Alt Rock Workout

Hey, Mr. Gym-Manager-Bloke. Some of us don't want to hear pulsating techno tracks and bubblegum chart pop when we work out. An Alt Rock Workout playlist sounds like a much better idea, which is why we've put together this collection of proper pump-you-up alternatives: so pull on your prized, unwashed Arctic Monkeys T-shirt and give those pecs, abs and glutes a solid going-over to the sound of "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" before embarking on a mini cardio-marathon in the company of Kings of Leon, Kasabian and the Ting Tings.

Lucky for you, there are plenty more good reasons to sweat profusely in our Next Steps . . .

Now that your uber-cool warm-up is over and you're ready to raise your heart rate to the next level, we've got the perfect alt playlist of sonic electrolytes to fuel your workout. Start with the witty synth-pop of Blur's "Girls & Boys", fully aware that you have absolutely no intention of (in the words of Damon Albarn) "following the herd" anywhere, then nonchalantly set about your next set of reps to the pit-stirring, flannel-tearing grunge of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and the sun-crushing motivational magnificence of "Starlight" by Muse.

Go get yourselves a bottle of water — we'll have some Deep Cuts for you in a jiffy . . .

The alt rockin' fitness fanatic is faced with this dilemma: the act of sweating over weights and stationary bikes in a gym is all wrong, because you're supposed to be cool . . . the problem is that your "Lust for Life" is more powerful than Iggy's, so how are you supposed to pummel those free weights without looking like you're trying too hard. Well, here's the solution: great workout tunes, from the classic new wave energy of New Order's "Blue Monday" to the fizzing modern garage rock of Eagles of Death Metal ("I Only Want You") and the pummeling distortions of Sonic Youth ("100%").

No point pretending otherwise — exercise is good for you, and you know it. Trouble is, some gyms are the antithesis of cool: all that sweat and lycra does very little for your scuzzed-up rock 'n' roll credibility, which has been hard-earned by countless late nights in disreputable dive bars. So here's the deal: while we're not suggesting that you invest in a colour-coordinated jogging ensemble, we still believe a regular date with your local gym is going to seem that much more bearable when your exertions are soundtracked by the same songs you listen to when working out your tequila arm or pumping a fist in the direction of Smashing Pumpkins, the Bravery or the Prodigy. So go ahead: sneak these alt-rock pulse-pounders onto your gym's sound system . . .