BroadwayGirlNYC: Broadway Workout Mix 2012

Spring is here which means it's time to break out the sundresses and swimsuits.  Working off the winter "padding" can be tough, so I've compiled a brand-new playlist to get your pumped up and ready to go, Broadway style.

In the comments or at @BroadwayGirlNYC on twitter, let me know YOUR favorite Broadway workout songs; I'm always looking for more to add to the list!!

So tie on those running shoes...

“You’re So Hot.” What better lyrics to start off a playlist that’s designed to get your moving?  That’s why I’m starting the 2012 edition of my Broadway Workout Mix with “Does Your Mother Know” from Mamma Mia.  The electric guitars and driving beat are conducive to a strong start. 

Next: “It’s Gonna Be Good” from Next to Normal.  It’s a quick song with a slightly manic tone, perfect for amping up your level of activity.  Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting back to the gym or running for the first time since Fall?  This one will get your mind back in the game.

“Here she is, boys; here she is, WORLD!” Song #3 is “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy.  Fantastic brass and a voice that reminds you that you’ve “GOT it!”  Toward the end, the song will remind you that absolutely no one and nothing can hold you back.  Fight through the naysaying voices and keep on running, baby!! (My favorite is the Patti LuPone version from 2008.)

Now its time for a bit of comic relief in the form of another “I can do it” anthem: “Show Off” from The Drowsy Chaperone.  Sutton Foster’s coy vocals will remind you of your inherent talent!!  The tempo starts slow (remind yourself to breathe) but quickly gets moving.  Hold your shoulders back, wink at the runner going the opposite direction on the track, and show the world what you can do.

Clever lyrics along with a powerful cadence are a fantastic combination to get both the body and brain engaged during a workout.  Hence: my inclusion of “Model Behavior” from Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.  It’s one of my favorite songs from the last few years of Broadway musicals, even though the show itself was short lived; it will bring a smile to your face despite any physical pain the workout might cause.  Let your self laugh through the sweat.

“Holiday” from American Idiot is another tune with a beat that practically makes your feet move without permission from your brain.  I find my head nodding along with the rhythm and my mouth lipsynching along as my legs burn (but don’t stop moving).  Most inspirational lyric: “This is the dawning of the rest of our lives!”  Keep on going, baby!!

You’re moving now.  Keep it up with “Friendship” from Anything Goes.  A steady and positive tune. Throw in some jazz hands at the end to give yourself an extra boost.

Those jazz hands will take you right into the first strains of “Jet Set” from Catch Me If You Can.  It’ll keep your feet flying and let your mind fly right into the clouds.

Here’s a little secret tune I added to the playlist at the spot where I tend to need a pickup: “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today” from Avenue Q.  It’s only 29 seconds in length but never fails to elicit a vocal guffaw.  When I’m frustrated or struggling with the workout, it puts a smile back on my face.  It’s also a good reminder that I’m almost done with my 30-minute run!

Every song that passes represents another milestone, another chance to congratulate yourself on being that much closer to the celebratory finish.  For that reason, another 2:30 tune at this point makes it feel like we’re getting there even faster!  I’ve chosen “Out There” from Barnum not just because of the convenient length but because it’s another positive-message song, with lyrics like “out there somewhere, just out of sight, there’s a world that’s blazing with light” remind us that the finish is just around the next bend…

We’re almost there!!  “Radio” from Memphis is the perfect congratulatory song about having MADE it through the workout.  When the tune starts up, you’re in the final stretch.  Sprint out your last few hundred yards.  Sing along at the top of your lungs; raise those arms in triumph; and cross your finish line!!

Any good workout needs a cool-down.  Walk off your hard work with the ultimate anthem: “Broadway Baby”.  The classic from Follies is a satisfying compliment to the smile that’s beaming across your face. 

You did it!!!!!

And just in time to make it to the show in time for curtain. :-)