Music notes - Training Tips

American Fitness, Nov-Dec, 2001 by Marisa B. Ferrari

Ahhhhh, the sound of music. Music is one of the most important mood setters for an aerobics class. Could you imagine an aerobics class without it? Without the pumping bass and upbeat tempo, an aerobics class would be, well ... pretty boring.

As instructors, we rely on music to keep our 32-count routines on track as they build to a climax, at which point you go "from the top" or go straight through the routines without the up-tap/down-taps. Once you've broken down one routine, the top of the phrase helps prepare students for the next section of the workout. The lyrics change and a new instrument or beat comes in just as we move into the top of the routine.

Melissa Vacala, Group Exercise Manager for Bally Total Fitness, says she relies on music to create the dynamics for her class. "I have to have music that I like in order to get the most energy and motivation out of me--music that's hot, `now' music. That, in turn, gets my class going."

With many choices in terms of theme, companies and style, it's not always easy keeping things fresh and accurate for yourself and your class. It's especially frustrating when you purchase a tape just because you like one or two songs and never use the rest of it. We're all guilty of this. You know ... that tape you love and hate. You only use it for the 10-minute warm-up or abs section of your class because you love the first song, but quickly change to another tape or CD before the tune switches to "Mambo No. 5" by a singer who sounds like Mr. Rogers. With so many music Web sites out there, wouldn't it be nice to find a tape you love from start to finish? It should be easy, but it's not.

BUYER BEWARE

Tapes created by DJs are often full of hip, fun music. However, sometimes the 32-count phrasing isn't exactly, well, 32 counts. I recently purchased a tape from a DJ I found on a random flyer. This DJ from Detroit, Michigan, "claimed" (key word) his music was 32-count formatted. I was initially attracted to the long list of original artists on the tapes. So I popped my $30 money order in the mail and within a week received my brand new tape. To my delight the music was great, upbeat club and Top 40--everything I dreamed.

The following day, I taught my step class using the new tape. Amid my turn-straddle-turn, I suddenly was off the beat. Horrified by the mishap, I continued on, hoping the change in music was just a little flub. I was wrong. First I was on the phrase, then I was off, then I was on the downbeat, then stepping on the upbeat. The sudden and awkward beat changes were unbearable. I quickly stopped the tape and resorted to an older, much safer one. I wasted $30, frustrated my class and was forced to question my own sense of rhythm.

QUALITY AND CONTENT

While branching out and trying new DJs and music companies can be a bad experience, it doesn't have to be. Since almost all music purchases can be made from the comfort of your own home via the Internet, it's easy to sample portions of each tape. While surfing on the Internet, I came across many familiar and nonfamiliar music companies. Searching under keywords "aerobic music" or "aerobic music DJs," produced several sites worth looking at. Danss Miuzik Unlimited by DJ Fafir has great, original artist aerobic mixes with songs like "Blue" and "Move Your Body" by Eiffel 65 and other popular artists, such as Destiny's Child, Sisqo and Alice DJ. I was able to sample each song and liked them all. "I used to only shop through catalogues, but now with Web access to all the music, I surf the Internet to find my tapes and CDs," says Vacala. Again, be wary, these DJs may not have strictly 32-count formatted music. You have to play Russian roulette and hope the mix is phrased correctly.

Unformatted music is not the only pitfall when purchasing tapes or discs. Beware of intense song themes and sexual lyrics. When it comes to club DJs vs. professional aerobic music companies, they can get pretty creative and don't always stick to the standards. As we all know, not all songs on the radio are appropriate for aerobics. The "Thong Song" by Sisqo would be a perfect example of what you might not want to play in your class. I personally love the song and think it has a great beat, but would I be able to play it in my 6:00 p.m. step class, feel professional and keep a straight face? Umm ... no.

SOURCE OPTIONS

Like the idea of using all original artists? They don't all have to come from private DJs. Canada's fitness music leader, Burntrax Music, offers original artist music mixes with 32-count formatting. This is definitely a music Web site to check out.

Music companies such as Dynamix Music Service provide consistent quality music in a wide variety of styles. The catch is the music is not sung by original artists. However, you can be sure the music is 32-count formatted.

PRO MOTION Music uses "legally produced cover tunes that sound like the original artists." However, the music is safe in terms of phrasing and lyrics. As the Web site states, they are all "rated PG." Translation: You never have to worry about phrases like "shake that booty" blaring over your speakers. PRO MOTION Music focuses on using popular and familiar music that students can sing along with.