the same way.

A real-life example from today? A friend of mine posted on Facebook how she was sore after an abs workout. She got a bunch of replies [including from me] from friends who were motivated to workout today because they saw her post. Well, if you want some real-life research about how this works, check out the article.

My simple advice: hang out with those who workout and eat healthy. You can be a good influence on them too. :) -cb

Going public.

I haven't publicized my blog too much since starting it last year. But now that I am writing more, and now that I am writing from the gym (which I'm doing again today), I will start to advertise this blog to more family and friends.

Today is another cardio heavy workout. As I look around at the gym, I'm reminded of several things.

First, this is the time of year when people join the gym. It is the most crowded during January. If you are someone getting back on a workout routine, remember to make the long-term commitment, so that when spring, summer and fall 2010 roll around, you are still coming to the gym.

Second, I'm reminded how inspired I am by seeing others at the gym. There are people in great shape. That makes me want to work harder. Then there are people who I can tell are trying to make a true lifestyle change. I am always really inspired by people who are overweight or obese and are exercising with all their hearts. If they stick with it then I will see them periodically throughout the year and I will actually witness them getting healthier.

I hope you draw inspiration from the people you workout with and next to also.

Today is the fifth day I've worked out in a row. That is one-tenth of my way to my previous record of working out 50 consecutive days. It's a great reminder that goals are accomplished in steps. I'm including another picture from the gym now that I've figured out how to do it. Get ready for a great and healthy year!





This is a shot out the window of the gym from my view working out where I could see a tree with lights.

- Posted from my iPhone

New decade resolutions.

Happy new year, but more importantly, happy new decade!

I say that because everyone always comes up with new year's resolutions at this time of year. Really, we should make true lifestyle changes - ones that last more than just a year. So this Jan 1 make a new decade resolution, not just a new year resolution.

I always say that instead of going on a diet a person should just have a diet. Instead of going on a 90 day fitness program, make a true lifestyle change that is permanent. Remember that true long lasting meaningful change, and getting the results you want, takes time. And usually it takes a long time. Think in terms of the next decade and where you want to be in 2020, not just in terms of tomorrow or next week or just this year.

This marks the first blog post that I wrote while actually at the gym. I'm doing cardio right now. I took a picture - and I will see about how to post it later.

Good luck making your new decade resolutions! -cb





From my January 1st workout.

- Posted from my iPhone

Mind over high fat matter.

Here is an article that was in the news today. Basically, this group from Southwestern Med School was able to show that ghrelin, a hormone that's involved in hunger vs. satiety, is also involved in the reward and pleasure aspects of eating. In other words, the hormone is not just involved in hunger but also gives you pleasure for eating pleasurable foods - like high in fat ones.

Here is the abstract:

http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/bps/article/S0006-3223(09)01318-3/abstract

The article got me to think whether this same hormone could be associated with pleasure for eating healthy foods rather than high fat ones. While the experiments were conducted in mice I have to wonder whether in humans we can control to some degree our source of pleasure.

If you have ever felt pleasure or felt rewarded for eating healthy, I think you will know what I am talking about. In humans, can our reward centers be stimulated by healthy eating? I would hypothesize yes. The key it would seem, would be to be able to train yourself to feel rewarded for healthy eating - a kind of mind over matter scenario since our very nature may be to eat fatty foods, for instance.

I can only speak for myself, but I can say that when my diet is clean and healthy, and when my workouts are optimal, I feel the best and most rewarded. It makes me think that this hormone and/or others can also be involved in pleasure associated with healthy living. I hope you are able to find this same enjoyment! -cb

- Posted from my iPhone

The new year, the new (mobile) blog.

My goals for the new year are several-fold. I am going to discuss a few of them relating to fitness here.

This blog. My entries into this blog have been too few and I am going to make a dedicated effort to write more frequently. Mostly I want to write more because I have a lot to say and I hope that fitness enthusiasts will benefit. I cannot remember all the times there was something I wanted to share but did not because I was too busy with life. One solution is that I am now (with this blog entry) able to blog from my phone. I would also like to add more content, such as photos, to make this blog as enjoyable as it is interesting. I am really looking forward to mobile blogging!

My workouts. One accomplishment that I am especially glad about from 2009, is that I worked out 50 consecutive days at one point. This was no small feat but I am making it my goal to beat that number this year. Remember if you do something like workout several days in a row, that you have some workout days that are lighter to give your body a rest. On that note, my goal for my workouts will be consistent consistency.

My diet. Thanksgiving and Christmas are always the hardest times of the year to adhere to my diet. But the new year always brings an opportunity to renew your dietary practices. My goal will be to eat better and more healthy this year than I have ever eaten before. 2009 was okay but 2010, by comparison, will be incredible.

My workout music. As I have mentioned before, one of the things I love about working out is listening to music. My goal for 2010 is to continue to keep coming up with exhilarating mixes (PEM - performance enhancing music is what I call it) to workout to and share on this blog. This reminds me to mention that I have been listening to 2 good albums in the past couple of weeks with my workouts. They are This is war by 30 seconds to mars and The rising tied by Fort Minor. Both have some great workout songs.

That's it for now. This marks my first mobile blog entry. Good luck with your own workhorse goals! -cb

- Posted from my iPhone