by Christine Hawthorne | Feb 11, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
I've been using Ed Sheeran's Shape of You quite a bit recently as a fast flat road in my classes (around 99-100 rpm). It's perfect for keeping your riders focused on maintaining those upper range rpm's. I like to challenge my riders to maintain the pace and try adding just a bit more resistance each minute.
Shape of You iTunes link
If you're looking for something a little different, try the Galantis Remix…:
Shape of You Galantis Remix iTunes link
…or even the acoustic version for a cool down/stretch:
Shape of You-Acoustic iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 27, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
I used this song in my class recently and I got a ton of comments from my riders. It's a great cover and a classic that can be very versatile in your next ride. Heart's cover of Stairway to Heaven is considered by many to be one of the best. ( I really like Rodrigo y Gabriela's cover as well.) Start this one as a seated climb and bring it out of the saddle as the music picks up around 5:45 all the way to the finish. It's a nice long hill and your riders will be motivated to finish big on this one, I promise. ( If you haven't seen the video of Heart performing this one live at the Kennedy Center Honors back in 2012, be sure to check it out here. It's pretty amazing.)
iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 20, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
This week's favorite track is from Indie band Arian 1. I would classify their style as House or Electronic. The song itself has a great beat and a cool kind of vibe that will definitely keep your riders intrigued. The slow down in the middle allows you to change the intensity or transition from seated to standing. With very few lyrics, it allows you to focus on coaching your riders through the climb. Here's how I'm riding to this one:
:00-1:50 standing climb at around 65 rpm
1:50-3:00 seated climb
3:00-4:05 standing climb
Cyro (Club Mix) by Arian 1 iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 6, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
Here's a track that will keep you climbing for almost a full four minutes. It's brand new from Dropkick Murphy's and it's every bit as good anything you've heard from them before. At first listen, you'll recognize their familiar sound, but you'll also notice that it's a bit on the slower than some of the stuff you're used to hearing from them, so it works great for a seated (or standing) climb. (80 rpm)
Here's another one from the same album that I'll be using for sprints on the chorus:
Definitely give the whole album a listen and keep them in mind when St. Patrick's Day rolls around!
11 Short Stories of Pain and Glory iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Dec 30, 2016 | Instructor Training, Music
Here is a new release that will be a bit different from the mainstream music you might be used to. Banco De Gaia recently released Warp and Weft, and more recently, two remixes- dr. trippy and Continuum. Banco De Gaia has a kind of ambient sound and this one is very versitile. It would make a great flat road or climb. The dr. trippy remix starts out slowly and builds at around 1:40. Then it's a steady ride to the finish. If you like to use longer songs in your profile, you should try the Continuum remix. (7:36)
Warp and Weft by Banco De Gaia iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Dec 23, 2016 | Instructor Training, Music
Are you searching for a short, versatile track that you could use for a flat road or a hill? Today's favorite track might be just what you're looking for. At around 80 rpm, English rock band The Struts' song, Could Have Been Me is a just perfect for around three minutes of work. While this song is fairly current, it sounds a bit like an 80's anthem. Your rock and roll loving riders will definitely appreciate this one.
Could Have Been Me by The Struts iTunes link
