I know the month is almost over, so this list seems a bit late. But i’ve been working out to this playlist and i’m so in love with it that I had to share it with you guys. They’re also some of my favorite Spring Break songs

10. Weightless - Natasha Bedingfield

Natasha is such an underrated pop artist. She writes all of her own music and her songs are always filled with uplifting messages. After a hard run, this is the song I like to unwind to. I breathe in deep, I close my eyes and think about how I awesome I am for running my heart out. I think about how far i’ve come in my journey and in a way, i feel weightless. 

9. Won’t Back Down (feat Pink) - Eminem

This song is my running song. Let me be more specific, this song is my, “crank the speed up to 9.0, run till my legs collapse, heart pounding out of my chest, beat my best mile time” song. 

8. Life Is Getting Better - Javier Colon

This song is a little cheesy, but I absolutely love it. Sometimes when I’m lifting weights, all I want is a cheesy inspirational pop song to keep me going when I want to give up. This song in particular reminds me of far i’ve come. Which is something I so desperately need to be reminded of when I’ve got so far to go.

7. So Good - B.o.B

This is good running song too. I know it’s 3:40 minutes long because when this track comes on, I challenge myself to run until the song is finished. 

6. Angel With A Shotgun - The Cab

I love how epic this songs sounds. The choir at the beginning reminds me of The Lion King and gets me pumped up. I usually start my runs off with this song. 

5. What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger) - Kelly Clarkson

Dude, don’t even get me started on the crush i’ve had Kelly Clarkson since I was 14 years old. She’s got talent, she’s got curves and her songs are amazing to work out to. ugh… when I reach my goal weight, i’m gonna ask her to marry me, i swear it.

4. Dang Girl - Family Force 5

Not only is this a great workout song, but it’s been a perfect Spring Break song as well. When i’m working out and this song comes on, I remember “Dang, I gotta look good for the beach!” 

3. Sunrise - Childish Gambino

Every Childish Gambino song is a good workout song, but this is my favorite one. On the days that I wake up early and squeeze in a quick run before work, this is the song I play. It makes me think about who I was a year ago. A 340 pound kid, sleeping my life away! YET, here I am now working out endlessly to reach my goal. It just me proud of myself. 

2. Forever - Blessed By A Broken Heart

I never thought this song would be so high on my list, but I LOVE running to this song. The music consistently pushes me to run faster! The key change hits and I’m running on like an 8.0, mouthing the words to myself and air drumming! It’s one of those songs that makes me completely forget i’m working out. 

1. Some Nights -  fun.

Like most people, I’ve fallen head over heals in love with fun.’s new album, but this song is a stand out for me. Some Nights has become the soundtrack to my whole BE BRAVE Movement. It makes me reflect on all the crap I went through with Biggest Loser, the depression that followed shortly after and the road to redemption that i’m currently on. This song means something to me. It inspires me. It’s my anthem.

Do you guys have any good workout songs?? Share them with me! I love getting new music for the gym.

#bebrave

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I ran my fastest mile today! 13 minutes! Which I know isn’t that impressive, but what ev’s, I worked my ass off for that 13 minutes! I pushed myself harder than I ever have and it was totally worth it. I guess you could say I have a love/hate relationship with running. It’s my least favorite exercise but the one I’m always the most proud of.

So I came up with some quick RUNNING TIPS to help you if you’re trying to improve your running experience. I mean, i’m no professional, but i’ve been able to cut my mile time in half just from doing this stuff. 

1. EAT A GOOD MEAL -

My best runs have always been when I’ve eaten a healthy meal about 2 hours before hand. My body has time to digest the food and i’m filled with energy by the time I get to the treadmill.

Eating 10 minutes before I run does nothing for me! Even worst, not eating before running obliterates me! When I don’t eat, my mile times are pathetic! Without eating, I don’t have the energy to go 100%.

Food can make or break your run!

I mean, you wouldn’t go on a road trip without first filling your car up with gas, right? The same goes for your body.

Eat something! Eat well! and your running will drastically improve!

2. CARDIO FIRST -

I try to do 60% cardio and 40% strength training when I workout. I think that’s a pretty good balance for weight loss. 

My routine is always been to do my runs before my weights. Whenever I’ve done strength training first, it never ends well. My body will ache and beg me not to go hardcore on the treadmill. Honestly, who wants to start a run feeling sore?

My best workouts always come when I run first. It gets my heart pumping and sends a signal to my body that it’s time to get to work! Plus, it feels awesome to sit on a bench after running and just do some bicep curls. 

3. WEAR FITTED CLOTHES -

This one seems like a no brainier, but i’ve fallen victim to the comfy sweat pants trap one too many times! Wear clothes that fits! Don’t be the person pulling up their shorts during a run. Not only is it annoying as hell, but it takes your focus off of your workout.

Also, wearing clothes thats too tight can be really uncomfortable. You need to be able to breathe when you run! That’s kind of important. So dress comfortably and I promise it’ll improve your running. 

4. WORKOUT BUDDIES! -

The next time you go to the gym, take a friend with you! Make a friendly bet that the loser has to buy smoothies and then race your heart out! You’ll be surprised how a little friendly competition can improve your workout. 

5. GO HARD, BUT NOT THAT HARD - I can always tell when I push my body too hard. I feel abnormally weak afterwards and sometimes I’ll even get sick. 

Push yourself, go hard, but don’t go so hard that you make yourself sick! Sure you finished that mile faster than you ever have, but it’s not worth it if you’re too sick to finish you’re workout. 

6. SET THE RIGHT EXPECTATIONS - You probably won’t cut your mile time in half over night. You probably won’t be able to keep up with someone who’s in much better shape than you. Set the right expectations for yourself. Don’t go into the gym and say “I’m gonna run 18 miles in an hour today” because you’ll only bum yourself out if you don’t reach that goal. 

Make goals for yourself, but make them realistic. I swear, nothing feels better than hitting a goal you’ve made for yourself. Don’t make that fantastic feeling unattainable! 

7. MAKE A WORKOUT PLAYLIST -

This is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT RUNNING TIP I could give you!

I’m super duper cereal you guys, a strong playlist is an absolute must!

Music has the power to push you more than anything else! I know when I run, I need to have a strong beat blaring in my ears to keep my mind off of how hard my heart is pounding!!

I don’t care if you’re feeling tired or ugly or heartbroken, everyone has that one song that takes them to another place. A song that makes you forget you’re even working out. A song thats your anthem. 

Make a playlist full of anthem songs and you’ll notice the music pushing you through your miles!

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So those are just some tips that have helped me improve my running. Hopefully some of you can benefit from these tips as well. 

Also, If you guys have any advice for me, please feel free to comment! I still think of myself as fitness newbie and I need all the help I can get!

#bebrave 

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