The Reboot

The 2020 Reboot

My workout playlist kills two birds with one stone. It motivates me to get through my intense workouts and reboots my mind so that I can also enjoy myself while moving towards the finish line. Everyone talks of their playlists and how the songs beats and energy gives them all the motivation they need, which is true for the most part, but I on the other hand don’t care if it has the most bass or the biggest beat drops in history; if I don’t feel like working out its very hard for a song to change that. After trial and error I realized that my mind had to match the energy I was trying to get my body to have. Which created what I now call my Reboot Playlist. I mean its 2020 who doesn’t need a reboot right? Well I had to reboot my mind while I tried to get my pre-kid body back. Ive struggled with my weight for the last 3 years after having my son gaining a total of 140 pounds. Due to the pregnancy itself and depression due to being in a very toxic relationship with my sons father. So after ending that and getting into a healthier environment I decided it was time to get better both mentally and physically.

So, I start with a pre-workout stretch to ensure I don't hurt myself and the songs that I listen to during that ten minutes are purely to get my mind on the same page. It screams its time for the REBOOT!

Already different right? Its not full of base or fast instruments but it gets me in a mood that I can barely explain. It says im fighting through everything and that everything will be ok. Believe it or not I get so hype as I belt out the lyrics while doing my stretching. My neighbors probably aren’t to0 happy because I believe I sound like a dying cat but I feel great afterwards. I feel better about myself and soon I will look better as well.

Ledisi- Bravo

My last pre workout stretch song speaks for itself the first two lines are “I got a new walk a new point of view. A new purpose for everything I do.”

I continue with my stretches with a smile on my face and a feeling of strength. Her words makes it to where my mind has now met my body halfway. Its an understanding on both sides that we've got a new purpose and point of view on our self and its time to make some changes! Its time to drop from 300 pounds down to 175!

Now going into my workout I start off hard and fast paced with Ciara’s level up.

“be your own boss, love yourself, level up."

If you’ve never heard this song you have to just click play for 15 seconds and tell me if it causes you to jump out your seat. Very fast paced, energetic and shes spitting truth and positivity through it all. “I just keep elevating , no losses, just upgrading” Best part about this one is the video is playing with my Youtube premium so their energy and movements through this song gets me even more hype. If you're into Zumba this whole song's dance routine is a workout by itself.

Shakira- waka waka

When you fall get up, oh oh

If you fall get up, eh eh

This keeps up the same energy as the song prior so it keeps me in a focused and motivated mood. It also brings some positive lyrics and upbeat dance moves to keep me going even during times of rest.

Flame start over

“Everybody's got a blank page, a story their writing today, A wall that they're climbing. You can carry the past on your shoulders or you can start over”

This would be deemed a reboot song. Im 10 minutes into my workout and i'm huffing and puffing and my mind starts whispering that its okay to quit and that doing something is better than nothing at all. This song reminds me to push through. We all can get where we want to be but we have to keep moving. We all have a starting line and a finish line but its up to us how far we move from one to the other. This song hits me with a nice reminder that im loved now and I will be loved at my finish line as well. I no longer have to accept my weight or the people around me who have made me feel bad about it.

Rihanna - work & Fifth harmony- work from home

I just want to be small enough to move the way these girls do in both videos and the repetitive "we can work from home" helps too. These were two of my favorite songs right before I got pregnant with my son and I was constantly moving to these; So it only made sense to add them to my playlist if not just for the reminder of the good old healthy days but also of the days to come.

Eminem- Till I Collapse

“When you feel weak you feel like you want to just give up……you gotta find that inner strength”

I cant keep up with most of his lyrics in his songs but this one line in the beginning is clear and it sets the tone for the remainder of its play time. It makes it clear there's no giving up, no negativity, only perseverance!

Lil Jon Turn down for what / Get outta your mind

This always comes on just in time for my burpees and the energy that it gives me pushes me through those Exercise murderers. A burpee is the hardest thing that Ive ever had to push through (Yup even child birth! ok not really) but this song followed by their “Get out of your mind” makes it to where even when im taking a water break, cursing the person that invented these hell movements, im still moving because I mean who could possibly be still while these songs are playing.

Rachel Platten- Fight Song

This is my fight song

Take back my life song

Prove I'm alright song

My power's turned on

Starting right now I'll be strong

Now I have to absolutely finish with this song. No ifs or buts about it. I usually finish hard and I finish strong. Then as im laying on the floor with my legs burning and my chest on the verge of exploding I constantly throw my arms in the air and nod my head to it once more on repeat since im too out of breath to sing along with her. Its my fight song. Its my fight. It makes me so proud to finish my workout.

Now 2 months later and 36 pounds lighter this is still my go to playlist and it gets me through every time. Coming from someone who is morbidly obese ( 300 pounds) and cant just make a decision to get up and workout and follow through on my own like a lot of people. My playlist has given me the push i've needed to work towards my goal and get my life back. Hopefully it can help someone else as much as its helped me. Welcome to the Reboot!