Summer is almost among us, which means the deadlines and finals we have been dreading since the beginning of the semester are creeping near. With the warmer weather reminding us of our almost freedom from the spring semester’s workload, naturally the desire to tan on the beach is increasing…But it is also a reminder that you can not blame the holidays for your lack of a “bikini bod” anymore!
As you’re hitting up the library or blowing the dust off that physics textbook you ALMOST forgot about, you may start to be building up test anxiety. What’s a good way to brush off that steam you may ask? Run like the wind bulls-eye. Not only will you be running towards your summer fitness goals, but running also increases brain activity and your ability to learn and recall information. It sounds like a win-win to me.
Now you have reached your next quandry: You are running on the treadmill listening to some Spotify playlist you found, but that song you absolutely DESPISE comes on. Except you’re running like Forrest Gump and there is no possible human way to grab your phone and change the song without ending up like Drake’s side chick (5s with the screen cracked).
So what I find works best, is running to some oldies but goodies that you just can’t get tired of (pun intended). So here is a compilation of my favorites that hopefully you won’t skip next on.
1. Wannabe by the Spice Girls
So, “tell me what you want, what you really, really want?” A 4.0 and a summer bod’, thanks for asking. Throw that hair in a high ponytail and let it swing behind you as you run that treadmill. I’m telling you, you WILL feel like a Spice Girl. Trust me.
2. SexyBack by Justin Timberlake
Because let’s be real, bringing sexy back is always the goal, but feeling smart and sexy is even better!
3. Make Me Proud by Drake ft. Nicki Minaj
“Running on the treadmill and only eating salad, sounding so smart like you graduated college,” is one of the realest lines in this song. But really as long as Drake is proud, what else can you ask for? Beats me.
4. Hey Ya! by OutKast
This upbeat jam will really get ya going. Just be careful not to shake it like a Polaroid picture too much as you run the treadmill. We don’t want any accidents. “Alright?! Alright, Alright,Alright, Alright…”
5. Stronger by Kanye West
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Great advice during finals and when you are running the treadmill on the highest incline setting.
6. Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega
“Jump up and down and move it all around. Shake your head to the sound. Put your hands on the ground. Take one step left and one step right.”
7. Burnin’ Up by the Jonas Brothers
Burning up is what you will be while working out to the Jo Bros.
8. Bootylicious by Destiny’s Child
No one will be ready for your jelly after this workout.
9. Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
Few times you have been around that track!…Wanna know why? ‘Cause you ain’t no hollaback girl!
10. Work it by Missy Elliot
“Is it worth it?” HELL YEA.
I hope these throwback tracks make working out a little easier on you, especially during finals: prime time to run away from your problems.