Music is everything in a group fitness class. From the members to the instructors, we all know just how critical the right playlist is to shaping the experience by invoking a mood and amplifying the intensity of a class. However, when it comes to overall motivation, beats per minute (BPM) is king.
Adjusting Beats Per Minute
The same song, or a fresh remix, can be weaponized for a much different effect on class programming and motivation when its BPM is adjusted. For example, the song Say Something, originally by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera, is used twice on the Power Music Speedball COREography playlist.
The original BPM of this song is 70. We initially use version 1 of Power Music’s fitness remix and it clocks in at (138 BPM) The heart-pounding remix is used at a critical time in the class—right when the participants require a big, steady boost of movement motivation. Queued up for right after the warm-up—or about 12 minutes into the exercise experience—this BPM sets the mood for the work ahead. But, as the final segment of the class nears, the radio version hits (94 BPM), completely changing the tone and bringing the members back to a state of calm for the cool down.
So, same song; lyrics, melody, and harmony, with the BPM being the variable and the main influence on the feeling of the class in those moments.
BPM Science
In addition to the above example, many of the best group classes rely on track tempo to guide coordinated member movement. This action creates a sense of community and synergy within the class—and there’s lots of science behind why this “feels good.”
Consider this: Our circulatory system responds to 125 BPM in a very specific way by raising our heart rate to a safe, yet energetic place that elicits a touch of euphoria. Great live-set DJs know the strength of this effect and use this BPM to deploy their big beat drops and highlight magic moments in their dance floor sets.
In the same way a crowd gets pushed into overdrive with a rush of adrenaline so, too, can your participants drive through their physical challenges during exercise and exert themselves at a higher heart rate.
Harness BPM’s Power
Ultimately, using the power of BPM can help you build your brand, and here are some program examples of how you can make it happen:
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Barbell and dumbbell strength training
These programs typically fall in the 120-130 BPM range. Movement pace is determined by lyrical speed, the drive of the underlying beat, and the type of training occurring -- barbell, dumbbells or bodyweight. A strong galloping song with a heavy underlying beat is utilized for tracks such as Legs and Back, where heavier weight and large muscle groups are trained. Think along the lines of EDM. BPM can pop into the 150s when training explosive power via bodyweight plyometrics.
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All-in-one training
These utility classes range from 110-160 BPMs, depending on the track purpose. When training the core or on the step, BPMs will fall in the 110-132 range. When agility is the name of the game, you’ll be up into the 160s to train fast twitch muscle fibers. Varying music speed allows the program development teams to pinpoint exercises that work perfectly with the music as the driving force.
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Cycle classes
The BPM here varies between a low of 60 and a high of 150, with occasional exceptions for recovery or very short max exertions, which allows the instructor to come off rhythm for interval challenges without disturbing the class’s baseline.
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HIIT
140BPM and above. HIIT/TABATA type classes depend on a high energy BPM to drive the slog through those gruelling sets (especially the last few before a break) The idea here is providing a high enough BPM to keep the heart rate north of 130 for the entire class.
Setting your BPM or changing it on the fly with the Power Music Now App
Now that we’ve covered how BPM can enhance the connection between your playlist and the experience of your class, let’s briefly cover a great tool you can use to have total control.
The Power Music Now App allows you to select from over 10,000 songs (and songs already on your device!) , mix them together, and adjust the BPM of each song individually within the mix. Once downloaded, you simply add your mix to the player and now have the ability to adjust the BPM while its playing. This comes in very handy when your class needs a little boost and maybe the song playing isn’t delivering like you thought. Solution, try upping the BPM.
Power Music Now is a great tool for both the creation of your class mixes, and using IN your class to maintain your status as the instructor and DJ, with total control of every aspect of your participants experience! Start your free 30 day trial today.
Steve Feinberg is the founder and creator of SpeedBall Fitness and a contributor to the Power Music blog. Connect with Steve at speedballsteve@speedballfitness.com
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