One of my favorite ways to do cardio is High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT-See last week’s Fitness 101 post). I like it for a number of reasons. It is efficient, for one. I can get a heart pounding workout in 20-30 minutes and get on with the rest of my busy day.
Another reason is it excels at fat burning. While you may not burn as many calories during the workout period, this method of training spikes your metabolism for the rest of the day, creating a larger overall calorie burn. For those trying to build muscle, it also has the benefit of not throwing your body into a catabolic state the way a longer, slower cardio session can. Burn more fat, keep more muscle. Who could ask for more?
For my HIIT playlist I need a super high energy pace to keep me going on those sprint intervals. Try this list out for your next HIIT session.
- Celebrity Skinby Hole: This is a good pace for your warm up. I wonder what Courtney is up to these days?
- Wiggle Stickby Reverend Horton Heat: Almost all of their songs are good cardio songs, but this one makes me feel a little sassy too.
- Pump Itby The Black Eyed Peas: Pump it louder and pump it faster!
- Sandstormby Darule: A spin class at my gym used to use this song. I would ride along with this one if happened to be doing cardio at the same time.
- Theme from Mortal Kombatby Justified Fighting Crew of MuMu: This one is old school. Remember when we went to arcades to play video games?
- Let It Rockby Kevin Rudolf: I often ignore the music played at the gym I go to. However, this one stuck in my head and grew on me.
- Dirty Deedsby Joan Jett: Some AC/DC fans may disagree, but I prefer this version.
- Somebody Told Meby The Killers: I love this song, partly because of the great 80s vibe. I am totally giving away my age today.
- Good Girls Go Badby Cobra Starship: This is a really fun song once you get past the goat sound.
- She Wolfby Shakira: Nice cool down pace. And, really, who doesn’t love Shakira?
