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I’ve mentioned before that I live my life to a soundtrack, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I have several different cancer-related playlists on my phone now. When my radiation oncologist emphasized the need for me to exercise throughout my cancer journey, I realized that I would need some help in the music department. So I started hunting for the perfect motivational music.
It turns out that there are tons of lists online for motivational music, but I found the same songs listed over and over.
These same few songs just didn’t work for me.
They would have a nice enough chorus (“I’m a Survivor”, anyone??) but the theme of the song was more about a break-up than fighting cancer. I needed music that spoke to me from the moment I stepped on the treadmill until I walked out of the gym. After a lot of searching, I compiled the perfect playlist for me.
Here is what my cancer workout music looks like:
Cancer-Killing Cardio
I start on the treadmill. Getting myself moving when I’m sore from surgery or nauseous from chemo has been quite a task some days. I have found that upbeat music with powerful messages (and a touch of anger in some cases) is just what I need to show cancer who’s boss.
Disclaimer: There is one song (The Fighter) that has some mild cursing.
- “Unstoppable” by Sia – I’m unstoppable. I’m a Porsche with no brakes. I’m invincible. Yeah, I win every single game.
- “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes – Give me scars, give me pain. Then they’ll say of me…there goes a fighter.
- “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia – You shoot me down, but I won’t fall. I am titanium.
- “My Body” by Young the Giant – My body tells me no, but I won’t quit. ‘Cause I want more, ’cause I want more.
- “White Flag” by Joseph – I could surrender, but I’d just be pretending…BURN THE WHITE FLAG!
- “Move Along” by The All-American Rejects – When everything is wrong we move along.
- “Live Life” by Zayde Wolf – Live life like I never have. Live life through the good and bad.
- “The Fixer” by Pearl Jam – When something’s gone, I wanna fight to get it back again.
- “The Greatest” by Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar – Don’t give up, no, no, no. I’m free to be the greatest. I’m alive.
Cancer Killing Cardio – Part Two
There are days when I go for walks instead of the treadmill and I (shocker!) find it easier to get moving. On these days I am filled with gratitude for the health and life that I DO have rather than grumpiness at cancer. So, depending on my mood, I might prefer a different playlist:
- “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” by Andy Grammer – It’s good to be alive right about now. {Disclaimer: Some cursing.}
- “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” by Michael Franti & Spearhead – All I want to do is be with you…I’m alive!
- “Beautiful Day” by U2 – It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.
- “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead – Now it looks like things are finally comin’ around.
- “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida – Woke up on the side of the bed like I won. Talk like a winner, my chest to that sun.
- “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay – I feel my heart beatin’, I feel my heart beneath my skin.
- “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder – Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride, nobody gonna slow me down.
Fake It Till You Make It
After I get off the treadmill, I usually head over to the weight machines. No big deal? Think again. I am not a very strong person to begin with, so I am not overly confident on weight machines. Add that to the fact that I am feeling less than glamorous with my post-mastectomy flat chest and bald head. No bueno. I feel weak, exposed, and unfeminine so I need a little oomph to get me through this portion of my workout as well. I have found that music dripping with confidence rubs off a little bit (or at the very least makes me smile while I’m working out). Fake it till you make it, my friends! Here’s how I do it:
- “I Love Me” by Meghan Trainor – I don’t mean to brag. I don’t mean to boast. I love all y’all but I love me the most.
- “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred – I am a model. You know what I mean. And I do my little turn on the catwalk.
- “Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer – The woman is invincible…Now I find her simply irresistible.
- “Beautiful Now” by Zedd feat. Jon Bellion – We might not know why, we might not know how, but baby tonight we’re beautiful now.
- “Me Too” by Meghan Trainor – Who’s that sexy thing standing over there? That’s me, standin’ in the mirror.
- “Brave Honest Beautiful” by Fifth Harmony – Just gotta remind yourself…You’re brave, yeah, you’re fearless, and you’re beautiful.
- “Like a Champion” by Selena Gomez – It’s in the way you hold yourself. You gotta know you’re something else.
Cooling Down
After I’ve worked out my anger on the treadmill and boosted my confidence on the weights, it’s time to cool down. This is where I have my last little shot in the arm of motivational tunes:
- “Rise Up” by Andra Day – I’ll rise up. I’ll rise like the day. I’ll rise up. I’ll rise unafraid.
- “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne – Keep holding on ’cause you know we’ll make it through.
- “Conqueror” by Estelle – Try telling me no. One thing about me is I am a conqueror.
- “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten – My power’s turned on. Starting right now I’ll be strong. I’ll play my fight song.
- “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” by Cher – I’ll be back, back on my feet. This is far from over. You haven’t seen the last of me.
Almost 100% of the songs I have shared with you today can be streamed for free on Amazon Music (which is free with Amazon Prime). I have been able to create different playlists to keep my music choices organized and easy to find. Give it a try, I know you’ll love it! {Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial}
What songs motivate you to get up and moving? I’m always looking for more suggestions! Leave me a note in the comments below.
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