Brazilian Workout

It's easier to run that extra mile with "Ja Sei Namorar," a lovely remix of a hit by Tribalistas — the psychedelic group made up of Marisa Monte, Arnaldo Antunes, and percussionist Carlinhos Brown. The classic "Mas Que Nada" meets hip-hop when the Black Eyed Peas join Sergio Mendes in the studio.

The sweetness in Gal Costa's voice on "Forró, No. 1" will make you forget all about the burn in that last set of reps. Then again, there's the non-stop driving rhythm of Bebel Gilberto's "River Song." "Without Words" finds Brazil's Ed Motta collaborating with British drum & bass outfit 4Hero.

Before he became known as the Brazilian Julio Iglesias, Roberto Carlos recorded a number of propulsive rockers such as "Ilegal, Imoral o Engorda." The doo-wop charm of Trio Esperanca helps you unwind after a long workout — though Deodato's bombastic "Peter Gunn" may inspire you to start all over again.

With its swinging samba beats, funky axé jams and percolating batucadas, the music of Brazil seems tailor made for an afternoon at the gym. Alternating between good old-fashioned acoustic sambas and intriguing electronica remixes, this eclectic list showcases some of the most talented voices to emerge from South America in the last five decades — from bossa nova diva Bebel Gilberto to samba soul pioneer Jorge Ben and rock supergroup Os Paralamas do Sucesso.