How to Choose an iPod Playlist for Fitness Walking

Motivation is the key to a successful fitness walking program. In addition to varying your fitness routine to avoid boredom and prevent reaching a plateau, it helps to have something catchy playing to help you keep your workout intensity at the correct level. Here's how to choose an iPod play list for fitness walking.

Things You'll Need

  • Your computer
  • iTunes download
  • Your iPod
  • Knowledge of your typical fitness walking route
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Instructions

  1. Walk Your Route

    • 1

      Walk your usual route at your usual pace. Pay attention to places where you slow down, speed up, or are kept waiting by traffic lights or other walkers. Pay attention to the terrain as well. Note the flat areas, hills, and places where you have to stop for traffic or fellow walkers. Note whether or not you keep an even pace throughout your walk or find yourself slowing down toward the end.

    • 2

      Take your pulse at various places along your route. Use the chart in the resources at the end of this article to determine your target heart rate. If you are not reaching it during your walk at your usual pace, choose songs that are upbeat, peppy, and inspiring. If your heart rate is above what it should be, choose some songs that are slower, relaxing, and soothing.

    • 3

      Open your iTunes Program. Your play list should be available when the program loads. Click on a song you like, which will highlight it in blue. Right click to get the menu, and choose "add to play list". Repeat until you have chosen all of the songs you need. Remember that your list should start with a few warm up songs that are slower, longer, and more relaxing. Your middle songs should alternate between three to four fast paced songs and two slower songs. Your end songs should again be slower and relaxing, for your cooling down period.

    • 4

      Take your walk again, this time while playing your iPod. Adjust your pace to the songs. Take your pulse at the same points during your walk as before.

    • 5

      Adjust your song list one more time, according to your heart rate data. Eventually, you will find the ideal mix of songs to keep you motivated.