Music for Workouts Has Come a Long Way in 40 Years
Baby Boomers remember the birth
of the Walkman 40 years ago. Introduced in the summer of 1979, the personal
cassette player changed the way we listened to music, interacted in public –
and worked out, just as aerobics and running were taking off in
popularity. From 1987-97, the number of people who walked for exercise shot up
30 percent.
Nowadays, of course, we don’t think twice about cheaper, lighter and better
ways to take our music with us while we exercise. We can listen to virtually
any song, anywhere, any time. And who doesn’t love working out along with
favorite tunes?
Playlists from Apple Music, Spotify or other services provide endless options
to listen to the genre of music you prefer, while exposing you to new songs or
forgotten gems. Either way, they’re fun to try. Here are some on Apple Music to
get you started.
Motown Workout: The legacy began in the 1960s, and this sampler
starts there with the Four Tops, then moves on to “Love Machine” by The
Miracles, “Brick House” by the Commodores and “Behind the Groove” by Teena
Marie.
Classic Rock Workout: Get your heart rate up with 1970s favorites
like “We’re an American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad; “Takin’ Care of Business”
by Bachman-Turner Overdrive; and “Gimme Three Steps” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Disco Workout: Or maybe you spent the ‘70s dancing. The 4/4 beat is
great for cardio inspiration. “Funkytown,” “Boogie Oogie Oogie” and, of course,
“I Will Survive” will power you through a workout.
‘80s Workout: You listened to these on your Walkman back in the day.
They’re just as good on your Air Pods. Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Kenny Loggins and
“Su-Su-Sudio” by Phil Collins, among others.
Just leave the leg warmers in storage.
