Working Out Like The FLOTUS — What’s On Your Playlist?

Michelle Obama inspires me on so many levels, bellas.

She inspires me in terms of her poise, her grace, her accomplishments, her style, and in the way that she makes health and fitness a priority. I’m trying to do the same in my life, and the First Lady’s workout regimen inspires me.

Check out this Oprah interview for details – Michelle Obama is into the treadmill, weights, jump rope and kickboxing! Myself, I’m trying to get there. She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to work out! I’m nowhere hear as fit as the FLOTUS is, but I agree completely with her statement to Oprah, “I realized that my happiness is tied to how I feel about myself.”

That’s how I feel as well, but exercise is a daily struggle right now that I’m hoping to make into a habit. One thing Mrs. O and I do have in common right now – a killer workout playlist of our favorite tunes to work up a sweat to! Via Women’s Health and Soulbounce, this is the First Lady’s workout playlist!

1. Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”
2. Beyoncé – “Move Your Body (Let’s Move Theme)”
3. Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope”
4. Sara Bareilles – “Love Song”
5. Michael Jackson – “Unbreakable”
6. Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”
7. Beyoncé – “I Was Here”
8. Chubb Rock – “Treat ‘Em Right”
9. Ledisi – “Thank You”
10. Jennifer Lopez – “Get Right”

I have a workout playlist too – click here for all of it but be forewarned, some of it gets a little profane! But I’ll share my favorite PG-13 tracks right here with you. Maybe you like to work up a sweat to a few of these as well!

Afrobella’s Workout Motivation Playlist

1. Audio Two – Top Billin’

 

When you first get on the treadmill or elliptical, you need a tune that will get you moving and grooving and happy to be there. The beat on this is perfect for beginning my workout. And the braggadocio in the lyrics makes me feel like obviously I’m about to ACE this workout.

2. M.I.A – Bad Girls

 

I kinda drifted from my love for M.I.A for a minute there but this song and this VIDEO brought me right back. Bad Girls is everything I loved about M.I.A back in the day – undeniable beats, nonchalant “rapping” and sneering attitude for days. This puts swagger in my workout step. And HOW AMAZING is this video? Imagine being on THAT set!

 

3. Alison Hinds – Faluma

 

Soca is PHENOMENAL workout music. Specifically recorded and intended to move a crowd to dancing for days at a time, it is high energy music that won’t let you quit until you’re sweaty. It is ideal for exercising – in NYC, there are even Socamotion workout classes to teach you how to get in shape in time for Carnivals around the world! And Barbados’ own Alison Hinds has been my workout inspiration from the moment I first heard this song! You may remember this 2008 post about Allison that details the history of the song. Alison’s version of Faluma was first recorded in 1997 and it goes just as hard today as it did then. Put that in your headphones when on the treadmill and let me know what you think!

 

4. Beyonce – Countdown

 

Can a workout playlist be complete without Queen Bey? I say NAY. I absolutely loved the video for Countdown when it dropped and there’s something about the pace of the song that sends me head over heels in love. It makes me want to dance, and there’s nothing wrong with dancing through your workout!

 

5. Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night

 

I’d also venture to say that a workout playlist without a little Michael Jackson is INCOMPLETE. The FLOTUS loves latter period MJ. For me, the frenetic rhythm of Working Day and Night powers me through even the most challenging of interval training peaks.

 

6. Justin Timberlake – My Love

 

When will Justin Timberlake take a break from Hollywood film sets and get back in the studio with Timberland? They’re an unstoppable combination! Until quite recently I’d forgotten HOW HARD this song goes in my headphones – can you believe this dropped in 2006? Can’t wait for new music from these two, for now it’s Justified and Future Sex/Love Sounds on repeat.

7. Lil Jon – Snap Yo Fingers

 

I hope y’all aren’t judging me. What can I say, Lil Jon is a great motivator! (Yeah!) The beat of this song is what it’s all about to me (because of course it can’t be the lyrical content). Most of Lil Jon’s songs make my workout go by a little bit faster. I know I can’t be the only one still getting down to crunk music on the downlow.

8. Gnarls Barkley – Go Go Gadget Gospel

 

This is a GREAT outdoor workout song because Cee-Lo’s voice truly SOUNDS like freedom when he lets loose. His voice is so unique and soaring. I love Cee-Lo! I think he’s a genius for many reasons. But this song right here? Makes me feel like running (and I’m so not there yet in my workout attempts).

9. Sheila E – The Glamorous Life

 

LOVE Prince, and this song is such an elliptical banger for a few reasons! ALL of those reasons are Sheila E. The DRUMS in this song are on another level! Something about this song makes me feel cute even when I’m dripping with sweat.

10. Jack White – I’m Shakin’

 

I’m a BIG Jack White fan, and I am flipping over his latest album, Blunderbuss. I don’t normally turn to Mr. White for workout music material, but this song right here fits the bill! It’s a cover of Little Willie John’s 1960’s hit, and that’s ANOTHER reason I love Jack White, he always pays homage to musicians of yore and introduces them to his audience. I discovered Little Willie John because of this song, and his life story is fascinating. Cannot WAIT for Jack White at Lollapalooza this year!

 

And that’s what’s getting me up and moving these days! My complete Spotify Workout Motivation playlist is right here. What’s on your workout playlist? Share and I’ll add my faves to my Spotify list!