When was the last time “I didn’t know ____,” actually got you off the hook? Perhaps rules of conduct in a learning environmnet could be one example, except that we are expected to learn the rules before beginning; and, not knowing the rules will not remove any ramifications that may be incurred.

In the modern day age of everyone suing everyone, ignorance of the law only becomes useful when one can show knowledgeable negligence on the behalf of the rule-maker (or company that set out the rules.) After all, you can only be held accountable for what you had access to know in the first place, right?

Even though this does make perfect sense, to lessen the whip-lash of consumers who might manipulatively use the “ignorance” claim, many companies make customers sign off that they have read the rules of engagement (you know, a disclaimer.)  ALivingHowTo’s Legal Consultant explains, “This is called a “contract of adhesion,” and actually inhabits some shaded areas in liability to law because there is no recourse to make amendments to the contract.” So, if I want to play, I have no choice but to accept terms I had no hand in creating and probably do not fully understand.

In the end, though it be tedious and confusing, and additionally impossible to alter from the start, wading through legal documentation before entering into a contract is vital to survival and success in this world. From stopping a subscription from renewing, or your arrest record that indicates you are not allowed to purchase amo as  a felon; ignorance to the law is unfortunately not a valid defense.

At least companies are equally legally bound to share as much information as they have with their market. In the spirit of legal integrity to you the reader, I have created a disclaimer you can find here. Please agree to the terms listed before continuing on to more How-Tos.

Certain songs just galvanize even the shyest of dancers to tap out a rhythm. Maybe it blasted on a friend’s car radio, or you overheard it at the gym: but now that song is stuck in your head and it pains you to admit you want to hear it again. These songs not only put in you in a good mood, but also drive you to move. What if these powers of catchy up-beat rays could be focused when you needed it most, like during a run for example?

After learning Macarena-esque arm movements to Gangam Style in a spin class, I knew I had to put it on my cardio playlist on Spotify. Apps like Spotify and Rdio make locating and organizing songs extremely easy. The next day, I had Psy stuck in my head and could not wait to move freely to the beat while on my run. And when I did hear it pop up, I was that much happier to run harder.

Try spending a little extra time working a playlist with songs you love, or just new songs you have been waiting to hear. Remind yourself that these songs are only treats for when you are working out. Not only does this delay over-play sickness, but you can use down time to find new music to add. Try a new Pandora station, or Shazam-ing that song in the background of So You Think You Can Dance.

Since smartphones make it so easy, you can even take a resting break during your workout to remove a song you discover doesn’t quite fit. In the end, the bigger and badder your playlist, the faster and happier you’ll be to get back out there again.