Recently, I launched my assault on the middle-age weight and shape challenge. My arsenal is a treadmill in the gym and my motivating music is a playlist that I developed just for the event. Actually, I have two lists.

One is made up of the hits of the 80’s – Abba, Michael Jackson, Aerosmith, and Paula Abdul – all the dance favorites from my high school and cruising days. The other list is full of praise music – Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Nicole Mullen; these favorites lift my spirit while getting me moving.

My first few campaigns on the treadmill I listened to my hits of the 80’s. I boogied my way a couple of miles down the road maintaining personal restraint not to belt out that I am the Dancing Queen! Later in the week I was at the gym very early one morning and decided to listen to praise music instead. At the end of my 4,000 steps I came off the treadmill not dancing physically, but my spirit was lighter. The music and its message gave my demeanor a new energy and perspective on the day.

It made me wonder about the different types of music and how I felt after my workout and listening. Exercising is known to lift the spirit while getting your blood pumping. By listening to praise music, am I lifting my spirit and my soul while tightening all my drooping parts?

Your thoughts on music…

KK