There's nothing like having a quick-paced beat and a catchy melody coursing through your head to get you ready to sweat off some calories at the Aquatics & Fitness Center. For some workout aficionados, a Walkman, Discman or MP3 player is just as much a crucial workout bag component as their water bottle and sweat towel.
But what's in that Discman varies just as much as each gym patron's favorite workout.
Rap is the genre of choice for many gym goers who frequent the weight machines.
"When I work out I usually listen to a burned rap CD that's a mix of various songs and artists," Fourth-year College student Billy Chorey said. "Nelly is one of my favorites."
Others enjoy a variety of genres for their lifting workouts.
"When I do lifting, I like 80's metal, The Rolling Stones, The Beastie Boys and Eminem," Third-year Medical School student Stacey Trotter said.
Fourth-year College student James Kelly chooses different types of music depending on what kind of workout he is doing.
"If I'm lifting I like rock or rap," he said. "If I'm running, something easier, like Something Corporate or Counting Crows."
The quick beat and motivating energy of techno music makes it another favorite at the gym.
"When working out I listen to techno," Second-year Medical School student Jordan Laroe said. "Right now I'm playing a techno mix a friend of mine made years ago."
Trotter chooses techno when she needs an energy boost for cardio workouts."When I do cardio I listen to Paul Oakenfold's music, which is techno," she said.
Despite a prevalence of mix CDs among gym goers, some stick with the traditional radio.
"When I work out I just listen to the radio -- 101.9," Fourth-year College student Ryan McLoughlin said.
Fourth-year College student Laura Burt also relies on the radio for her workout tunes.
"I just listen to whatever comes in on my radio -- usually 97.5," she said.
Whether it's rap or rock, MP3 or FM radio, music is an important part of many students workout. So, burn that mix CD, get out there and start sweating!