The aerobic exercise to music trend began in the late 1970s, and continues to thrive in the 21st century. Many group exercise instructors believe that appropriate music selection is fundamental to the success of their classes. Likewise, gym managers know that playing slow dirges in the cardio room leads to member complaints.
Choreographed Aerobic Music
Instructors choreograph step, low impact and high impact aerobic routines in 32-count phrases, consisting of four, eight count measures, says aerobic presenter Gin Miller. The types of aerobic activity determine the beats per minute of the music. Step aerobic music ranges from 118 to 128 beats per minute, low impact, from 130 to 145 beats per minute. High impact aerobics, which involves jumping, requires faster music, ranging from 148 to 165 beats per minute. Most instructors use prefabricated aerobic music tapes, with computerized standardization of the beats, musical transitions and phrasing.
Indoor Cycling
While indoor cycling, also called spinning, is a type of group exercise class, most instructors do not choreograph their classes into 32-count segments. Spinning music usually ranges from 120 to 140 beats per minute, but the feel of the music is more important than the tempo, according to the Spinning.com website. Trainers encourage novice group cycling instructors to use a variety of music types, and to make their classes interesting by following the cadence of different musical instruments throughout the workout. Some instructors take their students on imaginary rides to different parts of the world, and use music appropriate to the imagined destination.
Running Music
Dr. C. I. Karageorghis, Ph.D., accredited sport and exercise psychologist at the Brunel University in the United Kingdom, performed extensive studies on the effects of music on running performance. During sub-maximal exercise such as distance running, music may divert attention from pain and fatigue. Sports psychologists call this dissociation. Music with upbeat tempos and encouraging lyrics may also stimulate and arouse runners before competition, says Karageorghis. Rhythmic music may also enhance coordination and improve gait, says University of New Mexico exercise physiologist Len Kravitz. These improvements maximize movement efficiency, which may, in turn, improve running speed.
Aerobic Influence
Music style and rhythm have the strongest influence on aerobic performance, says Len Kravitz. He cites a 1988 study published in the "Journal of Music Therapy." Lead author K. Gfeller interviewed 70 college students. Ninety seven percent of those interviewed believed that music improves their aerobic performance. Style was the most important factor, followed by rhythm, tempo, lyrics, volume, mood and melody. This study may explain the vast differences in taste among aerobic class students. A class of baby boomers may prefer oldies and swing music, whereas younger participants may want to work out to current hits. Dance-oriented students may enjoy Zumba or the rhythms of Latin music.
