Using Music to Create an Experience
A successful indoor cycling classes uses music to flow and create an experience for riders. Music is an indoor cycling class is as important (if not more important) than the drills themselves.
Whether you are leading riders through power sprints, jumping, climbing, or flat road drill; it's important to set the music to match the drills.
The right music can make or break a class. For best results, match the profile of the drill to the correct tempo and think outside your own genre for music in a class. Here is a simple breakdown of how to navigate your way through RPM and BPM.
RPM Versus BPM
RPM = Revolutions Per Minute
"In
cycling
, cadence (or pedalling rate) is the number of revolutions of the
crank
per minute; this is the rate at which a
cyclist
is pedalling/turning the pedals. Cadence is directly proportional to
wheel speed
, but is a distinct measurement and changes with gearing—which determines the ratio of crank rpm to wheel rpm." Michelle Colvin, Spinning Instructor.
BPM = Beats Per Minute
Beats per minute
, or
BPM
, is a term for measuring the tempo of a piece of music. "Tempo" is a musical term for the pace, or speed of a piece. The tempo of a song generally correlates with the kind of mood a song will set. The higher the BPM, the faster the song is. The lower the BPM, the slower the song is.
"Beats per minute (BPM) is a measure of tempo in music and revolutions per minute (RPM) is a unit of frequency." Michelle Colvin, Spinning Instructor.
Spinning Cadence (RPM) is recommended between 60-110 RPM which translates into the beats per minute range being 80-220 BPM. Sometimes you will find classes using a higher cadence with lighter resistance, however, remember the goal of a cycling class is to create Power which is translated into Cadence X Resistance.
Let's Combine the Two & Make Magic Happen!
Once you understand the difference, then we want to figure out how to best combine the RPM & BPM to create a great cycling experience.
On Average, take the BPM of the song and divide it in half to find your RPM.
For example, the song "No Doubt About It" by Pit Bull has an average beat per minute between 125-130 BPM and would work well with a climbing drill using 60-70 RPM.
Always start with the song, figure out the beats per minute and then use a song that will match. Once you do this, your songs will come alive with the drills and your riders will feel the energy during their ride!
Build Up Songs & The Power of Varying Tempos
Some songs use a combination of slow and fast beats per minutes, referred to as "Build Up" songs in the fitness industry. An example of this would be a song like P!nk's "
I Am Here
"
Look for songs that slow down and speed up in the tempo for an additional awesome experience!
Happy Teaching!
Rachel Seay
Schwinn, ICC & Keiser Certified Spinning Instructor
BCRPA Fitness Educator & Certified Group Fitness Leader
Strength & Conditioning Coach
