A Guide to Great Spinning Music

I have been spinning (or cycling) for about two years and absolutely love it. During my cycling career, I've found that three things help me get the most out of spinning class: my favorite bicycle, good spin shoes and great cycling fitness music. Just when you think you can't spin anymore, the right song can come on and motivate you to keep on spinning. This article outlines some of the best spinning music that I use to get the most out of spinning class.

Bicycle Race by Queen - This is not only an obvious choice for spin music because of its name, this song also has a great tempo. It gets really intense at points which makes for good cycling.

Handlebars by Flobots - I figured I would get all of the bicycle themed music out of the way first. This song has a bit of a slow pace making it great for climbing hills on your bike.

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness - In my opinion, this is the best spin song period. The chorus is so fast and motivating for sprints. Every time this comes on, I spend so hard I almost have a heart attack.

Switch by Will Smith - Although I'm not a fan of his, the beat of this song is great for jumps from second to third position on your bike.

Proud Mary by Tina Turner - This spin song is ideal for a pace ride where you pedal along with the tempo of the song. You end up going slow and steady for the beginning of the song, then really going all out on your bike for most of the end.

The Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band - Another great song for a pace ride. I will caution you though, the fast part at the end of the song is so long and upbeat that your head might explode.

Trouble by Pink - I love to sprint to this song. You can really get your bike wheels flying to this one.

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor - This song is great for the end of spin class, but before cool down. It gives you that last bit of motivation that you need at the end.

D'yer Maker by Led Zeppelin - This is a slower spin song that is ideal for climbing a big hill on your bike. It's not slow enough to put you to sleep, but not so fast that you feel like you should be sprinting.

Stronger by Kanye West - The message of this song is perfect for cycling. If it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger.

Hey Ya by Outkast - This song makes for great workout music because it's so upbeat. It's hard to be mad at your spinning instructor for killing you while this song is playing.

Killing me Softly by the Fugees - This song is great for doing a big slow hill because that's what hills do, they kill you softly and slowly.

Fighter by Christina Aguilera - This is a great song for any workout, but I like it for spinning. It has a great tempo and motivating chorus.

You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette - Any song that's intense is good cycling fitness music and this song is very intense.

You've Got the Music in You by New Radicals - This song has just the right beat for doing those painful jumps on your bike.

Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis - This song is super fast and fun to sprint to. It also pays homage to the pain the men in spin class are probably feeling.

Somebody to Love by Queen - This is another great intense spin song by Queen. I find it pretty hard to go wrong with Queen.

Where are We Running by Lenny Kravitz - The constant upbeat tempo of this song makes it great for cycling a flat road where you try and keep up your pace the entire time.

Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones - This song has a good build up and climax. I find it especially appropriate for spinning because no matter how much my spinning instructor tortures me, she never seems satisfied.

The World's Greatest by R. Kelly - I like to cool down to this spin song. When you've just had your butt kicked from cycling, it offers a little inspiration.

There you have my top 20 picks for best spinning songs. Next time you feel like you like you can't make it through spinning class, just use the music to take you over the finish line.