Music for Aerobics

Ideally music for aerobic classes should be motivating in nature and at a speed which allows participants to complete the required range and control of movement. While there are no rules that can be applied to music speed with regard to any type of aerobic class, there are certainly recommendations which assist in producing a safe and effective workout. In addition, certain speeds of music are simply more versatile in the aerobic class setting in that they allow the aerobic teacher to adjust the rhythm pattern spontaneously and easily. When the aerobic teacher is skilled at manipulating rhythm variables and rhythm pattern, any speed or type of music may be used for any type of workout with varying degrees of motivational effect, however, the following recommendations are made for the benefit of both the aerobic teacher and also for the class participants:

1. High Quality Recording
2. High Quality Dubbing
3. Professional Mixing, so that there is no obvious gap between tracks
4. Even Phrasing, so that movement combinations are predictable in timing and as easy as possible to teach and learn.
5. Professional standard tape deck with effective microphone.

Music recommendations for aerobic classes:
1. Music which has a 4/4 time signature is generally more motivating than that with 3/4 timing. However, music which has a 6/8 time signature is certainly motivating, yet often too fast (in terms of beats per minute); to be suitable for aerobic class activity, and participants sometimes find that the rhythmic pattern is more difficult to follow. "Debridging" is the term used when all the bars of uneven phrasing have been 'chopped out' by a sound technician.

2. Music which has a positive message or motivating vocalist accompaniment will obviously be more suitable than that with a negative or 'sad' content.

3. General Aerobic Class - 130-154 BPM is probably the easiest to use and follow. At this speed the instructor may manipulate the rhythm pattern to move on every beat of the rhythmic pattern, every 2nd beat, or even every 1/2 beat - depending on the devised training effect. Such rhythm delineation will be easy to hear within this speed range. The lower end of this music speed range will be more suitable for beginners. More advanced participants however are not necessarily only restricted to the faster music speed. Remember, it is vitally important for advanced participants to work through full range of movement, and if music speed is too fast, range of movement will probably be the first movement form component to be compromised in order to stay 'in time' with the music. When using slower rhythm with advanced participants, it is necessary to manipulate the other intensity variables to maximize workout effectiveness (for example: they should travel further with slower rhythm, use larger range, and sometimes longer lever lengths).

4. Aerobic Workout Segments with Resistance Equipment (Weights, Steps, or Bands) will usually require music of slower speeds with 120-140 BPM being appropriate depending on the following variables.

Speed of music should be decided on the basis of the following:
1. How much resistance is being applied?
2. How fast can the participant move safely with accurate technique?
3. How much range is required?
4. Participant body type/build For example...participants with long levers are at an advantage when working with a step and are at a disadvantage when using hand weights.
5. The fitness level of each participant.

Extra resistance acts the same as any other intensity variable in that other variables often have to be adjusted, if control and accurate execution is to be maintained. As a result of slowing down the movement to accommodate the extra resistance, the intensity of the workout is much the same as that found a normal aerobics classes.
While this means that using equipment does not necessarily provide a better workout, it does mean that it provides more variety, which is one of the keys to successful program adherence.