Walking past a fitness class always pumps me up because blasting through the doors is the best mix of exhilarating music pumping out the speakers. I’ve always wondered how the fitness instructors construct their playlists, are they born musically inclined? Or are they practiced at creating a wonderful workout environment? I took to the hallways to find a class that sounded inspiring.
It didn’t take long until I heard a playlist I wanted to know more about, it came from a cycling class taught by Cairistiona (Cairisti) Flatley, pictured below.
Cairisti joined UREC in July and is currently teaching cycling and Pink Gloves Boxing. She has been a group fitness instructor for 4 years! When I asked about her playlist she became very excited, “I believe music is one of the most vital elements for a successful group fitness class,” Cairisti said. She went on to mention the importance of finding music that moves you while you’re working out.
Cairisti said she’s eclectic when it comes time to make a playlist for her fitness class. “I like to choose some current pop songs, some oldies, some rock, and some of my personal favorites; anything that I think will get people excited and motivated,” Cairisti said. By doing this she feels there’s a little something for everyone.
Preparation is the key to success when it comes to many things in life, and crafting a playlist isn’t any different. “It takes me at least an hour to design a cycling class and make a playlist,” Cairisti said.
Below is a private playlist she provided me to share with you!
Work songs:
Easy Love- MSTRKRFT
If I Was You (OMG)- Far East Movement
Here it Goes Again- OK Go
Seven Nation Army- The White Stripes
Pause- Pitbull
You Make My Dreams Come True- Hall & Oates
Lonely Boy- The Black Keys
Rockstar (Jason Nevins Remix)- N*E*R*D
Hello- Martin Solveig & Dragonette
Blackout- Breathe Carolina
I'm Shipping Up to Boston- Dropkick Murphys
Shawty Got Moves- Get Cool
Get Involved (32 remix)- Ginuwine ft. Timbaland & Missy Elliot
Cool-down songs:
Sleepyhead- Passion Pit
Burning- The Whitest Boy Alive
Sweet Disposition- The Temper Trap
1901- Pheonix
Her advice for a beginner is to choose songs you enjoy, “Searching through songs and playlists on iTunes/Ping is a great way to mix up your playlist,” Cairisti said.