June 2006

We’ve all heard stories about people getting lost in the jungle or wilderness for weeks with no food at all but only with water, or old tales of prisoners in war camps who are confined for years with only pathetic amounts of food. Ever wondered how these people survived?
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Cardio is something alot of us hate to do. Admit it. We all dread it… even I hate doing it, but at the same time, at the corner of our mind, we do realise that it is important and a must if you want to improve your fitness levels. Some of us do it to shed some pounds, and some do it to keep the fat off and the abs fully visible. However, how do we get the most out of our time on a treadmill/stepper, etc and at what intensity do we need train at?
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Its about time someone cleared up this common misconception that people have had about food and diets, especially when it comes to fried foods. So, to answer the above question, I must highlight that most fried foods today are fried in vegetable oil. Correct? [click to continue...]

When I’m at the gym, I’m usually in my own world.. a world without the noise and distractions you sometimes come across at the gym. I can’t hear the grunts, shouts, the talking and the music they play at the gym. What I hear, is my choice of songs on my MP3 player. Here’s what I’ve been listening to for the past few months.. I’ve categorised them by the feelings/moods/emotions they provoke within me, and what I primarily use them for.

As weird as you may think I am, the music that I listen to plays a big role in my workouts. They help me focus, and channel my thoughts and energy into determination and strength. Now that’s something simply amazing.

Feeling Good - Pre-workout
I ALWAYS listen to this one as I walk from the locker room down to the gym, looking around, mentally preparing myself for what lies ahead.
* Don Henley - Boys of Summer

Psyching me up (Arouses Anger)
Used during weight training, especially when I know I’m at my last set, or want to push myself to new limits and give 101%. These songs motivate me in a negative way, but helps as long as I can channel my anger into my workout.
* Clint Mansell - Summer Overture
* Right Now - Fort Minor
* Remember the Name - Fort Minor
* Prodigy - Smack my bitch up
* OST.Daredevil - The Man Without Fear-Drowning
* OST.Daredevil - Simple Lies-Endo
* Ice cube & Paul Oakenfold - Right Here Right Now
* Linkin Park - One Step Closer
* Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong
* Linkin Park - In the End

Psyching me up (in a feel good kinda way)
Used during weight training, these just psyche me up and put me in the mood to lift and be the best I can be. These don’t arouse anger, but motivates in a positive way.
* Aaliyah - Try Again
* Britney Spears - Toxic
* The Rasmus - First day of my life
* The Rasmus - In The Shadows
* The Rasmus - Guilty
* Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit
* Real Mccoy - Another Night
* Daddy Yankee Feat. Pitbull - Gasolina
* Lil Jon, Pitbull - Culo
* U2 - Vertigo
* Velvet Revolver - Dirty Little Thing
* Velvet Revolver - Big Machine
* Velvet Revolver - Set Me Free
* Velvet Revolver - Slither

Don’t Give Up Just Yet
Sometimes used during weight training, and also during cardio. These songs put my mind in a state where I feel that I MUST persevere, and not give up. Helps a lot especially during cardio, when you’re tired and think you just cant run anymore.
* Jay-Z & Linkin Park - Numb/Encore
* Survivor - Burning Heart
* Kenny Loggins - Top Gun - Danger Zone
* Bonnie Tyler- Holding Out For A Hero
* Survivor - Eye of the Tiger

Feeling Good
These are songs that just put me in a general good mood, and they help me while I’m working on my cardio. They help me visualise possessing a better physique and increased confidence level. These don’t work for me if I were lifting weights.
* Believe Me - Fort Minor
* Beyonce - Baby Boy
* Usher - Yeah
* Britney spears - Pepsi World Cup
* Kevin Lyttle f. Alison Hinds - Turn Me On
* Sean Paul - We Be Burnin
* Black Eyed Peas - Pump It
* Jennifer Lopez - Let’s Get Loud

Cooldown
This one works every time to help me unwind after a workout
* Robbie Williams - Feel

So, there you go. This is my world when I’m at the gym. So don’t be mad the next time you see someone who is too into his music that he refuses to even smile at you. It’s nothing personal.. its just that you’re not in the same ‘realm’ as they are in.

UPDATE: Check out my review on the Nike+ Experience and the iPod Sports Kit