As a fitness instructor, you know that the right playlist can make or break a class. Music is a powerful motivator, setting the pace and pushing your clients to give their all. But finding the perfect high-tempo tracks can be time-consuming. To help you out, we’ve answered some common questions about creating fitness instructor music playlists that work.
Why is high-tempo music important for a workout?
High-tempo music, typically between 120 and 140 beats per minute (BPM), is crucial for most fitness classes because it syncs with the heart rate during moderate-to-high intensity exercise. This synchronization, known as “auditory-motor synchronization,” helps participants maintain a steady pace, improves their endurance, and makes the workout feel less strenuous. The energetic beat can boost mood and create a lively, motivating atmosphere that keeps everyone engaged and pushing their limits.
How do I choose the right music for my class?
The “right” music depends heavily on the type of class you’re teaching.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Look for songs with a strong, driving beat and a BPM of 140-160+. Electronic dance music (EDM), pop-punk, and upbeat hip-hop are great choices to fuel intense bursts of activity.
• Spin/Cycling: For spin classes, you need music that matches different phases of the ride. Use faster tracks (130-170 BPM) for sprints and climbs, and slightly slower, but still rhythmic, songs (110-125 BPM) for recovery periods. A mix of rock, pop, and dance anthems works well.
• Zumba/Dance Fitness: Variety is key. A good playlist will feature a mix of Latin rhythms like salsa and reggaeton, alongside pop and hip-hop. The music should be infectious and make people want to move.
• Cool-down: For the end of your class, switch to slower, calming tracks with a BPM under 100. Ambient, chill-out, or acoustic songs help lower the heart rate and transition the mind into a state of relaxation.
Where can I find royalty-free fitness music?
Using mainstream music without the proper licenses can lead to legal issues. Luckily, there are many services that provide royalty-free music designed for fitness classes. Platforms like Power Music, Epidemic Sound, and Fit Radio offer vast libraries of high-quality, pre-mixed playlists and individual tracks that are fully licensed for commercial use. These services often categorize music by BPM and activity type, making it easy to build the perfect playlist for any workout.