When you want to get into shape, lose weight or tone up, you know you need to commit to a balanced diet and / or an exercise regime to reach that goal. Sometimes, though, simply going to the gym and eating the right foods isn’t enough. You need inspiration to keep you on the right track at all times. After all, it takes inspiration to keep you motivated and dedicated, lest you lose that momentum and slide back into your old habits. So whether you’re on that treadmill, going for a walk, going for a drive, or you’re in the kitchen, how about listening to SkinnySongs for inspiration?

SkinnySongs is a CD compilation of 10 radio-quality songs all about staying focused on losing weight, achieving your dreams, shopping for “skinnier” clothes, having the power to stay strong and committed, and maintaining a positive self-image. The catchy song titles include Skinny Jeans, Thin!, I’m a Hottie Now, Use it to Lose it, The Incredible Shrinking Woman, Think I’ll Go to Saks, You Da Boss, Objects in The Mirror, Who the Hell is That?, and Blowin’ You Off at 8. They all range from rock to hip-hop to country, having an empowering and positive, upbeat sound to them – all designed to both entertain you and keep you focused on your goals.

Heidi Roizen, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur from California’s Silicon Valley, is both the founder and lyricist for all 10 songs. The idea for SkinnySongs came to her when she reached size 14 in May 2007, thus spurring her to take action and lose weight. She wanted inspirational music to help her achieve her goal of slimming down to a size 8. Not hearing any lyrics in today’s popular music about getting in shape and sticking to a diet, she decided to write her own songs that would personally speak to her about committing to a personal plan, not giving in to temptations, and being able to get into skinny clothes found in fashionable stores and in one’s own closet.

Roizen collaborated with two established music producers, David Malloy and George Daly, to bring these inspirational songs to life, enlisting the voice talents of emerging artists like Tania Hancheroff, Kaleo Sallas (AKA Kaleo Futuristo), Larkin Gayl, Rachelle Byrne, and Susan Ashton. (David Malloy has worked with country legends such as Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and Tanya Tucker, while George Daly is the CEO of About Records, and has worked professionally with rock legends like The Eagles and Carlos Santana).

Hancheroff, a high-ranking call session singer and background singer for various famous musicians, lends her beautiful voice to Skinny Jeans, Thin!, I’m a Hottie Now, The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and Objects in the Mirror, all of which have a country / rock flair to them, and all touching on body image, getting back to the gym – and back into those tight jeans.

Kaleo Futuristo, a UCLA graduate and musician from Pasadena, California, gets you pumping with the hip-hop tracks You Da Boss and Use it to Lose it, driving home the message of getting off your duff and being the “boss” over the voices of temptation in your head.

Larkin Gayl, who will be releasing her debut CD this year, provides the rich vocals for the rock track Think I’ll Go to Saks, inspiring you to shop for not only skinny clothes, but fashionable ones, too.

Rachelle Byrne provides her strong vocals for the country track Who the Hell is That?, a song about how those awful vacation pictures of you can motivate you to make lifestyle changes that will alter your body image – and how you will think of yourself in those new, improved pictures. Byrne has performed professionally at countless venues including country clubs, wineries, weddings, and hotels, and has performed with Michael Barclay and Chris Hayes from Huey Lewis and the News, to name a few.

And then there’s the last track on the album, the dynamic Blowin’ You Off At 8, performed by adult contemporary artist and one-time Grammy nominee Susan Ashton (her 1992 Angels of Mercy album was nominated for Best Pop Gospel Album). More to do with building up self-esteem and “turning the tables” than anything, this song empowers you to make decisions and do the right thing for yourself and not for others (and to maybe show your ex a thing or two!).

So if you’re looking for a little more inspiration to help keep you on target with your diet, lifestyle change, or exercise program, just listen to SkinnySongs on your iPod when you’re at the gym, or in the car or at home. SkinnySongs worked for Roizen – who can now zip back into her own skinny jeans – and it has already received countless testimonials from many people. It has also caught the attention of USA Today, The Early Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and Oprah. SkinnySongs may just be that little “push” you need to get you going or to stay on track – it’s definitely worth a listen.

SkinnySongs is available for download on iTunes, and sells for $14.99 (US) on Amazon. For more information about Heidi Roizen, SkinnySongs, the artists and producers, visit www.skinnysongs.com.

Title: SkinnySongs
Founder and lyricist: Heidi Roizen
Producers: David Malloy and George Daly
Release Date: 2007
Skinny Little Things, LLC