Indoor Cycling- Importance of a Good Playlist

indoor cycling playlistI’ve been an Indoor cycling instructor for over ten years,  during this time I’ve learned quite a few things about teaching group fitness.  I have had success and a few failures, all of which have helped me to become a better, more confident instructor.

As an instructor it’s important to choose music you love that gets you “pumped.” The more I “feel” the music, the more it comes out in my voice, energy and instruction- and the more it gets everyone else energized and excited.   With that being said its equally important to know your audience, what gets me pumped might not work for my class.  It’s important to meet them on common ground.  Read on for some of my insights into teaching and one of my classes favorite playlists.

One thing I am known for as an Indoor cycling instructor is my music selection, which is huge because I put a lot of time and effort into creating my playlists. Personally I prefer to have a wide range of genres-  60s 70s and 80’s rock and pop, Motown, to current top 40 alternative rock.  Steering clear of Top 40, most rap, and electronic.  Why? Because I know my audience and my location.  I teach at a local community center not a trendy spin studio full of 20 somethings, with that being said below is one of my most popular playlists.



Class Format:

This particular ride focuses on climbing more than anything else.  I often have a ride that focuses more on climbing or speed, or a combination of both. There are few built-in recovery periods throughout the ride. The “climbs” vary in resistance – I let the tempo and energy of the music guide me.

  • Warmup – 8  minutes
  • Hill #1 — 3:30 in the saddle, 3-4 above flat gear
  • Flat #1 — 3:30 in the saddle at flat gear 95-110 RPMS (revolutions per minute)
  • Hill #2 — 5:30, start at 3 above flat add resistance every 30 seconds
  • Flat #2 — 3:00 at flat gear alternating between sitting and standing every 30 seconds
  • Hill #3 — 8:30, 3 above flat adding resistance every 30 seconds
  • Flat #3 — same as Flat #1 add resistance every 30 minute
  • Hill #4 — 12:30, alternating between sitting and standing climbing
  • Flat #4 — 3:30, Flat gear 20 seconds all-out effort, 20 seconds easy effort, repeat for duration of song
  • Cool down and stretch — 8 minutes

If your interested in trying one of my classes I’m teaching at Southarm Community Centre in Richmond on Sunday morning at 9:30 am.  You can checkout the complete schedule here.

How important is music to you when you work out, what are some of your favorite cardio jams?

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

16 thoughts on “Indoor Cycling- Importance of a Good Playlist

  1. Laura says:

    Music is HUGE for me while running. The right song at the right time can make the difference between a runner’s high or not. Over the years my music choices have changed considerably (along with my running style). I used to listen to “pump me up” jams. Now I only listen to chill music. It helps me relax and settle into an easy groove. I’ve never tried a spin class, although I’m not sure why. They sound like fun! Perhaps I will check one out…

    • VenusFitness-Shannon says:

      I agree with you 100% about music while running, You should definitely try an indoor cycling class, it’s great low impact cross training for running. It will increase your speed too.

  2. Gillian Kent says:

    Indoor cycling is great. the playlist makes a big difference. It’s great when there are a couple songs that really get you leaning into the ride. \Stationary cycling has been a big part of my recovery from a total knee replacement.

    • VenusFitness-Shannon says:

      I agree a few in a row really gets me moving too . Good for you, rehabbing can be tough but it’s so important.

  3. Joline says:

    I was spinning 2-3x a week for about 2 years but had to stop because of work schedule. And yes, music plays a very important part! We usually try to go to the class/instructor whose playlist we like lol!

  4. Kate says:

    Thank you for this. I am training for a 100k bike ride, and doing a fair bit on my turbo trainer but always end up rather bored. I will be using this to keep myself motivated!

  5. Lia says:

    I have tried indoor cycling a few times but i would always give up, this is something that can make a big difference and motivate me to keep on going!

    • VenusFitness-Shannon says:

      I was discouraged when I started as well, it was a real love hate relationship. For me it was all about finding the right instructor style and music to get me going. My style isn’t visualization, it’s just cueing drills with encouraging motivation.

  6. Amanda says:

    This is awesome! I’m not much of fitness fan, but I love a good playlist especially ones on Spotify. Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.