About Spinning
Spinning is a form of indoor cycling set to music in which an instructor leads the class through a series of drills simulating an outdoor ride. Most classes run 30-60 minutes. It’s a fantastic, addictive workout.
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Here’s a video that captures the energy of a Spin class (the soundtrack is The Crystal Method’s Keep Hope Alive):
About this Blog
Great music is one of the things that makes an indoor cycling class. The right song can give you the push you need to climb to the top of a hill, or sprint for 20 seconds longer than you thought you could.
I started this blog to offer other Spinning/indoor cycling instructors and enthusiasts a place to share favourite songs and playlists. I will post the playlists I use in my own classes, along with ideas for songs to use for particular types of drills. I’m a huge fan of Canadian music so I try to showcase Canadian artists as much as possible, especially newer ones.
I get most of my music ideas from two sources: iTunes, and a local radio station called 101.3 The Bounce. The station posts it’s playlists and you can listen live online.
The iTunes charts are ideal for finding new music. After looking at the main chart, I often peruse the pop, rock, and electronic charts as well. With iTunes, you can listen to a snippet of a song and usually get a sense of whether it would be good for a cycling class before downloading it. They also flag (most) songs with explicit lyrics, which is a plus, since many gyms don’t permit instructors to play songs with explicit lyrics in classes. If you’re concerned about this, any version of a song listed as a radio edit is a clean version.
All of my mixes are posted on the Canadian iTunes by title as Sport iMixes. (If anyone knows how to post them internationally, please let me know!) Each title has the words Cynthia’s Spin Mix in it to facilitate searching. With iMixes, you can listen to 30 seconds of each song on the playlist, and purchase singles or the whole iMix. I don’t receive money for the iMixes or the blog – they’re strictly a volunteer effort.
I believe in paying artists for their work. That’s why I absolutely refuse to download or play pirated music.
What songs do you love to spin to? Which ones fire up your classes and get requested again and again? You can post song suggestions for the different types of drills as comments on the page where they fit best. I’ve also got a Reader Playlists page for posting entire playlists/profiles. Even if you don’t post a song or profile, leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
About Me
I took my first indoor cycling class and immediately got hooked. I started making my own playlists and cycling by myself when I couldn’t get to a scheduled class. When I showed my trainer the playlists on my iPod he commented, “If you like indoor cycling that much, you should teach it!” It was the push I needed to take the training.
I started teaching indoor cycling classes at my gym in February 2008. I love teaching classes as much as I love taking them. (That’s me on the left, with my sister, before an outdoor ride.)
When I’m not on the bike, I enjoy yoga, writing fiction, and cappuccino. I live by the ocean in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Have fun cycling!
– Cynthia
You are a wild woman!
Totally hilarious, I will pass it on to all the cyclists I know, if you wnat any pictures of people riding, let me know…
LOOKS GREAT SIS!
Thanks!
This blog is heaps of fun! Love it! The music to which one spins is crucial and it can totally make or break a class. Oh, how I long for the good ol’ days when I had something called “spare time” when I could attend a spin class at the gym. *SIGH* One day…one day…
Blog looks great, btw.
Much appreciated!
Thanks for all the good spin playlist music! I am a new instructor and am busy working away at trying to find good music to pull together. Thanks again! And I will be sure to pass along good music that I come across as well.
Hi Renee – thanks for stopping by the blog. Good music suggestions are always appreciated.
This is a great blog…very inspiring. I’m trying to put together a blog of my own, not so much geared towards music, but a general spinning/triathlon site. I like the photos that you add to each blog. One question though, what exactly is a lift? Finding new drills is important to keeping things fresh in class. I’ve been teaching since nov.07 and love it!!!
Thanks for stopping by, Cybil. Some people call lifts speed bumps or jumps. The drill is based on the movement a rider would do on a mountain bike to get over an object on the trail, but modified for an indoor class. It’s a great quad workout. It involves lifting yourself off the seat for a certain number of beats (usually 8/4/2 to work with the music) and then lowering yourself back onto the seat. The movement is very controlled and is all about the legs. Hands are used on the handlebars for balance only. To make sure my class isn’t inadvertently pulling up with their hands, I have them try the drill placing only the base of their palms on the handlebars. As the pace quickens, the drill gets more difficult, so lifting on counts of 2 beats is tougher than 8 beats. The other point about lifts is you need to use climbing tension – 4/10 or more.
Stop by and leave me the URL of your blog when you get it up and running – I’ll be sure to visit.
Hi there,
Came across your website while creating my own Spinning Blog….thank you so much for your music sharing. We have very similar tastes! Would love to put a link to yours on mine. Let me know.
Best,
Jen (www.leaveitonthebike.blogspot.com)
Hey Cynthia, Thanks for the blogroll link! Much appreciated. And thanks for all the great music and workout ideas! Cheers, David (www.thesufferfest.com)
Hi Cynthia. Love your blog.
These are the kind of setlists we like to have for our great sports music websites, http://www.TechnoSweat.com and http://www.MyWorkoutAlbum.com. We not only make great pre-made workout setlists, but offer folks the opportunity to take these setlists and make custom albums with the music.
So we’d like to share some of these with our customers in 45 countries.
Good job.
Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Hi Cynthia.
Your blog is great! I´m a spinning instructor from Denmark. When I am working on a new spinning program I alway drop by this site to get ideas. That way my classes recive greater variation. There is a great danish band called Infernal – you should hear some of their songs. The songs I use most are called: cheap trick kinda girl, from paris to berlin, ten miles, downtown boys and self control.
Thanks for the best blog!
Thanks for the music suggestions, S! I downloaded some Infernal for a new mix. Great stuff.
dear Cynthia, I just found your blog by accident. Great thing! I’m a Cycling Presenter from Germany – and – as you are talking about music for spinning – I’d like to share my website with you: http://www.music4cycling.com — Maybe you like it! So, in case you do – I was wondering if we could link our websites…?
Take care and have fun!
ciao, Carli
~ Hi Carli, thanks for checking out my blog and commenting. I don’t link to commercial sites, but if you have a related non-profit site or blog, I’d be happy to link to that.
Cheers,
Cynthia
Cynthia,
I am always excited to see when you have a new paylist and suggestions for how to coach the song, I have learned allot from your website, YOur blog extends far into the help of instructors and mutiply that by the fellow class Indoor cyclist.
From the Bottom of my Heart
thankyu for your inovation and creating this blog
Lori
Hi Lori,
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I’m so glad you find it useful in planning your classes.
Take care,
Cynthia
Cynthia – you totally rock. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I began teaching in September after leaving my awesome gym (Equinox) for a less-awesome gym (Crunch). I could not find a class I liked so like you, I began making my own playlists and training myself. One thing lead to another and now I teach four classes a week. The hardest part is putting playlists together and keeping the music fresh! Your website has helped me a great (HUGE) deal. Thanks again for the time you put into this. MUCH appreciated!!!
Denise
Chicago, IL
By the way – I’d love to share some of my playlists if you want to see them.
Hi Denise – so glad you like the blog. I would love to see some of your playlists. I’ll send an e-mail to the address you used to comment. Maybe I should create a new page for readers to post playlists of their own? Readers, what do you think?
I think that is an awesome idea! You have really turned me on to some new music and I’m sure I can do the same for you so imagine what all of your readers can contribute. I’ll check my e-mail…. thanks!!!
Okay readers – here’s your challenge: I added a Reader Playlist page to the blog, and it’s all ready to fill up with your best playlists. (If you want to recommend a song instead of a whole playlist, you can post it in a comment under whichever type of drill you think it best fits.)
I’m excited to see what you’ve got!
Cynthia
Cynthia – check out Delta Goodrem’s “In this Life”. Great tune! Good beat and so energetic with positive lyrics. I’m thinking a good climbing song with out of the saddle bursts during the chorus – powering up the hill as I like to call it. Delta has been around for a while but is just starting her journey in North America (she is huge in Australia). anyway – just wondering what or if you could/would do with this song! Any ideas?
Denise – you’re right, Delta Goodrem rocks. I’d use “In This Life” as climb at the end of the ride – it has a finale feel to it. The acoustic version on iTunes is gorgeous and perfect as a cool down song. I also really liked “One Day” for lifts/jumps.
I will have to check out that acoustic version – good to know!
Super Blog Cynthia!! I’d love to do a Global Ride Tour through Canada sometime. I’m a Spinning instructor who, like you, took my love for it to the next level. In my case, I opened my own spinning studio, and started a cycling training DVD business based on the FUSION of principals I learned from Mad Dogg, and my outdoor cycling/coaching. The result are Virtual Cycling DVDs (http://www.cyclingfusion.com). I just spent 2 weeks traveling 10,000 miles across the US launching the Hawaii series, and the response from fellow “spinnners” nationwide was amazing (http://gallery.me.com/genenacey#100403). Perhaps you could help me identify some good sites to use when launching my Italy series, which is due out in February. Keep up the good work by the way!
I’m impressed, Gene! I’ve thought of opening a cycling/yoga studio, but I don’t really want to run one, I want someone else to open one so I can go there. I love the idea of adding video to classes – wish my gym had the technology.
hey cynthia loving the site. Been an inspiration for making my website http://www.spinningclasses.co.uk
keep up the good work!
Thanks for dropping by the blog, Kelvin. I’ll be checking out yours, too, to see how it develops. I agree that many of the riders in my classes are interested to know how many calories they burn. I’ve often wondered if one of the reasons people use the equipment instead of taking cycling classes is that the equipment generates a hard number at the end of the session. We need to promote cycling classes as a more-than-viable (and more fun!) alternative to using exercise equipment.
Hey Cynthia,
So glad I found your blog… I moved to NS last spring and have been looking for a spinning class !! Where can I find you – or where can I find a good spinning class ?
Thanks!
Hi Kelvin,
have a look at my page – maybe we can cooperate.
http://www.music4cycling.com
NB: Cynthia, thx for supporting!
Just found your blog while googling “top spinning songs!” Love it. I have been teaching for about 5.5 years & LOVE LOVE LOVE the art of making a playlist. I am a little music obsessed (just a tad) and actually decided to google it to get some fresh ideas to dig out of my itunes library. We have very similar tastes. I was just reading back through your recent playlists and was laughing when I got to your “out of india” – just last week I did a world music playlist inspired by Slumdog. I decided that 60 min of bollywood might be a little tough to stomach all in one session – so I brought in some african beats, and a TON of latin (I teach Zumba as well) to go along with it. I must admit to playing the PCD version of Jai Ho over and over and over in my car. LOVE it.
Hi Amy,
Thanks for stopping by the blog! So glad you like it. Drop by again, maybe post some of your go-to songs or playlists.
Cheers,
Cynthia
Hello Cynthia,
I just moved to Halifax this past summer and I work out at the base. I have been taking spinning classes twice a week during the noon hour (approx 30 minutes). But I would like to join a spinning class that is longer and offered throughout the week. I am hoping that you could recommend a club or let me know where you teach as I have been enjoying your blog and interested to take your classes.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Geraldine David
Hi Geraldine,
Welcome to Halifax! I’ll e-mail you off-blog about my class times and locations.
Cynthia
I am looking forward to Monday! I can’t wait to get started teaching myself. I love your website. There is alot of good info.
~ the grasshopper :)
Hi Cynthia,
Excellent website. Given me some great ideas for classes.
Have you ever tried to play anything by the “red hot chilli pipers”? I think that it might get your classes going if you find the right track.
Something a bit different. Let me know what you think.
Keep up the good work.
Gavin
Hi Gavin,
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. Don’t leave me in suspense – you must have a couple of ideas for good Chili Peppers tracks for spinning.
Breaking the Girl as a seated climb?
Cheers,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
It’s not the Chilli Peppers. It’s the Chilli Pipers. Totally different type of rock music with bagpipes. Totally different for your class. I’ve used “Rockin’ All Over The World”. Starts off quite slow then a heavy bass beat kicks in for a tough standing climb. They also do a version of “we will rock you”.
Let me know if you can’t find these and I’ll send you a link.
Gavin
Hi Gavin,
Whoops, I thought it was a typo. I checked out the Chilli Pipers on iTunes – they even have a medley of Smoke on the Water/Thunderstruck. Bagpipes are big in NS – it’s not unusual to get piped from pub to pub. Thanks for the suggestion!
I am teaching my first spin class on Monday. I have been spinning for a long time and have done lots to prepare, but I’m so nervous! Any tips?
Congratulations on becoming an indoor cycling instructor, RK! That’s fantastic.
If you go to the Reader Playlist page, I responded to a question with some tips for being the best spin instructor you can be, but I think your question about being a brand new instructor teaching a first class is an important question.
For a first class, here are my tips:
1. Write out your profile and take it into class with you on a sheet of paper. Make sure you know when the sprints are, and where to cue all the changes. I keep my profiles in an 8.5 x 11 inch notebook with a plastic cover. It fits nicely on top of the stereo next to my bike. Some people use index cards, some put the profile in a sweat-proof plastic sleeve. Some wing it entirely.
2. Practice your profile by yourself before you try it in class. Go to the spin room at an off-peak time when it is empty (ideally, the one you’ll be teaching in) and play your music through the stereo (not headphones). Actually talk through the class, cuing the changes. Practice the warm up and cool down a few times – this is where you’ll be doing the most talking. Practicing will help you to feel comfortable and work out any bugs in your profile.
3. If you stop the music between songs to cue the next drill, the breaks will take up about 3-5 minutes of the class, so account for this in your playlist. If you’re using an iPod, make sure it’s fully charged.
4. Don’t get too fancy with the music right away – until you get comfortable, pick songs you love and already know well. They’re much easier to cue.
5. Make sure you speak loud enough, especially if you’re not miked. You can pause the music between drills to cue the next drill, or turn the music down a bit when you need to talk. Turn it up a bit for the sprints and long stretches.
6. You may need to dial your own tension back a bit from what you’re used to as a rider. It takes extra effort to ride and do all that talking! If you find it hard to talk so much, try using common hand gestures (like thumbs up or down for lifts).
7. Enthusiasm always shines through – riders can tell when instructors are dialling it in. New instructors may feel enthusiastic inside but you’ve also got to show it outside.
8. You might choose to confide in the riders that it’s your first class and ask them to help you make it a great one for everyone. You might also choose to just introduce yourself. Personally, I would do the latter. You’re an experienced rider who just happens to be a new instructor.
9. Show up to class at least 20 minutes early. It’s the instructor’s job to make sure the fans are on, the lights are the way you want them, the music is set and ready to go. Greet each rider as they come in. You may have to set up new riders and it can take a while to get everyone going. Play some upbeat music during the pre-class period.
10. Have fun – everyone is there to get a fun workout. They *want* you to do well, and you will, because you really care about doing well. How do I know this? Because you’re nervous. There’s a saying about trial lawyers that the day they aren’t nervous about going to court anymore they should give it up because they’ve lost their edge.
Good luck RK! Drop us a comment on Monday after your class to tell us how it went.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
Thanks for your comments on my blog. Yes, you’re more than welcome to post a link to my blog. I’ve added you to my blogroll as well! It’s always nice to be in touch with other instructors to keep the ideas fresh!
Cheers,
~Gabriela
http://fightfitness.ca/spindj
Hi Cynthia,
Great site, it keeps me motivated! I love the music and was trying to find your imix on iTunes (I have the Canadian version) but can’t seem to find them when I searched for ‘Cynthia’s spin’ or even just ’spin’. Any ideas where they’re hiding?
Sheena
Hi Sheena,
Thanks so much. I’m a tad behind posting the iMixes but you can find the ones I’ve done under Sport iMixes, which are separate from the regular ones and sort of hard to find. I should probably switch it over to regular iMixes. To get to the Sport iMixes on iTunes, click on Music, then Nike Sport iMixes, then View or Create Sport iMixes. Put in Cynthia as a search term and they’ll come up.
Happy spinning,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
That’s the ticket, I found them. Thanks for the quick reply. I’m going to spin away this rainy day :)
Sheena
Hi Cynthia:
I found your blog by accident. I am a fan of spinning. I have practiced for many years but since I move to Canada it was difficult to practice because of lack of time and music. Thanks for this great blog, it helps me a lot. Because of you I could burn about 400 calories again and smile after my own class. :)
Spinning drives me passion after practice I have such a good energy that nothing is difficult to reach…Thanks for providing this feeling again.
Hi Yamile,
So glad you like the blog. I also spin on my own and enjoy it. I think it’s great that you coach yourself through your own class.
Happy spinning,
Cynthia
Cynthia – This is a beautiful site, with amazing song choices, conversational and easy to read instructions, and I’m definitely going to be stopping by and seeing what you have going on.
I started spinning a few years ago, but I really got into it this past year. I am going for my certification at the end of the month and in the meantime, I began searching for good mixes. I was amazed at how I couldn’t find any. I stumbled upon http://spinningmixes.wordpress.com/ and it has been a tremendous resource for me. It inspired me to do the same and combine my passion for music and spin and create my own blog.
On that site, your blog is recommended and I’m glad I stopped by.
Thanks for the great ideas and check out my blog when you get a chance. http://movemewithmusic.wordpress.com
Jenn :)
ps – I just saw K’Naan live last Saturday – he opened up for Jason Mraz. I never heard of him before but I was really into it. He opened up to the audience and seemed very vulnerable and likable. His songs we unique and catchy and he created a beautiful atmosphere.
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for stopping by. Your blog looks really promising! I enjoy J.R. Atwood’s Spinning Mixes blog, too. His blog was the inspiration for mine. Let me know if it’s okay to add a link to your blog,
Cynthia
Great Blog!!… Thank you so much for the great ideas!
Jenn
Thanks, Jenn!
thank you for the info about cycling musics..
Thanks Kemem – glad you like the blog.
I love this site! Thank goodness i found it! I am a very new cycle instructor (got my cert. thru Schwinn) and I am at a loss as to how to put a class together – I mean I know how but when I sit down and look at itunes I get so overwhelmed! I want to be a really great instructor and so I think I am putting alot of pressure on myself. Nonetheless I love seeing everyone’s classes and playlists and getting an idea of how others put their classes together! Thanks for providing such an invaluable resource!
Much appreciated, Trigirl! So glad you like the site. Come back and post some of your own favourite playlists and profiles when you get a chance.
I have been teaching cycling for 5 years and love your website. I love it every month. One of the new mix CD’s I like to pick and choose from is Breakbeat. Thanks and keep the music coming!
Hi Cycling in Oregon,
Is the Breakbeat CD you mentioned the one with 168 instrumental tracks? At $9.99 on iTunes, it’s quite a bargain. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Glad you like it!
still great!!!!
i have tried spin revolution 2009 – awesome.
now i want to try another.
thank you
I have been spinning forever, but only teaching for about a year and I want to thank you. There are sometimes when you hit a “writer’s block” when making a mix and I just come here and it is like 1,2,3 problem solve. So thank you for posting and creating a place for instructors, participants, and listeners can come and interact and share ideas.
Thanks!
Thanks Starr! I enjoy the reader playlists page the most. I think other people do, too – it’s one of the most popular pages on the blog. Happy holidays!
Cynthia
Hi!
I have spent the better part of the day ignoring my children and pouring thru your site! Awesome! I’m a cycle instructor (just had my 2 yr teaching anniversary). And I’ve been struggling here all by my lonesome to come up with playlists wondering why the internet wasn’t lit up with resources like yours. It took me a while to stumble across yours.
Anyways, I’m putting together a new list based off many of your suggestions, but I’m struggling to find some of the Canandian music you mention. Two in particular are not on U.S. iTunes or Amazon: (1) Watch Me Move by Fefe Dobson & (2) High Heels by Lola. Can you let me know where I might find these to purchase?
I promise to contribute some of my faves when I get a chance. I trust you know the Bongo Song by Safri Duo???
Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday and enjoying your pregnancy. When is the due date? Best of luck to you. My kids are 4 & 7, and I had easy labors which I definitely credit at least in part to my spin & yoga practice throughout pregnancy (I’m sure genetics, luck and a fantabulous doula helped too! :-)).
Thanks again!
- Lisa
Hi Lisa,
So glad you like the blog! I love The Bongo Song by Safri Duo and use it for a warm up.
I am not sure where to find Lola or Fefe Dobson music online other than iTunes. Maybe try Youtube and see if you like it and purchase through the artist website or traditionally as a CD? Anyone else know where Lisa might find this music?
I am due April 3, so at 26 weeks now. For some reason doing jumps on the bike makes the baby kick like crazy.
Definitely check out some of the links to other spinning blogs, some great ideas there and lots of different styles. You are sure to find things you like.
All the best,
Cynthia
Thanks Cynthina. I will continue to surf around when I have a chance. I did take a quick peek at the others you have listed in your side bar.
Btw, I just Bongo Song as a huge final hill push at the end of a workout. It’s super powerful that way and the students go nuts for it. I do the first about 3 minutes out of the saddle climbing at about 75-80% effort, just staying with the group, then the music has that brief lull where we sit back in the saddle – last chance to grab water & gather energy before final push to the top, then it’s mostly out of the saddle for the rest of the way, but with more gear, pushing harder up to 85% with a final all out sprint the last about 15 second up to 90%+. It’s works great. Let me know if you give it a shot, how it goes! :-)
- Lisa