Music Outside the JukeBox!
By Biray Alsac

It’s no secret – music can make or break any group fitness class. Without good tunes, members may tune out (or listen to their iPod while exercising to their own beat). So, instructors are always looking for new songs (or remix of old songs) that continue to engage and motivate participants.

With websites like iTunes, Napster and Pandora (a site that recommends new music based on songs you already like), there are endless opportunities to discover new material. But sometimes we don’t have time to search for new music or find different resources on the web. Read below to learn new ways to create your perfect soundtrack for class.

Share Your Playlists and Songs
Platforms like iTunes and Napster allow users to create and share their playlists from songs in their database. Rather than finding a list of songs online or receiving one from an instructor, encourage your colleagues to share their playlists on one of these platforms. This way, you can quickly download the pre-selected songs directly into your iPod or burn them onto a CD. Sharing playlists is certainly not a new concept (we all know musical sequencing is crucial in class design), but internet technology has turned this process into a time-saving opportunity.

If you’re interested in sharing more traditional fitness music (those with a 32-count mix, variable speeds, etc.) check out ClickMix or Yes! Fitness Music. Instructors can create their own group fitness CDs simply by choosing from a selection of songs and customizing track sequence and speed! (No more frustrations of buying a pre-made CD then finding there’s ONE song in the middle you wished wasn’t there.) Instructors can share their personalized mixes with others or choose a mix from their peers. And no more waiting for a CD to come in the mail – these sites allow instant download to computer or burn to a CD from their website.

Listen To Your Members Instead of the Radio
Members love it when you include their song suggestions it your musical rotation. After all, if members identify and enjoy the music you play, they’ll keep coming back! And these days, there are plenty of ways members share their musical tastes online. Websites like Last.fm, Blip.fm and iLike allow users to listen, review and recommend songs. (Why not create your own profile and have members ‘follow’ or ‘friend’ you so you have a network for sharing musical thoughts). Also, if you know your members are on Facebook or MySpace, you may find a list of their favorite songs on their profile pages, too.

Swap Out the Pop, Swap In the Indie
Let’s face it, songs can be expensive. Even though 99 cents per song doesn’t seem like a lot, it can add up to 99 dollars fairly quickly! So, if you have a little more time on your hands, visit a site where you can download underground artists or royalty free music. It may not be 32-count mix or the latest pop single, but you may discover melodic gems that add to the workout experience.

Amie Street is a site where you can discover a variety of music from indie and established artists. Songs start FREE and go up to 98 cents. And at Amie Street, it pays to listen. Songs that you recommend can ultimately earn you purchasing credits toward other songs.

Freeplay Music  is the ‘off-the-beaten-path’ approach to finding new music. Many film and television producers come here to find scores for their movie projects or TV spots. But what most people don’t realize is its selection of music can easily suit your Spinning or Yoga class. In fact, most songs have a 30-second or 1-minute version of the original song – perfect from creating interval sequences!

No doubt – music is powerful. Rocker-turned-neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin makes a great statement in his book This is Your Brain on Music. He says, “Music is fundamental to our species, perhaps even more so than language.” Remember this next time you go to teach your classes. If you mess up on your cueing or forget your choreography, it doesn’t matter. Cuz if you music rocks, so will your class!

Editor’s Note:  For additional resources, please check out our Helpful Links and Freebies! 

Read more from Biray at:

http://www.FITTmaxxInstitute.com
“Fitness and Interactive Technologies Together”

http://www.BeFitWithBiray.com
“Follow Biray’s blog on fitness and technology”

http://BeFitInTurkiye.blogspot.com
“Join Biray on her summer tour of Istanbul!”

http://KixKayamanu.blogspot.com
“The Adventures of Health & Fitness Correspondent in Second Life”

That said, when I find a product that I find particularly valuable or that is money well-spent, I enjoy sharing it with the friends I think can benefit from it.   That’s why I want to tell you about a program I joined just before Christmas 2007, called iTRAIN.  iTRAIN is an excellent place to download workouts to your iPod/mp3 Player for use on traditional cardio equipment or in the weight room.  At first, I was skeptical of the concept.  I mean, I am a Fitness Instructor for goodness’ sake.  I can do this stuff on my own, right?  However, I went for it and have gotten several benefits from using the program.

ABC #2:  Be a Student

In Three Things Every Instructor Should Do, I discussed why it is important for instructors to be students as well.  However, my schedule was preventing me from attending other instructors’ classes as frequently as I wanted.  By using iTRAIN, I get the benefit of learning from another instructor on my own schedule.  Plus, I am guaranteed to get a great workout with iTRAIN whereas with some instructors …  you don’t know what you are in for!  iTRAIN also offers a variety of formats that allow me to sample a new style without the concern that I will have wasted my time.  Turning off my mp3 player is much easier than sneaking out of a class I don’t like!

Cheap Space Saver

I used to buy videos and DVDs to accomplish the “workout on my own schedule” while still learning from a skilled professional.  However, a DVD is upwards of $20 and they can be space hoggers once your collection gets growing.  I prefer that iTRAIN is a downloadable mp3 I can keep forever on my jump drive, which is the size of my thumb.  And the cost — $0.99 – $6.99 per workout?  Doesn’t even compare to what I used to spend on DVDs.  In fact, I signed up for the monthly motivator package.  I get three workouts per month for less than the cost of a single video.

Pick Up New Cues

The instructors at iTRAIN are some of the West Coast’s best and they have a way of speaking that is encouraging and motivating.  I have found new ways of connecting with my students by borrowing the cues and motivation provided by the iTRAIN instructors.  I also have a chance to be reminded of what other’s in my classes might be thinking or needing to hear, which is one of the toughest things for me as an instructor.

There are more reasons why I think you’ll love iTRAIN and I invite you find out for yourself.  It is rare that a product impresses me this much and I am really excited to share it with you!  I believe that you, too, will find it is money well-spent.