Group Fitness Through the Years

I have been teaching group fitness classes for over twenty years and have seen trends come and go. I was there for the launch of Step, cardio-kickboxing, and Spinning along with some that were less successful like slide board classes.  Fusion classes are “in” now as are boot camps and muscle confusion workouts like AthleKinetix - Muscle Confusion which challenge your body from all different angles – balance, cardiovascular, stability and strength.

Workout Music for Fitness Motivation

There is a common denominator to all of these programs' success or failure besides their merit and it's the music. A good playlist will get your body moving and your mind distracted so that you push hard throughout your training session. A low energy selection or music you just don't like will make the exercise bout seem like watching paint dry. It seems crazy but workout music can take a moderate instructor and make them a superstar or a great instructor into a forgettable one.  Workout music for fitness motivation is critical.

I have been successful with my classes I believe in large part because the music is consistently changing and the style is eclectic. I play everything from country to opera, rock to disco, alternative to dance. If it moves me it will move my participants and the reason I believe it is “all about me” is because if I am hyped up, I can get you going but if I cannot get through another beat it will be a long slow hour.

Great Music for Exercise Classes

Some of my favorites to Spin, box, train, and step to are:

•    Cascada – Every Time We Touch
•    U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
•    Aubrey – Willing and Able
•    Jonah - Sssst...
•    Lisa Lashes – Can't Sleep
•    Nickelback – S.E.X.
•    Three Days Grace – Never Too Late
•    Charlie Daniels Band – Devil Went Down to Georgia
•    Uncle Kracker – Smile
•    Tiesto – Dance for Life
•    Lasgo – Alone

I could go on but you should see a pattern, or not. There is no pattern just random songs put together to ensure that all groups are happy and moving and most of all, make it music you like. There is nothing worse than playing a request only ride and realizing you do not like any of the music requested! So like with cardio training – when someone asks me what is the best cardio ,I answer, any that you will do over and over. What is the best workout music?  Same answer – any you will move to.

For workout music to inspire fitness motivation you as the instructor must love it. I can have a great playlist but if I don't like it I cannot be energetic about it and that is what causes the real “charge” in the class – my energy and enthusiasm so as a fitness professional, chose the music that makes you move and the rest of the fitness clan will too.   Workout music for fitness motivation is key to your success and theirs!