Tune In and Tone Up

One entrepreneur makes workout music to move you--in more ways than one.

Studies have shown that listening to music during exercise can improve results.

That’s what Silicon Valley entrepreneur Heidi Roizen found when she started working out. But while music was helping her push plateaus, she felt that most lyrics skipped a beat when it came to inspiration. That’s when “Skinny Songs,” a music CD designed to empower weight loss, was born. “I decided to write lyrics that motivate and inspire,” says Roizen (pictured second from left). She later worked with artists and producers to create 10 songs, ranging from country-western to rock.

Here, Roizen shares some of her tips for picking tunes that are moving in more ways than one.

► Get positive about affirmations.
When singing catchy lyrics, it’s best to pick ones with a motivating message, says Roizen.

► Have an emergency song.
If your willpower is slip-ping, you need a song that reminds you that you’re in charge. “For me, this song is ‘You Da Boss’ because it speaks directly to the issue of one’s relationship with food,” says Roizen.

► Know how your music moves.
A tempo between 120 and 140 beats per minute mimics a person’s heart rate during a workout, which explains why many gyms blast rock songs. “Music can also provide powerful motivation during walking or strength training, where a slower pace matches the movement itself,” says Roizen. “Most of the music on ‘Skinny Songs’ is better suited for these workouts, allowing you to sustain energy longer.” (For more information, visit Skinny Songs.com)