How to Choose Music for Aerobics

The music you choose for your aerobic workout is a vehicle to increase stamina and drive. Follow these steps to create a music compilation that will have your class rocking while keeping fit.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Selection of music to sample
• Music equipment
• Continuous loop tape or CD

Plan Your Music Selection for Aerobics

1. Choose the music for your workout based on the type of aerobics you are doing. If it's an energetic, high-impact aerobics class you want music with a faster beat that will flow with the dance moves and the techniques.
2. Listen to a vast selection of music. Think about your workout routine and how it will flow with the song. A good arrangement for aerobics starts out slower and then increases along with the workout.
3. Gather songs and CDs for aerobics. You can either create you own loop tape/CD or purchase a CD that has special music specifically for aerobics. You will find that one song's melody might be good for a warm-up while another is more appropriate for the middle section of the class. You also can download music onto an MP3 and play it through speakers.
4. Consider if you want an instrumental CD or one with popular dance tunes. Some aerobics instructors prefer strictly instrumental beats so they can explain the moves during the workout without shouting over the lyrics.
5. Design the music CD so that the cool-down exercises come during a softer, more melodic phase of the music to encourage relaxation.
6. Select more laid back music for toning or a lower concentration of aerobics. Some stretching and light movements are better suited with smoother, more harmonious music.

Tips & Warnings

• Coordinate your music with sections of the aerobic workout. Choose repetitive patterns of an aerobic routine to coincide with a particular segment or beat. This will help someone remember the moves by matching them to the music.