Last time we talked fitness I had just joined Milestone Wellness and was starting up some of their {crazy plethora of} classes. Well now I’m about a month in and it’s no exaggeration to say that it was love at first ride when it came to Rhythm Ride. I definitely think it’s helping me get my legs back in shape (and when I say back in shape, I mean fitting in my jeans) but more than that it’s really helped me start to feel more like my old self.

One of my favorite parts of the class has been the music. Everyone knows that great tunes will help you work out harder and longer but finding the perfect playlist to match your workout can be a bit of a challenge.  Instructors are full of great playlists but outside of the friendly class confines, switching from song to song, artist to artist in your library can be a total workout buzzkill.

Image: Nike | Nike Leggings

I can’t make it to Milestone every day but thankfully I have a treadmill at home that I’ve been using to supplement my work outs. I’m not what you would call a “runner,” I prefer quick sprints (shout-out to Ransom Everglades 4×100 team) to long runs so music is key to keeping me going.

To fill the void, I thought it would be fun to ask the instructors what are some of their favorite work out songs. And since I just can’t help myself, I’ve added in some of my old and new favorites.

I’m really into making Spotify playlists now (blame it on this) so I created one as kind of a library of work out jams. Think of it as a starting point for you to create your own perfect playlist … and then after you do, send it to me on Spotify. No seriously, send it over.

Louisville friends…

I’ve had some friends join Milestone lately and they’ve asked me about which classes I’ve tried and liked. Other than Rhythm Ride (kind of like their version of Soul Cycle), I’ve tried Jeff’s  20/20/20, Tabata and Tabata Basic (promise I will try other instructors soon). Here’s a quick run-down:

* 20/20/20: If you’ve tried and loved Insanity, you’ll love this class. The first twenty minutes are like Pure Cardio, the second twenty are like Power Cardio and the last twenty are a little bit of sculpting. This class kicked my ass but I loved it. It went by pretty quick too. Also, I know guys can be timid about work out classes (too many chicks), this one was a pretty equal split. So go with your guy.

* Tabata: I love Tabata because I have little to no endurance (see the earlier sprinting comment) but I love quick bursts of exercises with small breaks in between. That’s what Tabata is all about. Rounds of eight exercises split into 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. The class went by really quick, the music was great and I was sweating buckets.

* Tabata Basic: You may think this sounds like an intro to Tabata but it’s not really like that (although it is a good way to prepare for the sets if you’ve never done it before). This class includes more targeted exercises with weights. My legs are still sore from all the lunges, squats and other assorted moves. If you’re thinking this might be an easy, light work out – think again. It’s tough (in a good way). Shout out to Rachel, who I met in the class/stood behind her and tried to keep up, who reads the blog! Great meeting you!

Want to join me for a class sometime (or just try out a couple classes on your own)? I’ve got a few day passes to share with readers interested in giving it a go.  Email me danielle@louwhatwear.com and I’ll send one your way.

Before I go, here’s a little online weigh in:

Pre-Baby Weight: 140 lbs.

Weight at 40 Weeks: 205 lbs. WOOF

Current Weight (7 weeks post-baby): 158 lbs.

18 more to go!

Disclosure: Baptist Milestone Wellness Center has provided me with a discounted membership in exchange for sharing my opinion, information on classes and the occasional offer. All opinions expressed are my own and as always, I would never write about something I didn’t support or endorse. Ready to sign-up? Head over here or email Priscilla at 502-753-7558 or email her (pdespain @ baptistmilestone.com).