Get ready to sweat to some holiday classics (interspersed with contemporary tunes)!
Unfortunately, unlike our other playlists, there can be no Taylor Swift due to her current dispute with Spotify. But let’s hope that in this holiday season they can work out a compromise, putting aside their differences for the good of mankind and especially the good of two specific Precor bloggers.
Now, without further ado, here's your Ultimate Holiday Workout Playlist. Listen, enjoy, and exercise!
1. "Santa Baby" by Madonna
It’s practically impossible to hear Madonna without thinking of those crazy Yoga-toned arms. "Santa Baby" is the perfect song for a warm-up – both in the gym and for the season. (Note: the Madonna version isn't currently available on Spotify, so if you're using the embedded Spotify playlist you'll hear the new Ariana Grande version.)
2. "All About That Bass" by Meghan Trainor
There’s no treble for Meghan Trainor. The song that celebrates a variety of body sizes is perfect for a gradual start to your workout. With harmonies that sound like a '60s Motown throwback, a pounding piano, and a fun sax thrown in for good measure, “All About That Bass” will get you sweating to a (new) oldie.
3. "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
This Christmas classic first appeared in 1994, but came to even more prominence thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack of the 2003 film “Love, Actually.” (A bit of trivia: in the film, the song is covered by then-10-year-old Olivia Olson, who the director thought was too good to be believable.) The song is upbeat and happy and, according to some, is the best Christmas song of all time.
4. "Cool Kids" by Echosmith
The song kicks off with an immediate groove and steady beat. By the time we get to the chorus, we’re rocking with rhythm. A great song for lifting and stretching, “Cool Kids” is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.
5. "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson
The staple of high school bands across the country, "Sleigh Ride" has the energy and beat to keep you charging through a workout. Available as both an instrumental and with lyrics, the holiday spirit lives in this song.
6. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" by Bruce Springsteen
There’s no argument here: The Boss’ take on this classic is best. Despite the long spoken intro, this version quickly gets jamming. Bruce and his E Street Band are known for their energetic performances, and this is no different. It builds. then speeds up, culminating in a great saxophone solo by Clarence Clemons, mighty drumming by Max Weinberg, and a lot of giggling from Mr. Springsteen himself.
7. "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit
For some of us, there’s no place we’d rather be – than the gym! This hypnotic and progressive ditty offers great instrumentals in the form of prominent piano and a cacophony of strings. Bonus points for an insane music video that includes a subway flash mob and a serious sushi market.
8. "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
Start your 2015 off with a bang (BANG!) by jamming to this epic pop song. Be aware, however – its hook is amazingly catchy. You run the risk of having the chorus playing on repeat in your brain, forcing you to make your New Year's resolution be to remove it.
Enjoy the playlist and Happy Holidays to you and your family!