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Music plays a very important role in our life and has a lot of benefits, both to relax us and to help us concentrate and, of course, to improve our mood and motivate us when we practice sport. And the latter is something that is very interesting when practicing indoor cycling, as it will be of great support to improve our performance during the session. Of course, everyone has their own musical preferences, but indoor cycling music has some specific characteristics and it is advisable to take them into account to get the most out of it and improve your motivation. Let’s get to it!
Indoor cycling music: its main function and outstanding features
Music has become an essential tool in many sports disciplines, and indoor cycling is no exception. Whether in individual sessions or in guided group classes, musical accompaniment enhances performance, improves concentration and transforms physical effort into a more stimulating experience. Very similar to the music used in spinning sessions, indoor cycling music has a specific function: to set the pedaling rhythm, synchronize the intensity of the intervals and keep motivation high. In indoor cycling, each stage of the workout is associated with a specific pedaling cadence, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM) and intensity or power. Therefore, music selection cannot be random. It must be carefully thought out to accompany and enhance every moment of the workout, from the initial warm-up to the final stretch of recovery.
The main characteristic of indoor cycling music is that it must be adapted to the rhythm of pedaling. This means that the tempo of each song (or speed of the composition) must match the RPM set for each interval. For example, a song with 60-70 BPM (beats per minute) can be used for slow, high-resistance sections, such as climbs or climbs. On the other hand, for sprints or fast pedaling phases, songs with 90-100 BPM or even more are needed. In other words, music, in this context, functions as an emotional and physical metronome. It guides the rider, sets the cadence and helps him or her to maintain a constant intensity without relying exclusively on verbal cues. When the rhythm of the music is well synchronized with the phase of the workout, there is an almost automatic connection between the body and the sound. And this is something you can see when training with leading cycling simulators, such as BestCycling through its various guided sessions and for which you can find coupons with ZYCLE.
Indoor cycling music structure according to training phases
An indoor cycling session is composed of different phases, and each of them requires a different musical approach. Of course, here we talk in a general way about how a session can be structured, but it all depends on the main objective pursued by the session, as well as the duration.
Music for cycling during warm-up
The music should be moderate and progressive, with a medium tempo (80-100 BPM) that facilitates muscle activation and prepares the body by warming it up for what is to come. Soft tunes with a steady beat are ideal.
Indoor cycling: music in uphill intervals or strength work
Here the tempo decreases slightly (60-80 BPM), but the music becomes more intense and powerful, with strong bass and steady beats. This type of music helps to maintain concentration and sustain strong pedaling against resistance.
Sprints or high-speed phases
For these stages, look for songs with high tempos (100-130 BPM) that generate an immediate energy boost. Electronic music, fast pop, techno or dynamic rock are great allies.
Active recovery or return to calm
In these phases the pedaling intensity (and resistance) is lowered and accompanied by medium or high tempo music (70-90 BPM), with a more relaxed but still rhythmic atmosphere. The music, in this case, is intended to help us recover our pulse rate progressively and prepare us for the next medium or intense section.
Indoor cycling music during cool down and stretching
The pace drops noticeably. The music here should be soft, melodic and relaxing, allowing the body and mind to return to a state of rest. Soft ballads, ambient or chill-out music can be good choices.
Music genres most commonly used in indoor cycling or spinning music
The choice of music genre will depend on the type of workout or the style of the spinning class. However, there are certain genres that are particularly well suited to the demands of indoor cycling. These are the most commonly used:
- Electronic music (house, techno, trance): this is a favorite in most indoor cycling workouts and in group spinning classes. Its constant bases, without abrupt interruptions, and its regulated tempo allow an almost perfect synchronization with the RPM.
- Pop and commercial dance: Ideal to maintain motivation, especially in sessions with a more playful approach.
- Energetic or alternative rock: Used in strength or endurance sections to give an emotional boost to the physical effort.
- Hip hop and reggaeton: Although less common, they can be used in speed or recovery phases, as long as they are adjusted to the correct tempo.
How to create a good playlist with music for indoor cycling
As we indicated in the introduction, it is not just a matter of playing music that you like, but of selecting tracks that have a number of beats per minute (BPM) consistent with the desired pedaling cadence. Currently there are applications and platforms that allow you to identify the exact BPM of each song, which facilitates this task and ensures that the musical rhythm naturally accompanies the physical effort. It is also essential to alternate moments of high intensity with others of active recovery. A well-designed workout with rhythm changes that respect the different phases, allowing the body to recover before demanding the maximum again. This contrast is not only effective from a physiological point of view, but also keeps attention and prevents the session from becoming monotonous.
Smooth transitions between songs are another aspect to keep in mind. Abrupt cuts or too drastic changes can break the concentration of the group or the individual rider. Using well-spun mixes, or even DJ tools or apps that regulate the tempo, improves the flow of the session. Finally, it is highly recommended to update the playlist on a regular basis. Including novelties keeps things interesting and avoids the feeling of routine. Introducing one or two new songs per week may be enough to give freshness without destabilizing the usual structure of your workout.
