We’re all about the workout music. After all, nothing pumps you up for a workout like some good heart-thumping tunes. But an album that combines workout music with an actual workout led by a fitness expert? Well, hello, that’s even better! So when our pal Deekron of Motion Traxx—you may remember the name from the Fit Bottomed Dudes playlist and Spin playlist he created for us—offered us the opportunity to try his new mix Spin Coach Volume 1, we happily obliged.

As one might imagine with the word “Spin” in the title, this workout is for the bike. Whether you’re on a trainer, an actual Spin bike or a stationary bike from the 70s (nothing wrong with that), as long as you have the ability to change your resistance, you can get a helluva one-hour workout with this album. Mixed by Deekron himself, the beats are fun, techno and timed to meet the pace of the music.

After a quick warm-up, Spin Coach Gregg Cook leads you through intervals, hills and sprints. And Mr. Cook is cooking! (Sorry, had to. Too easy.) It’s hard to do a cycling workout on your own that has the energy of a group Spin class, but this download just about does it. Although his voice is a bit hoarse, Gregg gives you just the right mix of motivation, cuing and energy. You’ll get super pumped up when he tells you to “drive, drive, drive, drive, DRIVE!” and “push, push, push, push, PUSH!” and you’ll find that your pedaling begins to match the beat of the music, which is exactly what the Spin Coach wants you to do.

You can download the workout as individual tracks (there are 12 total), thereby making the workout as long as you’d like, but we recommend just getting the whole thing. Yes, sometimes you don’t have an hour to work out, but for the times you do, you’ll want this. Plus, the whole thing just goes so darn well together. At $9.99, it’s probably one of the best and cheapest Spin classes you’ll ever do.

Have you ever downloaded workout music that includes a workout? What was your experience? —Jenn 

For the last two weeks I’ve driven myself and my husband batty singing “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. (It’s only taken me 40 or so tries to get the fast-talking-rap part down—You’re Lebanese, you’re Orient!) So imagine both of our delights when Gaga’s new album by the same name went on sale, giving me 20 new songs to memorize and repeat ad nauseum!

Okay, so not all 20 are new—a number are remixes—but still, I can start singing about Jesus and Judas and Nebraska (for reals) and stop with the Gaga sexual-preference declarations (No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life!). Ah, Gaga, you love to stir the controversy pot, and I love to listen to your tunes while I’m out for a run. And there are certainly some good ones for a workout!

6 Best Workout Songs on the New Lady Gaga Album

1. Marry the Night. With a pleasant early-90s sound and a dark vibe, this song is fabulous for early in your workout when you’re just getting going.

2. Born This Way. We just had to include it. You know why. (And for the haters, sounding like Madonna is never a bad thing in our workout-music books! Plus, the message of the track rocks—very Glee without the high school.)

3. Judas. The nice techno funktastic beat will get your pace and heart rate up in this track.

4. Scheiβe: She had us at: “If you’re a strong female, you don’t need permission.” Who knew German could be so sexy?

5. Yoü and I: Just making sure you were paying attention. This is a straight-up country song. And not a bad one. Fascinating, Gaga, just fascinating. Yay Nebraska!

6. Americano: Prepare to feel Latin. This had us shaking our maracas and pretending we had a Latin lover. Now that makes a workout go by fast.

Really, there’s not a terrible track on the album, and darn near all of them have a beat you can work out to. Even the slowest track “Bloody Mary” makes for an excellent cool down. So just put your paws up. This Lady Gaga album is worth downloading! —Jenn

Credit: SOCIALisBETTER

Love him or hate him (guessing it’s probably the latter), I will say one thing about Kanye West: He sure can put out a hella-good workout album. The past few weeks I have been jamming to “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”, and it’s kind of changed my fitness life, breathing energy into monotonous treadmill workouts (woe was me with so much snow on the ground!).

With the prevalence of iTunes, we’re switching up the usual format of our FitHits album reviews (after all, you don’t care about the songs that suck, only the songs that you need to download because they ROCK!) to highlight the must-download or at least must-preview tracks. And the songs you won’t be able to live (or at least work out) without? Many.

After listening to this entire album about 40 times, I really do like something about just about every single song—even if a number of them are naughty, naughty. The first track, “Dark Fantasy,” makes for the perfect warm-up track, as it builds in intensity throughout the song. “Power” is another amazing high-energy song that will seriously make you feel like you have the “power” to push through any exercise. Also, don’t miss “All of the Lights,” which is the single that features Rihanna and is perfect for a mid-tempo track when lifting weights or doing cardio. “Hell of a Life” is another high-energy track worth checking out.

The best tracks of the album though, in my humble opinion? “Monster” is a true show-stopper that will take any workout to the next level with ridic skills from Jay-Z and my current music obsession, Nicki Minaj. Then there’s “Lost in the World,” which starts off slow and builds into a super high-energy track. It’s perfect for running, especially when doing intervals. (And if you’re a Bon Iver fan, you’ll recognize this one for sure.) And be sure to end your workout with ”Runaway.” It’s the right pace for a cool down, and it’s somewhat fascinating to listen to Kanye describe himself as a d-bag.

Whether it’s lifting weights, running or going for a power walk throughout the neighborhood, if you like rap and hip hop for your workouts, you definitely will want to add some new Kanye tracks to your music collection! —Jenn

Credit: D.S.B.

Besides being the newbie on the block (in FBG years I’m a fit bottomed baby, Avery-like), I’m also the one who stands out like a sore thumb when it comes to my tastes in music. You see, I’m not really a pop lover. I may dabble in the bubble-gum genre from time to time, but I’m usually the chick listening to either raunchy rap (good for the heart) or sappy beach music. (It’s the Los Angeles mentality creaping in.) Needless to say, I wasn’t totally stoked about reviewing Christina Aquilera’s album entitled Bi-on-ic.  Her songs tend to make my butt twitch with their cheasy sexuality.

This album though…Well, let’s just say I have a new favorite running album. Milka whaaaa?!  The album is chock-a-block full of fast-beat yummy jams. It’s as if Lady Gaga and Madonna threw their albums in a blendor of  awesome and out poured a Bionic smoothie. Mmmm, tasty.

It just doesn’t get any better than songs like “Glam” that feature the pop princess instructing folks to work their hips from side to side. I LOVE songs that tell me what to do. Once a beat starts bumpin’, I’m pretty much a slave. Other morsels to devour include “Elastic Love,” “Hate Boys” and “My Girls.”

I warn, these songs will have you moving at a crazy pace, but thankfully there are five or so slow songs, reminiscent of Adele’s sound,  that will help you catch your breath. It’s been a long time since I’ve loved every track on an album. This album is ideal if you’re the type of gal who strongly dislikes creating your own playlists. Just hit play and wait for your inner Bionic woman to kick in.

Have you heard the album? Love it? Hate it? Feared pop like I did, but now see the light? Tell us what you think! —Tish

Credit: stusev

Every once in awhile a song comes along that just gets in your brain and gets comfy, staying there for weeks (if not months), and making you a tad obsessed with its beats and lyrics. A song that makes you hit repeat over and over again. A track that you shamelessly blare in your car and at home. For me, this recent obsession is the song “Bulletproof” by La Roux. And from the way ya’ll talk on Twitter, I’m not the only one. This song, with its 80s-tastic vibe, has made many of our readers psyched to work out and go a littler farther and a little harder while on the treadmill.

So today we’re reviewing the whole self-titled La Roux album. For those who love the CD, we’re preaching to the choir, but I’m hoping to also expose this new chick to those of you who haven’t stumbled upon her yet. ‘Cause seriously, if this was the workout CD of last summer, I might pick this one as this summer’s album.

The Track List: La Roux

1. In for the Kill (4:08)—This starter track is the best way to start a workout. It’s lively, upbeat and everything you want in a warm-up song. Plus it talks all about going in “for the kill,” which I interpret as going in “for the killer workout.”
2. Tigerlily (3:24)—I love the attitude and sass of this one. It’s got some serious girl power to it, so rock it out, yo. Bump up that incline or speed, find a good strong steady pace and focus on the lyrics. They’re fun. And feisty.
3. Quicksand (3:05)—This isn’t my fave track on the album, but it ain’t bad. Again, it’s upbeat and will get you moving. So use it for the middle of your workout, when you’re in the groove and wanting to zone.
4. Bulletproof (3:26)—This is the uber-catchy one that you know and love—or will love after you hear it. It’s best to use when you’re doing intervals and really need some musical help to push you. Plus you can imagine that your awesomeness is deflecting bullets. Fair warning though: It TOTALLY gets in your head and lives there.
5. Colourless Colour (3:28)—If “Bulletproof” is the song to get you hyped for an interval, this is the song to recover to. It isn’t sleepy, but it’s relaxed. And with lyrics about feeling the “sun on my skin,” it’s perfect for an outdoor sweat-a-thon.
6. I’m Not Your Toy (3:19)—This is another one of my faves on the album and it brings more girl power to your workout. If you’ve ever felt like a dude was using you or kept you hanging on for no reason other than his own enjoyment at watching you wonder what the heck is going on (almost every girl has at least one of those experiences), you will love this one. Smart lyrics, fun tempo—you can’t beat it. Another great recovery song or steady state song.
7. Cover My Eyes (4:32)—This track starts off slow and tender and stays that way, making it ideal for a cool down, stretching or even yoga. It’s a heartfelt, emotional song that makes you want to hug poor, brokenhearted, mohawk-clad La Roux. Poor girl. Stretch it out.
8. As If by Magic (3:51)—I can’t put my finger on why, but this song makes me think of my childhood. Something about capturing that innocence and wonder of the world. It also makes me think of love, just powerful, beautiful love. And who doesn’t love that? Use it as a steady state track for cardio and feel the magic.
9. Fascination (3:41)—La Roux picks the pace up again with this one that’s both soothing and energizing. (Actually, I’d characterize the whole album like that, which is probably why I love it so much!) It’s a great song for thinking about past relationships, experiences and other random ish from the past. So find a good moderate-intensity level and get nostalgic.
10. Reflections Are Protection (4:20)—I adore the opening beat on this one. Makes you want to strut. So use that ‘tude to have some fun and shake those hips a little. You’re an FBG, so shake that junk in the trunk! And if you’re in a more serious mood, listen to the lyrics. It’s deep, yo.
11. Armour Love (5:52)—This quiet little song evokes a little Sinéad O’Connor feel, which I’m totally okay with. While I do love the track, it’s a bit of a downer for a workout, unless you’re feeling lonely and need to sympathize with someone. Then cool it down, girlfriend.
12. Growing Pains (3:26)—You get one final fun and poppy track. It starts off pretty benign but becomes more high-energy as you go, so it’s a perfect go-get-’em song. Gradually pick up your pace, feel the song’s resentment, and work it out.
13. Track 13 (4:20)—This untitled bonus track is fun and like “Growing Pains,” it builds. Also great for a cool down or recovery, it’s a techno-electronic track that has a message that can hilariously (and wrongly, I’m sure) be applied to working out: “Finally, my savior is here.”

Have you heard the album? Love it? Hate it? Wanna try it? Tell us what you think! —Jenn

Credit: kindofadraag

A few weeks ago, after borrowing this album from Erin and falling madly, deeply and passionately in love with its catchy poppiness, I started following Lady GaGa on Facebook. Much to my pleasure, Ms. GaGa updates pretty regularly—and she calls her fans “little monsters.” For some bizarre reason, this is the cutest and most perfect pet name for GaGa fans in my opinion, and whenever I see it, I smile agreeing that, yes, I am a little GaGa monster. Heck, the woman is named after a Queen song. I really have no choice but to bow at her weirdly dressed feet and declare “I’m not worthy,” a la Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar circa 1992.

Now that I’ve declared my love, let’s review GaGa’s latest album release, The Fame Monster. This album is an addition/continuation to The Fame, showing the dark side of celebrity. As you’ll see though, this eight-track CD is plenty energizing and true to the monsters, albeit with more emotion and less overt sexuality (a good and a bad in my opinion).

The Track List: Lady GaGa, The Fame Monster

1. Bad Romance (4:54)—I’m a little more than obsessed with this one. And thank goodness I convinced my husband that she’s a talented performer (see Queen reference above) and not just a sex kitten so that I can listen to it on repeat without him threatening to leave me. Whether I’m cleaning the house, busting a move in the car at a stoplight (yep, been known to do that) or bumping up the speed on the treadie, it is my current go-to song. (And it’s super fun to sing the line “I’m a free bitch, baby!” I find it paradoxically inspiring.)
2. Alejandro (4:34)—This is a slower track than “Bad Romance,” but it’s still fun. The talking intro is super theatrical, and the entire song reminds me of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” with a GaGa twist. Save this song for the middle of your workout when you’re bored and need a distraction. This song tells a story.
3. Monster (4:09)—Definitely the darker side here with lines like “He ate my heart.” Poor Lady GaGa. But the track still has a dang good beat. And is kinda Brit-like. It’s really a great bitter warm-up song.
4. Speechless (4:31)—You can definitely hear the Queen influence of this track in the beginning, and then GaGa gives you almost a twang, and then it reminds me of some of the deeper feeling songs that Christina Aguilera did on this album (and, yes, that album was more than just wet ass-less chaps, believe it or not). Plus, she plays the piano in it, which I love. Perfect for a cool down.
5. Dance In The Dark (4:49)—This breathy, techno track instantly had a place in my heart when I heard its sampling of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” It’s definitely high energy and a little disco-y, but the lyrics are dark, even mentioning celeb tragedies, such as JonBenét Ramsey.
6. Telephone (3:40)—Featuring Beyoncé, this one is f-u-n. Very woman-empowering with some really freakin’ strong vocals. Perfect for a workout!
7. So Happy I Could Die (3:55)—Yes, this song talks about Lady touching herself a lot, but I think it’s more in a “I’m here; I’m present” sort of way. At least that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. This track makes for a great recovery song when doing intervals. Just beware, she sings about red wine a lot, and it sure gives this FBG a craving for a good red zin post-workout!
8. Teeth (3:40)—The final track doesn’t disappoint. It’s funky, fun and exactly what you’d expect for a dark Lady GaGa song, including a chorus repeating “Show me your teeth.” I love the song’s sass. And, again, it’s theatrics. Save it for when you’re ready to pick up the pace!

Now I know that not everyone loves the GaGa as much as we do. Tell us, do you love or hate her? And if you love her, what’s your fave GaGa song, little monsters? —Jenn

Credit: kindofadraag

I love me some Shakira Shakira. The chica can shake her hips like no other pop diva around, and she makes super-catchy Latin-infused pop music. I’ve been a fan ever since Whenever, Wherever, which, believe it or not, I made up a little dance to (hey, I was young). After my dance-tastic fave, I fell for Hips Don’t Lie, Underneath Your Clothes and Don’t Bother. Makes me want to make a Shakira mix tape! I recently added her latest album, She Wolf, to my Shakira ensemble. Does it stack up for working out? Read on!

The Track List: Shakira, She Wolf

1. She Wolf  — The title track on the album  is, of course, a goodie. Complete with catchy lyrics, howling and panting, this track’s beat will get you moving. While it won’t have you sprinting, it is a good warm-up song and is now one of my Shakira staples. It’ll have you busting out your she wolf (or he wolf) in the gym!
2. Did It Again — Nothing like Brit’s Oops tune, this song has what I’ve dubbed an “urgent pace,” perfect for picking up the pace in your workout. Shakira manages to bring out the sexiness along with a Smooth Criminal vibe. Winner!
3. Long Time — If you manage to keep your hips from bopping from side to side during this one, you have more self control than I do. The lyrics are a little repetitive, but it has an interesting sound and a good steady beat, perfect for a long run.
4. Why Wait — Not my favorite track on the album, but Shakira again brings thudding beats that will have you beating the pavement or the treadmill.
5. Good Stuff — How many songs start off with a gong? Not enough! Even with its slow pace, this one has enough interesting sounds to keep you tuned in for its entirety (or like me, wishing it was a bit longer than its 3 minutes). Perfect for a warm-up or a cool down.
6. Men in This Town — Starting out as a lament on the lack of good men around, this song quickly morphs into a techno-dance tune slash ballad that the single ladies will appreciate. Then there’s the most awesome fresh-and-so-clean chorus (cue Outkast flashback here!) that you just have to hear to appreciate.
7. Gypsy — A light pop tune, this one showcases Shakira’s vocals and has more heart and less dance than her other tunes. This one makes me want to skip in a field of flowers. Or listen to it while I cool down. Whatever.
8. Spy — Featuring Wyclef Jean, this one didn’t stand out in the She Wolf crowd. It’s an interesting collaboration, but not one that I’ll put on my faves list any time soon.
9. Mon amour — She had me at the claps. Seriously, I have a theory that any song with clapping is going to be awesome to work out to, and this one keeps that streak going. Plus, this one, called mon amour, wishes an ill vacation on an ex lover (or current lover? it’s hard to tell). It’s pretty much my favorite on the album.
10. (11 & 12) Loba, Lo Hecho Está Hecho, Años Luz — She Wolf, Did It Again, and Why Wait in Spanish. Great for working on your Español!
11. Give It Up — Featuring Lil Wayne, this final track is dirty, but catchy and fun. Fave line? Shakira “swings them hips like nunchucks.” Reason enough to buy the song right there, and so true!

Shakira, as always, brings the sexiness, beats and Latin rhythm to her album. A workout winner? I think so! —Erin

Credit: allaboutgeorge

Whether or not you’ve been an American Idol fan since day one, it’s unlikely that you’ve managed to escape Kelly Clarkson’s tunes. From the overplayed “Miss Independent” to “Since U Been Gone“ and the now-popular “My Life Would Suck Without You” Without You, Kelly is a hit-maker who won’t quit. And we’re glad for that because it gives us more tunes to add to our workout playlist!

Her latest album, All I Ever Wanted, has a mix of beautiful ballads along with some serious pumping tunes. Buy the whole album for an eclectic mix of Clarkson or just the ones below that I’ve deemed most workout worthy if you’re needing some new songs to get you sweating. And if you’re wanting even more fun music, check out my bonus suggestion below!

The Track List: Kelly Clarkson, All I Ever Wanted
1. My Life Would Suck Without You—Mere minutes after I told Jenn I’d never heard this song, its pulsating beat came on the radio. I had low expectations for this song because of the title, but I want to grab this song’s cheeks and eat it up. I love it. Its fast beat will get you moving in a workout, and the slower verses still have a thumping beat that really showcase her vocal talents. It’s a song I have to stop myself from belting out when I’m on a run.

2. I Do Not Hook Up—This rockin’ tune has a a killer beat and chorus that is catchy as hell and is a great combination of ballad and rock. The title of this song doesn’t do it justice. This one is guaranteed to keep you powering through any workout.

3. Cry—Kelly slows it down here a bit for a rock-ballad with a bit of a country vibe. Her vocals are the star of the show here, but this one’s pace and three-and-a-half-minute length make it best suited for a slow warm-up, cool down or other low-intensity workout.

4. Don’t Let Me Stop You—The pace picks back up for this girl-power song. The catchy chorus will have you hooked, and the steady pace is excellent for a long run or bike ride.

5. All I Ever Wanted—This getting-over-a-boy song isn’t as much of a pump-up song as some of Kelly’s others, but the varying paces make it great for alternating intervals throughout the song. It’s got a unique vibe that makes it a nice break from the ordinary.

6. Already Gone—This almost 5-minute tune slows it down, focusing mostly on Kelly’s beautiful vocals and the beats of the drum, which were satisfyingly soothing. It makes a good accompaniment for a cool down or stretch session.

7. If I Can’t Have You—After the previous tune, this party track will get you moving. With a great beat, it will get you on a dance floor, picking up your pace or at the very least, bobbing your head. While the lyrics aren’t as memorable as other tracks, this one is worth a purchase for the thumping beat alone.

9. Whyyawannabringmedown—This smushed song title alone had me thinking that this one would be workout worthy. This song has a harder edge and makes me think of jumping up and down in a mosh pit (in a Kelly Clarkson kind of way). The short length (2:42) and quick pace makes this an excellent song for a harder interval or a big push up a hill.

10. Long Shot—I love the lyrics and sound of the verses of this song—they’re quick and catchy. While the chorus wouldn’t have me hitting repeat, I could definitely put this one in my workout rotation for a long run.

13. I Want You—This one has hints of old-fashioned teeny-bopper music with a modern flare. With the clapping and repetition of “you,” nothing else on my ipod sounds like it, so it is a fun addition to my workout mix. I bet it would do the same for you.

Buy any or all of these kickin’ Kelly tunes (or at least preview them) on iTunes or Amazon!

Credit: magnif-icence

The Black Eyed Peas’ latest CD, The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies), delivers on its promise. The energy, in fact, never dies, making this album AWESOME for a workout. Just awesome. I mean really. Could there be a more appropriate title for a CD that’s awesome for working out? No. There couldn’t.

Buy any or all of these kickin’ tunes (or at least preview them) on iTunes or Amazon!

Credit: compulsiveprep_8

Jenn and I haven’t made it a secret that we’re fans of the Britney Spears comeback. We’ve reviewed both of her most recent albums, Blackout and Circus, and regularly have her older music in our workout playlist rotation. She’s definitely a pop diva whose music pumps us up during serious cardio endeavors and who has us dancing in our cars and living rooms alike.

We embrace whatever music gets us motivated to move, from rock to pop to rap and country (well, I embrace country; Jenn not as much). And while music is one of the greatest motivators, it can also be a super reward for hard work. That’s why Jenn and I decided that she should come out for a visit so that we could see the Brit-ster live and in concert. It was a great way to celebrate our upcoming one-year Fit Bottomed Girls anniversary and to give ourselves a pat on the back for a year of hard work. (Note to readers: BIG things coming up for our one-year celebration the week of May 18, so stay tuned!)

The concert was a great spectacle, and the circus theme lent itself nicely to many special effects and acts between songs. Hula hoops, acrobatics, cages and stilts all made the show a feast for the eyes, albeit not always appropriate for younger eyes. Overall, it was super fun and highly entertaining. Unbeknownst to us, Britney got one of her extensions ripped off during the show, but we weren’t exactly front row (or anything remotely close to it) so we didn’t notice, and the show carried on without a pause.

So now that Jenn and I have gotten our Britney-live fix, we’re going to spice up our next FitHits by letting you guys choose our next album to review. We think there’s a good mix to suit all tastes!

Can’t see the poll? Click here!

Got another idea? Let us know what you’d like to see in the comments! —Jenn