Spin instructor info

[tanya06]

just got certified as a Spin instructor b/c I enjoy the classes so much. help!! I am not sure which music to use and how to put it together. any help from those of you who are the experts would be great!!

tanya

[bcipam]

Tanya there is a thread already addressing what music we want and like (I think its "What do you want from a spin class?"). I realize different music for different age groups, abilities etc but I like the following:

a) music that varies. NOt the same techno beat throughout

b) music you can sing with. Always makes me get motivated.

c) NOT TOO LOUD!!!! Please!

Personally I like alternative rock, but anything is great as long as it has a fun beat and isn't too weird.

[Melody]

Hi Tanya. Also don't forget to look for the thread named "Getting to know you" and say hi.

Welcome to the forums.

Mel

[Kathi]

Hi Tanya,

Check out powermusic.com. They have music for spinning classes. I'm not an instructor but I use their CD's when I ride the trainer.

[han-grrl]

When selecting music for your class, you will need to find a balance between music that YOU find inspiring as well as what your class likes. I was teaching a group of downhill mtb and they really like hard rock, punk stuff (but not all of them did) but i couldn't teach to it, i did try. so i would put a bit of both which seemed to make mostly everyone happy...

remember there will ALWAYS be someone in your class who doesn't like your music or maybe even your style, just dont' take it personally...

[latelatebloomer]

I like a mix, including world music, but my favorite sessions seem to always include music with out lyrics (the better to visualize by) and long intervals that allow me to focus on how I'm using my body. Good luck on your new venture. I think I'm going to do it to - in a couple years. At least at my gym, the older the instructor, the better.

[CyclaSutra]

Okay, I spend more at iTunes than I should. Here are a few AWESOME spinning songs. If you are on iTunes, just go to the iMixes and type "spin" and hundreds of playlists will come up.

I live way out in the middle of nowhere with virtually no cars for half my commute, so I confess to an iPod habit with the volume LOW and a honkin' mirror on my sunglasses. And of course, crank it at the gym.

"Dance, Dance" by Fall Out Boy
"Smooth Criminal" by Alien Ant Farm
"Short Skirt, Long Jacket" by Cake
"My Prerogative" by Britney Spears or the old Bobby Brown version
"L.O.V.E." by Ashlee Simpson
"Bring me to Life" by Evanescence
"Hey Baby" by No Doubt
"Mama Said Knock You Out," L.L. Cool J
"Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot
"The Anthem" by Good Charlotte
anything from the Rocky soundtracks like "Eye of the Tiger."
"Shut up" by The Black Eyed Peas
"B!tch" by Meredith Brooks
"Kick some A$$" or "Little Black Backpack" by Stroke 9
of course I am partial to a bit of Bon Jovi

for recovery at the end of the class I like "Why Georgia" by John Mayer
and "David Duchovny" by Bree Sharp

[VenusdeVelo]

Congrats Tanya! you'll love teaching...except for the first class I ever taught which I think scared me half to death and after it was over, I was home free! I am a Johnny G Level 2 instructor and putting together the music is one of the most fun parts of prepping. I too, spend a little too much time on iTunes.

Some other sources are:
www.pedal-on.com (lots of threads, search for them, on spinning profiles (very detailed with music and movement) and music)

www.spinning.com (there is an area for profiles, I don't think it's restricted via logon, so worth trying - also check out their pre-fab CDs and pick up some song ideas...then check out the song clips on iTunes or similar)

You'll soon find what you and your class enjoys...best of luck on creating your new profiles!

[ashgold]

I'm a new instructor and wondering if anyone has some formatted classes (in excel or whatever) that they'd be willing to share with me. Or know of a good place to go online for samples rides.

Thanks
Ashley Ulrich
ulrichashley@hotmail.com

[Offthegrid]

I take spinning classes sometimes but wanted to tell you not to use the same tape every time -- maybe at only one time slot a month. There's one instructor where she literally used the same tape every class. Boring.

As for the classes, usually there's a sprint song where you take turns sprinting or do it together as a class, a climb, a pyramid where the hard portions get longer then shorter, maybe an all standing song (but I can't finish those yet), and warmups and cooldowns.

You can make games out of it such as having people pair up and alternate the sprints, or doing it by rows, gender, color shirts, whatever.

[hsmpcycle]

I don't know why, but I find "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith and "La Grange" by ZZ Top great riding music.

[Nokomis]

CyclaSutra - wow! I want to be in your class!
Well, except for the Baby Got Back song, but that'd be a good time to refill the water bottle - LOL

[latelatebloomer]

I just want to mention that the best & by far the most popular spin instructor at our gym often never gets on a bike. (We know he can ride, he took bronze & silver racing medals this year.) He talks to us individually about our workouts, hands out compliments, challenges, jokes, looks at our heart rates, and watches us like a hawks. He also knows how to use the microphone headset so it's not screaming with feedback. I really dislike the spin instructors who look like they're trying to impress us with their fitness or take care of their own workout while they pant like dogs into the mike!