Fitness trends come and go, but the one thing that always stands out is the magic of moving to music. Recently, there's been a noticeable move away from dance-based aerobics and beat-driven workouts towards modalities like Reformer Pilates, Lagree, Functional Strength and Circuit Training.
Literally ALL of my private 1:1 clients that work with me on creating branded class programs and instructor training programs are of these modalities, while only 4 years ago I worked almost exclusively with indoor cycling, barre and dance fitness.
Why Training with Musical Rhythms is STILL a Game-Changer
I'm here to remind you why integrating music into your programming is so crucial and tap into the incredible benefits of moving with different rhythms.
But First… Rhythm Response. A Reminder.
Imagine you're at a party and your favorite song comes on. You start tapping your foot, nodding your head, or even dancing without thinking about it. That’s rhythm response! Your body's natural reaction to music. (So many people tell me they don’t have rhythm and I’m like… yeah you do you, you gotta stop letting your brain get in the way.)
In a fitness context, rhythm response is when your body instinctively moves to the beat of the music during a workout. It’s like your muscles have their own little dance party, coordinating and syncing up with the rhythm. This not only makes the workout more enjoyable but also helps with precision, engagement, and fluidity in your movements. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s groove and get fit at the same time!”
Full-Body Engagement
When you move to music, it naturally encourages more cooperation and collaboration of your joints and muscles. Each beat acts as a cue, prompting participants to use more muscle groups, which can make workouts more effective and balanced. Your brain can’t listen to music without recruiting your muscles.
Precision in Movements
Music provides a natural structure and timing, helping guide movements with precision. When chosen wisely, this can lead to better form, reduced injury risk, and more efficient workouts. But without intentional planning, it can do the opposite.
Increased Engagement and Relaxation
One of the coolest things about music is that it simultaneously captivates and relaxes the mind. This unique combination keeps participants engaged and focused while also promoting a sense of calm and comfort, making workouts more enjoyable, particularly during the hard parts. But when the rhythms are not aligned with movement patterns and intensity it can seriously disrupt your clients flow, tanking both their performance and enjoyment.
Better Coordination
Moving rhythmically enhances coordination between joints and muscles. This improves overall body mechanics, balance, and functional strength, which are crucial for all types of physical activities.
For example: Are synchronous “push-ups” on a bike in an indoor cycling class an effective way to train the upper body? HELL NO! (So please stop saying this in class). But it can improve coordination and balance. And don’t even get me started on the benefits of seeing yourself move in sync with a room full of people, that’s an entirely different newsletter!
Fluid and Connected Workouts
The continuous flow of music creates seamless transitions between exercises, making workouts feel like a cohesive, connected experience. This is one of the key aspects of “bending time” as I mentioned in my last newsletter.
Fun and Joy
Music introduces an element of playfulness and joy. Exploring different ways to move—off the beat, on the beat, between the beat, or … even with the lyrics (!!) — adds variety and excitement to workouts, making them feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity.
Reintegrating Music into the Future of Fitness
Integrating music into current and future trends in group fitness can elevate these modalities even further. You don’t have to turn your Pilates class into a dance class but by creating a musical journey and selecting the right BPMs, you can enhance the physiological and emotional experience for your clients. Fitness isn’t just about keeping up with what’s hot right now; it’s about delivering a truly transformative workout experience that people crave.
How I Can Support You Off the Mic…
If you’re a studio owner offering modalities that aren’t beat based, I can help you amplify your programming, elevate your class experiences AND train your instructor team to use music more effectively and efficiently. Simply book a FREE strategy call HERE.
If you’re an instructor who is obsessed with creating an immersive and addicting experience for your clients, but lack formal training in music theory, structure and how to work with 8 counts and beats, or you simply want to master creating epic playlists that support your programming in less time, I highly highly recommend you check out our MUSICOLOGY + PLAYLISTING courses in the conservatory - which I am making available to rent through the month of July only.
If you've never had formal music training, get lost in the music or want to have a deeper understanding of the effects different rhythms have on our brains and bodies this course is for you!
Our most-loved course! We go DEEP on how to create epic, immersive, concert like playlists that take your clients on an emotional journey, increase physical and mental performance and bend time.
This is an advanced masterclass on sourcing, filing and organizing your music library so you really can make killer playlists on the fly. (Parking lot playlisters raise your hands!)
Until Next Week!
Shay
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