Music

For the past week, I’ve had the chance to experience Nike+, which I’ve previously only seen a number of people using, especially during the huge promo earlier this year in Fitness First where Nike had free Trial Sessions for people to try out Nike+ for themselves.

If you’re wondering what Nike+ is – it’s basically the combination of the Nike Plus Sports Kit, a Nike+ pair of shoes, and of course – Apple’s iPod Nano. The sports kit consists of a receiver you connect to your iPod Nano, and a small, oval shaped sensor (a piezoelectric accelerometer) that you insert under the sockliner of your Nike Footwear. Nike+ is the unique combination of these items, working together to be your ‘workout partner’ (though I’d like to personally call it a motivator) that will give you live feedback on the progress of your run!

With the receiver plugged into your iPod – you can now keep track of your running pace, distance, and calories burned for all your previous running sessions. I’ve always been able to keep track of my weight training progress – and now, I’ve got a neat way to keep track of my runs too.

Music has always been something I simply CANNOT DO WITHOUT when I’m at the gym, and I even talked about The Mental Influence of Music at the Gym back in June 2006. Powerful workout music has always given me that extra push when I’ve needed it, especially when it comes to getting my cardio sessions over with (which is difficult for most of us unless we’re really excited about running?). So now when Nike and Apple came along with something that was DESIGNED to do exactly that… how can I NOT take notice?

My Experience with Nike+
My first run using Nike+ was one week ago. Although I covered only 1.64km, it was great fun as I didn’t know what to expect during my run. Upon completion of my run today morning, it was REALLY NEAT to hear feedback via my earphones from Lance Armstrong (seven-time Tour de France champion), saying “This is Lance Armstrong - Congratulations, that was your longest workout yet!”

I don’t think it’s cheesy – I like it and I think it’s a great idea to feature motivational feedback from real athletes – a great ending to your workout.

The COOLEST feature – Spoken Feedback!
With Nike+, my iPod Nano now becomes my running coach and personal motivator – giving me spoken feedback through my earphones every time the center button is pressed (no need for me to look down at the screen during my run). Yes, it talks to you! The spoken feedback is also heard at regular intervals depending on the type of workout I’ve chosen before I begin running- there is a choice to measure progress via distance, time, or by calories burned. Also, you get to choose between hearing from a male or female feedback voice. I did try the male voice out, hoping to hear a deep, stern, and serious voice – something really motivating… however, the voice wasn’t something I expected to hear – so I decided to stick to the female voice for now. [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

We all have our ‘down’ days when we just don’t have the motivation or energy to have a great workout. To make things worse, your gym plays the same song you heard one year ago when you first joined. Sounds familiar? [click to continue...]

Success is often tedious. When we see success in others, it looks exciting and fun. We see someone in great physical shape. We see an athlete being cheered by the crowd after a successful performance. We see someone who is successful in business living in a magnificent house, driving a shiny new car and taking exotic vacations. We usually see only the results of success in others.

What we often fail to see and appreciate is how they got there. The person with a successful business has spent many long, boring hours, working late into the night on tasks that no one would consider fun or exciting.

The successful athlete or person in great shape has spent day after day practicing/or in the weight room, following a strict diet and laboriously training mind and body.

Those who understand, appreciate and accept that the road to achievement can often be tiresome, those who are willing to do whatever it takes, no matter if it is often tedious and boring, are the ones who will get the reward they seek.

Survivor’s song… The Eye of the Tiger has always, and will continue to inspire me - to be physically fit that is.

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