Midday workout must-haves

The lunchtime workout can be a timesaver for busy women. Sneaking in a workout at lunch means you'll be able to sleep later in the morning AND be able to make plans at night! Since you're likely heading back to work, or busy with kids, midday workouts require a little extra planning. Here are five things every woman needs for a successful daytime workout.

Pilates is a great midday workout.

1. Non-crimping hair ties

If your hair is long enough to pull back, get it away from the sweat on your face and neck! Use the thick-elastic, super stretchy hair ties that won't leave that annoying "ponytail crease " in your hair. Securing your hair in a loose bun will also eliminate that creased look when you go back to your day. Have short hair? Use a headband to achieve the same results.

2. Tissues

Tissues are a necessity to keep in your purse or gym bag. Makeup can easily run when you're doing cardio. Grab a tissue, wrap it around your index finger, and carefully blot the sweat from under your eyes. You can also use tissues to wipe any sweat from the back of your neck or even your underarms.

3. Travel-size makeup

If your makeup is beyond repair, you'll need a couple of staples in your bag, too. No need to splurge on a full set just for your gym bag! Travel-sized products will allow you to do a quick touch-up in the locker room without going through your full makeup routine. I suggest mini-mascara and a sheer, colored lip gloss for a fresh look.

4. Deodorant

Hopefully this isn't a surprise! Reapplying your deodorant is a must, whether you think you need to or not. Do your coworkers and fellow moms a favor and reapply. This will take you less than 10 seconds and will save you from any snarky gossip about your hygiene!

5. Cute workout clothes

If you have an on-site gym, chances are you'll run into a coworker. Ditch the ratty T-shirt and old basketball shorts. Alternately, skin-tight yoga pants and a sports bra are also inappropriate. Instead, choose a sweat-wicking tank top and cropped pants; buy a fun color or brand you love as an incentive to leave your desk and sweat!

The benefits of regular exercise are immense. You're doing yourself a favor by fitting exercise into your busy schedule. Turns out you can have it all - a little extra sleep in the morning, dinner plans at night, and a strong, healthy body, too!

Originally published for Puffs on Yahoo Shine.

Motivating songs for four types of workouts

You're about a month in to your New Year's resolutions and, let's face it: motivation is waning. Late winter is a dreadful time of year to trudge to the gym and most of us need a little extra kick-in-the-pants to get there. Music has always been a motivator for athletes and gym-rats alike.

Photo via davelawrence8.

In need of some ideas to keep your fitness goals on track? Here are several songs that are tailored to four specific workouts:

Cardio
Whether you're logging miles on the treadmill, bouncing along on the elliptical or spinning until your bum is numb, cardio workouts need upbeat, fast music. Aim for a 30-minute playlist to reap the benefits of heart-pumping cardio. Keep the pace by adding a mix of fun tunes like:

Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven
Maroon 5 - One More Night
LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It

Pilates
Get that Pilates body you've always dreamed of with a mix of calm, inspiring tunes. You can get an effective Pilates workout in 30 minutes, but stretch your playlist to 60 minutes to include a full routine of core, arms, spine strengthening and legs. These artists will inspire you to hold each pose a little longer:

Mumford and Sons - Lover of the Light
Muse - Madness
Florence and the Machine - Shake it Out

HIIT
If you're a fan of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) you'll need songs that include short, super fast segments followed by some moderately fast beats. Workout at your maximum intensity level during the fast parts; recover your heart rate during the slower parts. Burn up to 10 calories per minute with these songs as a guide.

Outkast - B.O.B.
Black Eyed Peas - The Time/Dirty Bit
Lady Gaga - Telephone

Weightlifting
You should be lifting weights; if you aren't and need an incentive, treat yourself to a 20-minute powerful playlist to make it through your set. Picture yourself, strong and intense, as you rep out bicep curls, weighted lunges or kettlebell lifts. You'll need something focused and intense to get you through this muscle-building workout. Try:

Kanye West - Stronger
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
Beyonce - Run The World

As always, be sure to consult a physician or certified trainer before starting any new workout routine.

Originally published for Tide on Yahoo Sports.