If you’re into fitness, you’ve probably studied the science behind building muscle and burning calories, but what about the science behind a great class playlist?
A great playlist is the unsung hero of any fitness class, amplifying positive reinforcement and keeping the energy throughout the entire length of the class. For the perfect pump-up soundtrack, aim to hit the following notes:
The ideal beats per minute (BPM) of your playlist is determined by what you’re doing. Are you lifting weights, practicing yoga, cycling, or running?
With our REVOLUTION cycling video playlists, for example, we use BPMs in the 60-128 range. Each part of the playlist has a BPM that adjusts to the changing terrain of the course. For rolling hills and steeper climbs, the music hits around 60-70 BPM to train slow-twitch muscle fibers. On the flip side, speeds of over 100 BPM inspire a racing experience, like breaking away from the pack, to train fast-twitch muscle fibers.
For our SPORT video playlists, the BPM varies based on whether you’re using the box (step) or training on the floor. When you’re utilizing the box, the BPM typically ranges between 120-132. When on the floor, agility training moves quickly in the 150-170 BPM range, while strength or core training steers toward 128-136 BPM.
For our RIP video playlists (barbell and dumbbell training), the music ranges from 120-140 BPM. Slower speeds allow for controlled movements, while faster speeds foster body-weight speed work. RIP is designed to be cyclical in nature so the intended workout objectives can be achieved. No two RIP releases are the same. Each release is purposely choreographed with unique qualities that cause the body to respond in new ways. This concept is referred to as periodization, or change. Periodizing the workout from one release to the next shocks the muscles and encourages new strength and endurance gains.
Opening class with your biggest and best song is a surefire way to watch your class fizzle for the remaining time. Start out with an energetic but feel-good track to warm up the class. Then gradually escalate the tempo and energy of the songs, leading up to the “signature song,” the one we expect people to positively respond to both physically and emotionally.
You want this peak to hit toward the middle to later stages of the class to keep participants engaged and working to the best of their abilities. After the peak, take things down a notch for cooldown and recovery, just as this REVOLUTION playlist does.
To reach the widest audience, varying your playlist gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Occasional themed classes (classic rock, DJ remixes, oldies, Aretha Franklin meets Michael Jackson, and so on) are a unique way to keep things fun and engaging. Remember, though, that your favorite style of music may not be your participants’ favorite, and vice versa.
Avoid expressing distaste for certain types of music. Music is music—it’s either something you want to listen to or something you don’t. Sometimes, music can grow on you or your participants because the pre-choreography has been designed to perfectly sync with the song. Sell every song as if it’s your favorite and watch what happens—it may become a song you like!
Overplaying a release may cause participants to grow tired of the playlist. When first launching a Power Music Video release, such as REVOLUTION, plan on spending two weeks on that same release before mixing and matching other REVOLUTION music and routines into the playlist. This mix-and-match routine keeps your participants attentive to the musical changes, and the periodization physically challenges them.
Many instructors and fitness facilities use our music and routines verbatim, while others customize them to their liking. One of our favorite features of Power Music Video is that you may use the resources in any way you choose. Want to put your personal stamp on RIP by changing some choreography, a song, or the speed of the music? It’s all yours! Our goal is to provide you with resources that assist you in your preparation and delivery of the highest-quality fitness classes.
Check out our full selection of fitness videos here.