Music can transform an ordinary fitness class into an energizing and motivational experience. In this article, IFTA shares 10 ways that you can use music to elevate your group fitness classes and keep your participants coming back for more!
1. Set the Tone from the Start
You have the opportunity to set the tone of your class from the very start with an upbeat track that matches the intensity of your class.
A high-energy song can get participants excited and ready to work out, while a slower, more relaxed song might be better for a yoga, gentle pilates, or stretching class. You get to decide the path your class is going to go!
2. Themed Playlists
Themed playlists are a great way to make your group fitness classes unique! Let participants know about the upcoming themed playlist class in advance to increase your attendance.
A themed playlist can get participants excited and looking forward to each upcoming track. Some playlist ideas could include, 80’s pop hits, 90’s hip hop, or 2000’s rock.
3. Create a Dynamic Playlist
Curate a playlist that flows with the structure of your workout. Start with moderate beats for the warm-up, increase the tempo during high-intensity intervals, and cool down with soothing tunes.
A good thing to keep in mind is also the actual beats per minute (BPM) of a song. Tempo is everything in group fitness, especially when it comes to something like cardio or timed repetitions. We’ve included some BPM ranges for you that are a good rule of thumb, try them out!
Yoga, pilates and low-intensity activities: 60 to 90 BPM
CrossFit and HIIT: 140 to 180+ BPM
Zumba and dance: 130 to 170 BPM
Steady-state cardio, e.g jogging: 120 to 140 BPM
Weightlifting: 130 to 150 BPM
Warming up: 100 to 140 BPM
4. Match Music to Exercises
This may sound silly, but as fitness professionals, we know how important mind muscle connection is. A great way to help class participants with this integral concept in your group fitness classes is selecting songs that talk about the muscles people are working!
Are you planning a killer leg day? I’m sure you can find a song that mentions “booty work” in it! You may have an intense core circuit coming up, try incorporating a song like Feelin’ Myself to encourage participants to work hard and engage their core muscles.
5. Incorporate Popular Hits
Include current hits and popular tracks that participants are familiar with. Recognizable songs can boost morale and make the workout more enjoyable. Including throwback hits is also a great way to engage participants! Music platforms like Apple Music, Pandora and Spotify all have a top hits section for various different music genres too.
6. Use Music as a Motivational Tool
This may sound silly, but as fitness professionals, we know how important mind muscle connection is. A great way to help class participants with this integral concept in your group fitness classes is selecting songs that talk about the muscles people are working!
Are you planning a killer leg day? I’m sure you can find a song that mentions “booty work” in it! You may have an intense core circuit coming up, try incorporating a song like Feelin’ Myself to encourage participants to work hard and engage their core muscles.
7. Keep It Fresh
Regularly update your playlist to keep it fresh and exciting. Introducing new songs can prevent the routine from becoming monotonous and can give participants something to look forward to.
A good rule of thumb is to develop one to two new playlists a month. Platforms like Pandora often have an “add similar songs” button when you curate a playlist to help you find songs you may have not heard before but offer a similar vibe.
8. Take Requests
Involve your participants by taking song requests. This can increase engagement and ensure that everyone hears music they enjoy, making the class feel more personalized. Calling out a participant when their song request comes on is a great way to build rapport with class participants and to get to know regular attendees better.
9. Balance Different Genres
Mix various genres to cater to diverse musical tastes. Incorporate pop, rock, hip-hop, electronic, and even some throwback tracks to keep everyone entertained. Class participants will notice you taking the time to acknowledge different tastes and they will be sure to appreciate the personal touch!
10. Adjust Volume Appropriately
Ensure the music is loud enough to energize the room but not so loud that it drowns out instructions. The right volume can enhance the atmosphere without causing communication issues.
Temporarily turning the music during a hard section of the workout can really motivate participants to push harder and turning the music down a few notches during cool down can help participant’s heart rates slow down .
11. Leverage Technology
This article has mentioned a few music streaming platforms so far and for good reason! Using apps and streaming services to access a vast library of music is a great way to keep playlists relevant.
Platforms like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and specialized fitness DJ apps can help you find the perfect tracks and create seamless transitions. Apps like Spotify can help you shorten the fade between songs so that there’s no silent lapse in between songs.
Conclusion
Music is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the experience of a group fitness class. By carefully selecting and timing your music, you can create an atmosphere that motivates, energizes, and engages your participants. Whether it’s through setting the right tone, syncing beats with movements, or incorporating popular hits, the right playlist can make your class memorable and keep class participants coming back!
Interested in learning more tips to become a leader in the fitness industry? Be sure to check out IFTA’s robust offering of certifications like their Certified Group Fitness Instructor certification to keep yourself up to date on industry tips and tricks
