Face the music: American Fitness' guide to the latest aerobic music

American Fitness, March-April, 1993 by Kathy Fortmann

Numerous aerobics music companies have formed since aerobics became popular more than a decade ago. Music services range in sound quality, selection and price. Most aerobics tapes offer a variety of class formats, including a warm up and cool down. If you can't find your favorite songs on any tapes, it's because production companies must obtain licensing and reproduction rights to the music before they can use it. A royalty fee must also be paid for music to be reproduced.

Some companies employ a staff of composers and musicians to create aerobic music. These "aerobic originals" are written and produced specifically for exercise tapes. Bootlegger companies often reproduce and market tapes without licensing rights. These companies make it difficult for legitimate companies to stay afloat.

If you attend instructor workshops and conventions, you can take advantage of hearing the latest aerobic music available. If not, most companies sell inexpensive sample tapes, so you have an idea of their type of music before buying. Some also market other items, such as instructor videos and clothing in addition to music.

American Fitness compared the latest aerobic music companies on the market and presents its 1993 Aerobic Music Guide.

David Shelton Productions

David Shelton, company president, composer and producer just returned from one-year hiatus. David Shelton Productions now offers mostly specialty music, including Halloween and Christmas tapes, interval and step. Each selection is composed and produced by its special production team. The "Senior Step" aerobic tape includes songs like "As Time Goes By" and "In the Mood."

All tapes are mixed in eight-count phrasing and are 60 minutes in length. In addition, David Shelton Productions produces competition and video mixes.

Tapes are $19.95. Special "free tape" promotions are often offered. Contact David Shelton Productions, 780 E. 315 S. Layton, UT 84041 or phone (800) 748-4810.

Dynamix

This music service offers a wide variety of fitness music, including aerobics, step, interval, aqua, sculpt and strength and a host of other class formats. Regardless of type of tape, you can count on maximum motivation, sound quality and mixing. Most of its selections are produced in 32-count phrasing, and all selections--original songs and remarkes--are by original artists. Dynamix's step music comes in a slower speed for beginners and intermediates (118-122 bpm) and a faster speed for advanced students (122-124 bpm).

Dynamix's tapes are a good buy because they feature two sides of aerobics, instead of one side of aerobics and one side of aerobics and one side of floorwork. The aerobics tapes also come in two speeds for low-and high-impact. "Jamm'n Cardio, Vol. 1" features funk songs by original artists on side A and aerobics songs like "Mighty Real" on side B. Its "Interval Aerobics" offers 45 minutes of warm-up and aerobics in a three-to-one ratio. Many presenters use Dynamix, including Victoria Johnson, Dan Johnson, Charlotte Williams and Lisa Faremouth. Instructors favor the tapes with current songs and high-quality, inspirational tunes.

Tapes are priced at $22.99. Contact Dynamix, 711 W. 40th, Suite 428, Baltimore, MD 21211 or phone (800) 843-6499.

Energy Division

On the scene for only two years, Energy Division is popular with instructors and students alike. Energy Division supplied music for Debbie Ban-Pillarella's video "Energy Explosion 2." Liz Foley and Steve Wright used Energy Division's music for their Double Funk Tour. Offering high- and low-impact and step, its music is mixed in a 32-count format which will make your choreographing job easy.

Energy Division separates itself from other music services by featuring a mix of funk and Euro-Energy type dance mixes by original artists. Its "Hot Jam Mix 2" supplies maximum motivation for your funk class and comes in a fast or slow tempo. The "Workout 4" also provides inspiration with a bpm range of 139-160.

Tapes are priced at $25. A money-back guarantee is offered on any purchase. Contact Energy Division, P.O. Box 2789, Durham, NC 27715 or phone (800) 488-4NRG.

Ken Alan Associates

This company is headed by Ken Alan, a leading specialist in exercise music. A member of the Step Reebok Development Team, Alan also publishes a newsletter to keep instructors informed about the best music for aerobics classes.

Alan offers a selection of step, aerobics and senior tapes. "Step Four" includes "Power of Persuasion" and a catchy remake of "California Dreamin'." For those looking for a diversion from traditional step music "Step Five" has a distinctive tropical beat and includes "Hot, Hot, Hot" and "Tantalize."

Tapes cost $19.95. The first four aerobic volumes are also available in album format. Contact Ken Alan Associates, 7985 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 109, Los Angeles, CA 90046 or phone (310) 659-2503.

Musicflex

Musicflex offers a variety of tape formats, including aerobics, step, interval, Latin, funk, technofunk and other class formats. Instructors favor the high-energy, disco-style songs--many of which are remakes of slow songs, oldies or top 40 songs. All traditional high/low aerobics tapes are offered in three speeds, including low- and high-impact and high-intensity impact. Musicflex does not generally use original artists since most of their songs are remakes. Aside from the vocals, the music is high-quality, well-mixed and students tend to enjoy well-known tunes.