Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO » Music

Free Music Friday – 2/3

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:16:45 +0000

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO - ICI/PRO is the Spinning ® Instructor and Indoor Cycling Instructor Community's resource for tips, free music, motivation, education, entertainment, class profiles and playlists.

A two-person song, with a two-person perspective for today with some meaningful lyrics to boot! This 65 rpm climb has beautiful instrumentals and harmonies that build, with call outs at 1:38 and 3:00. These two cue spots are a perfect time to have your class add load, but hold cadence at 65 rpms. Now...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 1/27

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:06:19 +0000

This fabulous artist can not only sing, play guitar and drums, but she is also quite a little athlete. She runs 6 miles a day and is a marathoner. Today’s 4:17, 86 bpm flat road has an ethereal 15 seconds before a hard beat kicks in. There are great nuances to work with throughout...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Instructor Tech Tuesday – Free Software for adding BPM in iTunes

John — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:02:02 +0000

John is it possible to add the BPM to all the songs in my iTunes library? The short answer for most of us is yes, with the exception of any tracks you purchased directly from iTunes back when much of their music carried DRM – Digital Rights Management. What follows is a complete video...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 1/20

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:01:33 +0000

This Friday brings you a 91 bpm flat that John “would never listen to”. However, it grabbed me, and my class liked it a lot last night as we worked sprints. It has some Michael Jackson flashback sounds (RIP Michael) and we held our working leg speed and high endurance heart rate for a...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 1/13

John — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:24:12 +0000

No, I don’t do the whole “Friday the 13th” bit. But today’s Free Music Friday is a bit unconventional in that it’s a number of very long songs that you could incorporate into one of your endurance classes. I’m really getting into the whole “Zen” thing and Trance music at the right BPM is really...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Tech Tuesday – Notes from Sunday’s Spotify Training

John — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:56:16 +0000

I sure enjoyed talking with everyone who participated in Sunday’s training I’ll be scheduling the next Spotify LIVE training soon – click here to get on the early notification list. A number of you were interested in the little Tap to the Beat BPM counter I used when I sample music. Right Click...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 1/6/12

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:46:23 +0000

Today is about “tongue in cheek” fun on a climb. At 63 rpm’s, it is versatile enough to use for a seated or standing climb. It also has the perfect feel for “lifts” while simulating getting out of the saddle for pretend potholes in the road. You could even tell a little story about riding...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Making the Most of Music, Part 1: Emotion

Jim Karanas — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 10:38:58 +0000

By Team ICG® Master Instructor Jim Karanas My last two articles were on video because it will affect our industry dramatically in 2012. Long before video, however, something else inspired us to ride bikes indoors: music. There’s no denying music’s powerful impact on the class experience. One way that happens is through emotion. Music...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 12/30/2011

John — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:03:57 +0000

Here is a nice inspirational tune from a band out of Aurora, Colorado to use coming out of, or leading into a climb, with rpm’s of 73. There is some nice points where you could add your voice to coach and guide your class, with inspirational cueing or storytelling, to bring them to a...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Tech Tuesday – I’m now free to ride anywhere in my class

John — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:00:26 +0000

I’m now completely free to position myself anywhere in my class, with complete control of my music thanks to a tip from PRO Member Instructor Chuck Gauran. In this earlier post I discussed using Chuck’s tip for using a BlueTooth receiver to connect my iPhone to the club’s sound system. Then Instructor Gregory Ortiz sent...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 12/23

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:59:48 +0000

Today is simply all about fun. And climbing. With lots of load. 3 minutes and 52 seconds of climbing with lots of load at rpm’s of 58. When this song comes on, we get up out of the saddle with a smile on our face and pretty much just crank it up. In good...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Tech Tuesday – an Aha! Moment during Sunday’s LIVE training

John — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:36:30 +0000

This makes me happy! During Sunday night’s LIVE iTunes training one of the participants had what can only be described as an Aha! Moment, where she learned something that made her investment in time worth every minute. Over the last 3 1/2 years I’ve answered hundreds of technical questions from Instructors. I’ve learned that...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Would this ever work?

John — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:10:39 +0000

I’m listening to the new track suggestions for our latest Top Indoor Cycling class songs this morning as I get ready for my 8:00 90 min endurance class. When I got to last Friday’s suggestion from soundtrack composure Brian Tyler it got me to thinking… could you use a movie score as the playlist...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 12/16

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:29:39 +0000

Are you looking for that certain something to inspire your class during speed work? This could be it. Super high intensity with rpm’s at 98 and no vocals, you can coach them through and remind them (thanks MI Cameron Chinatti) that speed work is not just about pedal speed, but BIKE speed. There is...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Greatest Hits: Add Your Favorites of 2011

Barbara — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:57:44 +0000

ICI/PRO’s annual GIFT OF MUSIC is being created RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW and we need your help! Simply post the best songs you taught in 2011. List as many as you wish…there are no rules, no limits, no boundaries. Everyone on the email newsletter will receive an alphabetized compilation and a One Click Spotify playlist...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 12/9

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:37:29 +0000

Today’s Friday Favorite might feel a bit “risky” in that it is edgier and heavier than things suggested in the past. It is great for a mid-class flat road push at AT. What is really different is that this 81 rpm flat starts out intense and then mellows out at :30. Intensity gradually builds...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Have you seen the iDJ App from MixMeister?

John — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:02:43 +0000

Tuesday has been reserved as Technology day here at ICI/PRO and this new iDJ – Numark app for iphones and iPads certainly fits this category. I’ve been playing with this new app from the MixMeister folks for a while and thought I would give you my initial thoughts on it’s suitability as a tool you could use to create...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 12/2

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:00:42 +0000

John saw this track recommended by Keith Skowron Skowron over at the Team Spinning Facebook page. He knew instantly that I would love it… and he was right! A 64 rpm climb with a mellow piano opening, (but adequate drums) and this Scottish singer-song writer’s fabulous raspy voice is today’s Friday Favorite. 1:27...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Everything Spotify on one page :)

John — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:27:07 +0000

I learned something really important about Spotify this past Saturday morning. If your iPhone battery goes dead you will need to log in again before it works. Not a big problem… unless it’s 3 minutes until your class is supposed to start and you can’t remember your user name and password Enter the rescue CD...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Wireless connection between your iPhone / Android and Club Sound System

John — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:32:23 +0000

Here’s a great idea from ICI/PRO Member Instructor Chuck Gauran that has me smacking my forehead; “why did I think of that?” With all the excellent, structured Virtual Ride videos available, I’m to the point where it’s rare to teach a class without one. I teach to the profile of the video as much as possible so there’s...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – Black Friday 11/25

John — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:43:34 +0000

Beyond her role as the Senior Group Fitness Instructor here and at the other clubs where she teaches, Amy is a very accomplished Makeup Artist … where she finds herself today. So I get to give my suggestion for a track you might want to consider for an upcoming class. I’ve used it (them) for years...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 11/18

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:18:37 +0000

Today I bring you something a bit different. A very intense, fully orchestrated 65 bpm climb that starts out very strong and then backs off at 1:59 for a quick quiet segment (which you know I love for queuing opportunities). We never lose intensity though, even in the short quiet segment. And then…bam!!! 3:30...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Google Music – is it right for Spinning / Indoor Cycling Instructors?

John — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:28:58 +0000

The Google Music Store/Service just launched. As you would expect, I’m already anticipating your questions so I’m all over this. I already know that many of you would enjoy an option to iTunes or Spotify. So I started this morning at 5:30am and set about learning everything I can about Google Music. I want to...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 11/11/11

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:56:13 +0000

I never imagined I would love a song that started out with a piano and Conn electronic organ, but I do. The instrumental layers and vocal harmonies of this AMERICAN (finally!) soul/indie pop band from LA are so interesting. I could suggest most of the songs off the CD, Pickin Up the Pieces by...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 11/4 – Is it November already ?

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:26:40 +0000

What the heck happened to September and October? Oh well.. Another British band makes the list for today’s Friday Favorite. Their sound and versatility is so interesting. I first heard them on “Grey’s Anatomy” and I tracked down the season’s soundtrack to get this particular song. It is the perfect length (5:27 ) and...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Halloween Music from Spotify

John — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:39:18 +0000

Spotify is so cool and you no longer have to be invited to join as a free member in the USA! Beyond the simplicity of downloading the PRO Playlists we provide for every Audio PROfile, Spotify has an incredible selection of Theme music. A search for Halloween in Spotify lists dozens of playlists and hundreds of...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 10/28

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:25:44 +0000

I like to interject songs into my playlist that people may find vaguely familiar but may not be able to put their finger on. It’s fun to watch them try to figure out who the band is while working away on their pedal stroke and heart rate/power training. This is one of those “B-side”...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 10/21

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:43:05 +0000

Today’s Friday Favorite is actually brought to you by ICI/PRO member and instructor, Chuck Cali. I am just the messenger! Chuck has been using this rocking tune as a high cadence hill climb (85 rpm). He says there is plenty of energy for everyone and the sax riffs are awesome. John Cafferty originally did “On...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 10/14

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:47:32 +0000

Are you looking for the perfect 96 rpm flat road tune to use for discovering anaerobic threshold in your class??? Look no further! This four piece indie rock group from London, England has recorded it for us. “Amazing” by One Eskimo, starts out with a very mellow, but detectable beat and builds bit by...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 10/7

John — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:54:35 +0000

I love a good long tune and today’s Free Music Friday Favorite is 7minutes long. It has a “dream pop” type vibe to it, but don’t let that throw you off, because I have found it to be very useful in discovering either T1, or T2. The Verve is certainly not a new (or...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 9/30

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:26:45 +0000

What???? Did you think I forgot you? Never! Greetings from the ICI/PRO Conference in Boston! I truly wish you were all here. Today’s Friday Favorite is by an artist that my daughter Carly introduced me to. I have used her quite often in my class line ups. You may recognize her voice from the theme...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 9/23

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:22:12 +0000

They call them “mean girls”. There have been movies made about them and books written about them, and sometimes we have them in our lives. I have one in mine right now, so this song grabbed me this week as I listened to the CD and I have started using it in my cycle class....

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 9/16

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:01:08 +0000

Today’s Friday Favorite is a fun little 70 rpm tune that is perfect for lifts. Now, I don’t want to start a whole controversy about whether we should or should not do lifts (jumps), etc. IF you like to use them, and coach them responsibly in your class (why do I feel like I...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 9/9

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 20:10:41 +0000

This smooth little tune caught my ear while I was riding in the car with my 17 year old one day and I asked her who was singing it, not really thinking she would know. Well, she did and I am glad, because I downloaded it and have been using it as a motivating mid-tempo climb. I’ve been...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

iTunes’ Terms and Conditions

John — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:14:31 +0000

“Dad, that was on an episode of South Park!” was the response from my daughter Carly. We were at lunch and I was telling her about the revelation I had that all of the music services I use are prohibited from commercial use. It was hilarious, she exclaimed and recited; “What did the latest terms...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 9/2

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:19:00 +0000

This young band from Charlottesville, Virginia has a great sound. They are touring with Michelle Branch and the Goo Goo Dolls this summer and we will hear a lot more from them in the future. I first heard this tune on XM radio and felt a flat jammin’ road needing to happen. Parachute’s “Something...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 8/26

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:19:11 +0000

This Journey song was already a bit over the top in the 70’s, but this particular cover just cracks me up. I used it in my Monday morning class as comic relief (and physical relief) after a 20 minute AT climb. I have been teaching this time slot for years, so the class and...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 8/19

John — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:15:46 +0000

Taking a break from my fight with Agent Smith (from the Matrix), I thought I would post my Free Music Friday track. It actually comes courtesy of ICI/PRO member Marc Schlosberg who shared it as part of a Spotify Playlist. English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding’s song Lights is a fantastic 70 RPM climb all on it’s own....

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Let’s Build Some PRO/Playlists Together – Collaborative Playlists in Spotify

John — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 10:24:18 +0000

Crowdsourcing is the act of outsourcing tasks, traditionally performed by an employee or contractor, to an undefined, large group of people or community (a “crowd”), through an open call. From Wikipedia. The ICI/PRO Top 210 Indoor Cycling Songs list is an excellent example of crowdsourcing. Over 150 Instructors contributed their favorite songs. We compiled them into one big list that’s been enjoyed...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 8/12

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:03:48 +0000

This week’s FF is nice and long. I love to use it as my opening song. It gives my class members plenty of time to warm up and allows us time to discover both our T1 (and sometimes T2) without a music change. Having a consistent rpm to work with is very helpful, even for those of...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Using Spotify and PRO/Playlists

John — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:24:41 +0000

I’m excited to hear from all the new and existing ICI/PRO members taking advantage of our new PRO/Playlists by opening premium Spotify accounts. With anything new there is always a bit of a learning curve. A number of you have submitted some great questions. Many I had myself when I first began using Spotify. I...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI/PRO Top 210 Indoor Cycling Songs One-Click PRO/Playlist

John — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:50:11 +0000

We work hard here at ICI/PRO… so you don’t have to As a special treat for all our ICI/PRO members, we have assembled our Top 210 Indoor Cycling Songs as a One Click PRO/Playlist. Our Top Indoor Cycling Class Music lists was a dream of Barbara Hoots and they have become the most...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI/Podcast #168 – NEW One Click – PRO/Playlists that leverage the power of Spotify!

John — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 12:15:27 +0000

One Click – PRO/Playlists – a new feature for ICI/PRO Platinum Yearly Members! Now 25 Audio PROfiles (and growing) include a link for you to add the complete PRO/Playlists to your computer with just one click! If you choose to join Spotify Premium you can have the complete playlist on your portable devise, ready for class, in less than...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 8/5

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:54:40 +0000

John had Pandora on one day in the office and I was mesmerized by the song that was playing. It had a great vibe and I really wanted to use it in a class, so here it is for today’s Friday Favorite. The first 15 seconds start out with simple guitar, but the 63 rpm beat...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

New ICI/PRO feature will make teaching even easier :)

John — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:36:41 +0000

New ICI/PRO feature will make teaching even easier To celebrate the start of year 4 we are introducing PRO/Playlists, a new benefit for our ICI/PRO Yearly Platinum Members that will make your annual membership an even better value. By design, the primary benefit of ICI/PRO is saving you time [convenience]. We try to make it easy...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – 7/29

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:11:40 +0000

Today I am featuring a cover by a Canadian-American, singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer and actress. It is a rare day when I like a cover as well as the original, but this 53 rpm climb at a total of 3:41 rocks. Seal’s “Crazy” mixed up by Alanis Morissette is great. She opens up her vocals and...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Who’s a Spotify Music Service Expert?

John — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:19:04 +0000

Have your received an invitation to join the Spotify music service? Spotify is new here in the USA, but has been available in Europe for a number of years. I received an invitation to join and I did. It appears to be the latest in the line of music services like Napster and Rhapsody. I’m...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 7/22

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:39:41 +0000

My job is getting so easy! This week I want to thank Chuck Cali for suggesting the Free Friday Favorite. The FF for today is a great, Indie-Rock, 90 bpm, opening flat tune for your ride. This artist is quite new to the music scene, as his debut album...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 7/15 or 15/7 for our European friends :)

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:15:48 +0000

A shout of thanks to ICI/PRO member Sheila this week for suggesting the Free Friday Favorite. This is a great motivational climb at 65 rpm and 4:11. “My body tells me no, but I won’t quit cuz I want more”… I think that sums up many of us as we work away to achieve...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 7/8

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Are you looking for a motivating mid-tempo climb? Look no further! This week’s Friday Favorite, at around 72 rpm, is just the thing. This band is well known by all of us, but perhaps this song will be new to you. Still it is fun for our class, because everyone knows the distinguished voice...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

I Can Help Tutorials – My Podcast Feed Isn’t Updating in iTunes

John — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:09:27 +0000

As far as I’m concerned Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Page and Sergey Brin all deserve a big hug! Without their fantastic companies; Microsoft, Apple and Google none of what we do here at www.indoorcycleinstructor.com would be possible That’s not to say that these services aren’t without their problems… Much of the Free and ICI/PRO Premimum content...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 7/1

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:14:12 +0000

This week’s Friday Favorite flat tune is from a Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and actress. The song was released in 2002 and it caught my ear then. I had completely forgotten about it, but heard it the other day and have incorporated it back into my class. The crickets in the first 30 seconds of the...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 6/24

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:45:06 +0000

This week’s Friday Favorite is just a groovy little tune by a British funk and acid jazz band that got their start in 1992. Please don’t get scared, because they also do a little pop, rock and electronica. The cadence is a perfect 90- right where “the experts” tell us we work most efficiently on...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 6/17

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:11:27 +0000

Every once in a while, an artist comes along that blows me away…grabs me with their extraordinary talent and I cannot get enough of them. That describes this week’s artist from Fargo, ND (although I like to consider him from Minneapolis – that’s where his band and first album release is from). His voice...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 6/10

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:57:32 +0000

In my mind there are two categories of music: fake and real. Fake music is synthesized and real music is human beings playing instruments and truly singing, not just pretending to. For those of us that have to endure our kid’s music, the distinction is necessary and appreciated. Today’s Friday Favorite...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 6/6 – Uplifting Closing Songs

Barbara — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:51:42 +0000

When you need to conjure up a perfect finish line song, not all students crave the driving force of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. In fact, many are begging for an uplifting, inspiring arrangement to push their pace while stirring emotion and empowerment. These two FRIDAY FAVORITES are soaring with optimism, and your students...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 5/27

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:59:08 +0000

This week we are taking it all the way back to the 1980’s, and some good old recognizable metal. The band started in 1972 in Pasadena California and is just crazy fun and that is what we have in class- crazy fun when their music comes on. I got Van Halen’s , The Best of...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Finding completely different music – that sounds familiar – and is free

John — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:23:58 +0000

Back on ICI Podcast #125 – Barbara Hoots Explains How To Get Your Playlist Order Right, Barbara explained the importance of using recognizable music in your class as an important little detail your class will really appreciate and enjoy. But the solution may not be playing the same old tired version everyone has heard a...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 5/20

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 20 May 2011 11:53:46 +0000

Today I am introducing a rock band composed of classically trained cellists. Their music borrows elements from many genres including classical music, neo-classical metal, post-grunge, progressive metal, thrash metal and symphonic metal. Riders in my class look up and ask, “Who is this????”, when their music comes on. It is moving, inspiring and just plain...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Friday Free Music for Friday the 13th

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:54:38 +0000

I am not typically a fan of “live” CD’s, and usually prefer the studio cuts, but this “live” version rocks. It has just the right amount of crowd in the background and newness to the tunes. We have been jamming up a moderate climb in my class to Sting’s (If You Love Someone) Set...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday 5/6

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:01:58 +0000

When I cannot decide whether I like the re-make or the original song better, then I know that it is a great re-make – and this is one of those songs. I have been using this for a kick butt out of the saddle climb in my anaerobic threshold interval training class lately. We all...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Frustrated Men Songs

John — Tue, 03 May 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Even though I have been happily married for 23 years, it occurred to me that some of my favorite songs are based on the common frustrations men have in their relationships with women. Am I alone here fellows? This post started as a Friday Favorite, but now I think it would make a great...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for 4/29

John — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

This guy’s voice pretty much rocks my world. Plus, most of his lyrics are awesome and safe, so I don’t feel like I have to audit through the entire CD reading and listening for things that will offend my class…a big time saver. His style is best described as “Bayou Soul”, which translates to...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – another hers and his

John — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:45:30 +0000

I love when I pull a song from an old playlist and remember instantly why I liked it so much. This is one of those songs that really moves me, and seems to move my classes as well because I have been getting a lot of great feedback about this tune. At exactly 5...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday for April 15th

John — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

So how about a little Boogie in your class tonight? Those of us old enough the experience the 70′s understand that there was some good music. Here is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s Boogie On Reggae Woman that your class may enjoy. Vernon Neilly, Greg Howe “Boogie On Reggae Woman Instrumental (feat. Greg Howe)”...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Friday – Stitch two tracks together for a long climb

John — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The week’s free music Friday is actually two tracks that I can hear stitched together to make a great long climb. Have I ever mentioned that I love longs climbs in my classes? Cycling to me is all about endurance and that means enduring the effort until you get to the top/end/finish/summit/puke point. The...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI Podcast #147 Improve your class by improving the acoustics in your studio

John — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I have received quite an education about improving the acoustics of a room from Ryan Gibbons, an Applications Specialist with Auralex® Acoustics, Inc. In the interview posted below Ryan describes the typical problems that may exist in your studio and offers some suggestions on solving them. If after listening to this interview you would like more information they...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

FREE Music Friday – Hers and Mine

John — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Amy had already submitted this Friday Favorite before we got our deal to provide you with a FREE track every Friday. I hated to see it go to waste so I thought why not a Hers and Mine this week? From her: You probably have deducted by now that I like to include entire...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Free Music Fridays

John — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:00:00 +0000

I did it! My application to the IODA Promonet promotional music distribution network was accepted and now we can provide you with Free Music Downloads every Friday! This week it’s all about the drums with a powerful track from Cult of Youth. If you are looking for a track to take your class (if they’re...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Studio Design 101 – Acoustic Solutions

John — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Music is such an important part of our classes and yet I can find very little information available about what can be done to improve the quality of the sound in the studios where we teach. That scarcity of info ends starting today with this article, which is cross posted over at www.cyclingstudio.org Intro from Barbara...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Friday’s Favorite Music

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:53:11 +0000

Honestly, pretty much anything that came across my headphones today would be enjoyable because it is 50 degrees and sunny here in Minneapolis on St. Patrick’s Day. But, I love this Italian American instrumental rock guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with multiple Grammy Award nominations. Tom Scotto and Gene Nacey from Cycling Fusion like to use an...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

XM Radio – One of the best presents I ever accidentally gave myself

Amy Macgowan — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I was rear ended this past January and my beloved Acura TL was totaled. I only had one problem with this car….the CD player didn’t work. Plus my oldest daughter had blown out the stereo speakers, so any volume above 2 put out a very annoying buzzing sound. You get the picture. And, if...

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Amy’s Favorite Music and iTunes Quick Tip

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I believe in giving credit where credit is due and I first heard of this group from Tom Scotto. We were together in Colorado in December for the Cycling Fusion Summit Conference. Tom was graciously showing us how he put together his play lists and I was furiously jotting down his bands of choice! With...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI Podcast #142 – Music Licensing Questions Answered by Alexandra Williams MA from funandfit.org

John — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

IDEA contributer & Editor Alexandra Williams MA from funandfit.org has done substantial research on the subject of music licensing and the changes that are occuring in different areas around the world. After reading her very comprehensive article; Music Licensing Mayhem: How will fees affect you? in the latest IDEA Fitness Journal, I invited Alexandra to respond...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

FREE MUSIC FRIDAY and iTunes Download Quick Tip

Barbara — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:33 +0000

Chase the winter blues away with incredible heart pumping funk and reggae mixes courtesy of the Fort Knox Five, a world renowned party band from Washington, DC. The boys in Fort Knox Five graciously donated music for the Spinning® program at Half Moon Resort in Jamaica and are now offering ICI members a FREE Friday...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI Podcast #139 – Sara Kooperman from SCW Fitness D.R.I.L.L to help us cue and be creative

John — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:27:05 +0000

When we were investigating locations for the ICI/PRO Conference last spring I looked at what venues other Fitness Conventions were using. Long story short, I got to know Sara Kooperman who is the founder of the SCW Mania conventions. Beyond being a very successful business women, Sara is also a sought after speaker and fitness...

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Australian Federal Court reverses gym music decision

John — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:45:28 +0000

ICI/PRO member Shayne Farquhar sent me this update about the music licensing situation in Australia. If you haven’t been following this: The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA), a leading recording industry group, won its bid to replace the previous copyright fee of 94.6 cents per fitness class, after the Copyright Tribunal ruled gyms should...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Amy’s Friday Favorite

Amy Macgowan — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:41:47 +0000

Hi ICI/PRO members. Amy here with my first attempt at a Friday Favorite, so please go easy on me. Believe it or not, one of my favorite ways to try new music and listen to new bands, is to go to the library (I know, right?) and surf through the CD’s on the shelves. ...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Top 210 Indoor Cycling Songs

Barbara — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:29:37 +0000

What? Were you really expecting a Top 25 Indoor Cycling Songs? Maybe even a Top 50? Remember, this is ICI/PRO and we like to do things BIG! To close out a spectacular year, we’re asking you, the best Indoor Cycling Instructors in the world, to join forces and create a list of your favorite songs...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Tempo Magic Pro iPhone App can change your class music BPMs on the fly

John — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:41:34 +0000

BPM control for all of you who teach to tempo and use an iPhone or iPod Touch. Here’s the new Class Builder iPhone App for Spinning Instructors. Tempo Magic Pro is a new iPhone app that allows you to change the BPM of your music on your iPhone, while it’s playing. You old Group Fitness...

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What’s your favorite ANGRY song?

John — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:38:28 +0000

Not ANGRY like; “I want to punch your lights out!” More like; “there comes a time where you want to turn the pedals with anger.” I like to use songs that communicate this type of intensity in my class when I’m looking for a very focused, very determined effort. Here is a good example of...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Introducing MixMeister Express 7

John — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:10:24 +0000

Click Here to learn about LIVE Online Training for Instructor’s using MixMeister Express. MixMeister Express 7 is now for both PC and Mac – but you still can’t use AAC Audio files of any type. Students of the MixMeister Express Academy learn how to convert their files from AAC to MP3 in lesson #1 Yep,...

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Your iMix has been submitted to the iTunes Store

John — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:24:22 +0000

Dear John, Congratulations, your iMix “ICI/PRO Sport iMIX Electronic” has been published in the iTunes Store at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=355752720 ICI/PRO Sport iMIX ElectronicPlaylist Notes: I thought all of us from www.indoorcycleinstructor.com should be posting Sport iMixes of our favorite Indoor Cycling Class music playlists. 8:46 warmup > Pushing West is a great climb to...

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Did you back up your iTunes Music files last night?

John — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:39:56 +0000

I did…. Well OK I didn’t, but Carbonite did for me. Like it does every night Could this happen to you? Video after the jump. This company is Mozy. From what I can tell they offer the same thing at the same price.

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With new single You’re Not Alone, he hopes to motivate people to make things happen in their lives.

John — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:16:19 +0000

Don’t ask why, but I was over at the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Site this morning. Thankfully you can’t sign up yet they have this great song available as a free download. Minneapolis music icon Tim Mahoney completed his first Triathlon – the Life Time Fitness Triathlon – in 2008. With his new single You’re...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Here they come, here they come

John — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:12:32 +0000

“Here they come, here they come, Here they come and they might as well…” Begins Gramarye – by Remy Zero. If you enjoy tracks with a lot of changes of intensity (you can hear the surges and big sprint finish) this may be a song you and your class would like. You can sample the...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Carbonite Saved My iTunes Indoor Cycling Class Music

John — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:33:26 +0000

Watch as I recover my iTunes music and other data. Then cross one item off your 2010 resolutions list by signing up for a free trial of Carbonite here.

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

How do you bring music to your class?

John — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:39:42 +0000

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Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

ICI/PRO’s Top 100 Indoor Cycling Songs

Barbara — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:23:38 +0000

ICI/PRO’s Top 100 Songs Want to punch up your playlist with some of the best music on the planet AND get the inside scoop on how to teach each empowering song? Thanks to a suggestion from ICI/PRO member Charles Farrow of Montgomery, Alabama, we’re going to collect 100 of the BEST songs ever recorded along...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

It takes great music to be an ICI/PRO

John — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:43:33 +0000

Now ICI/PRO Members receive free tuition to the MixMeister Express Academy! Save $19.97 while you quickly and easily learn the skills and gain the confidence you need to bring a professional sound to your next Indoor Cycling / Spinning Class. Claim your spot in the MixMeister Express Academy as part of your ICI/PRO Membership.

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

MixMeister Express Academy – Now Open To New Students

John — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:00:43 +0000

When I got frustrated using MixMeister® Express I asked Keith Burnage, the creator of Cadence Revolution, for help. Keith is an expert in building seamless playlists for both his Spinning classes as well as his weekly music Podcast. As he walked me through the parts I wasn’t understanding I thought, “I bet there are lots...

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Free Music + help support IndoorCycleInstructor.com

John — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:10:52 +0000

I had an email from a listener asking how I can afford to do all the work necessary to bring you the Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast (almost) weekly. I get some help from advertisers. It’s not much, but every little bit helps. Companies like emusic will pay a small referral fee to sites like this...

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ICI Podcast #26 – Indoor Cycling Class Music Playlists with Cadence Revolution

John — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:42:34 +0000

Interview with Keith Burnage, AKA Keifer as he is known on the Indoor Cycling Forums. Keith is as close to an expert with Mix Meister music software as I have been able to find. Cadence Revolution is a weekly Music Podcast that Keith discribes as: A weekly sixty minute Podsafe mix of fitness music to...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO

Music counting tools

John — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:01:53 +0000

I’m still in the process of setting up this Podcast Blog. Everything I try to do is a learning experience. Here are the links to the two music counting tools I reference in the Introduction to Training Rates video. Mac version: click picture Windows version isn’t as pretty but it works well. You can download...

Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast | ICI/PRO