The Checkup: Why Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 Is the Perfect Workout Tune

• Creating the perfect playlist is an art—and now it looks like there’s some science to it, too. The Wall Street Journal reports this week on what kinds of music are optimal for the gym, sleuthing out which songs—and why—make for a good workout playlist. It notes a study which found that songs with between 125 and 140 beats per minute get gym-goers going most. So which tunes make the cut? “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, “Die Young” by Ke$ha, and—yup—even Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major. The WSJ recommends a handful of other perfect workout tunes here. And check out our Spring Workout Playlist for even more ideas.

• Absolutely brilliant: building a secret Zen room in your house where you can veg out and do some yoga in peace. Property has photos of a real-life Zen room (Shhh! It’s a secret.) in our area.

• Hate the sound of your own voice? You’re not alone—lots of people do. Here’s why.

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