List of Songs for Aerobics Classes

Exercisers join aerobic classes for both direction and camaraderie. Most gyms and urban communities in general offer a wide variety of fitness choices, so if you find students are leaving your class to go elsewhere, make sure your music isn't boring them. Add tunes to your playlist that match the tempo of every workout.

  1. Hip-Hop

    • Students will envision themselves transforming into tight, Spring Break, bikini-ready bodies while working out to some energetic, motivating hip-hop music. Get those heart rates up to a steady 10 minutes of booty shaking to Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" and Rob Base and D.J. EZ Rock's "It Takes Two." Follow up the cardio with a slower, weight-lifting interval boosted by Nas and Miguel's lyrics and Swizz Beatz' steady beat on "Summer on Smash." When you're ready to amp it up again, Lil Jon's "Get Low" is a nice choice. Cool down to Black Sheep's "The Choice Is Yours" and/or anything by Digable Planets.

    Dancehall Reggae

    • Similar to the pace of hip-hop and house music, dancehall reggae is definitely a great motivator for a powerful calorie-burning cardiovascular routine. Don't choose these for the cool-down section of your playlist. Use them to push students who come to get the most out of their workouts. The beats are so catchy that even if you're tired, you will find yourself moving until a song ends. A great introduction to the genre is Beyonce's song, "Baby Boy" featuring Sean Paul. Also try Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor" (ft. Vybz Kartel), Mr. Vegas's "Bruck It Down," Busy Signal's "Wine Pon Di Edge" and Beenie Man's "King of the Dancehall."

    Latin

    • The awesome energy of Caribbean and South American music will not only drive your workouts but make them almost addictive. Older or out-of-shape students will get motivated by Santana's rhythmic, yet laid-back "Oye Como Va." By the time it ends, everyone will be ready to turn up the pace with Gloria Estefan's classic "Conga." Keep hearts pumping strong to Santana's "Maria, Maria," Jennifer Lopez's "On The Floor" featuring Pitbull, and anything from Shakira. The seductive voice of Aventura's lead singer will have exercisers daydreaming during the cool down as breathing patterns slow down to "Mi Corazoncito." Franco de Vita's "Un Buen Perdedor" is also very calming.

    Rock/Alternative

    • Another crowd that always seems to walk away sweaty after a concert are the rock fans. One of the greatest movement motivators of this genre is Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Just wait for that percussion break down about a minute in and everyone will be pedaling, walking or running faster than before. Both Maroon 5's "Daylight" and Oasis's "Champagne Supernova" have nice build-ups to the choruses but neither goes so fast as to motivate really fast, jerky movements. Each are useful soundtracks to resistance training. The contemplative lyrics of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" and REM's "Losing My Religion" can distract the mind to slow down physical movement during cool-down sessions.