Imagine this: the lights dim, the instructor’s voice cuts through the room, and a single beat drops, echoing in your chest. You’re pedaling to the rhythm, and suddenly, you’re not just riding a stationary bike—you’re on a journey.
Imagine this: the lights dim, the instructor’s voice cuts through the room, and a single beat drops, echoing in your chest. You’re pedaling to the rhythm, and suddenly, you’re not just riding a stationary bike—you’re on a journey. That’s the magic of music in rhythm-based cycling, where every track tells a story, and every beat becomes a reason to keep pushing forward.
In rhythm-based cycling, music is more than background noise. It’s the heartbeat of the experience, guiding riders through climbs, sprints, and moments of recovery. It’s a dialogue between the coach, the playlist, and every individual in the room.
One rider, Sophia, recalls a class where the coach queued up “Heaven” by The Blaze during a challenging climb. “I was exhausted,” she shared, “but as the song built, it felt like it was speaking to my inner struggle. The atmospheric beats and emotional melody reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. By the time I reached the top, it wasn’t just about the climb—it was about conquering my own doubts.”
This is what rhythm-based cycling does. It uses music to transform a physical workout into a deeply emotional experience.
Philosopher Susanne Langer once said that music represents the flow of life. It doesn’t just capture specific emotions; it mirrors the rhythms of human existence—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Think about it: the build-up of a bassline can mimic the anticipation of a big moment, while a gentle melody can reflect quiet introspection.
In the studio, this philosophy comes to life. During a reflective recovery, a track like “Adore You” by Fred Again.. might help riders reconnect with their emotions. Its soulful beats create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, giving riders space to process their inner thoughts while the rhythm keeps them grounded.
Each track unfolds moment by moment, much like life itself, reminding us of the beauty in motion and change.
Every coach brings their own energy to the room through their playlists. It’s their way of communicating without words, creating a shared language that’s open to interpretation. What’s powerful about this is that no two riders experience the same playlist in the same way.
Take Marco, for example, who walked into his first cycling class feeling overwhelmed. He wasn’t sure he belonged—until the coach played “Horizon” by Adriatique. “It wasn’t just the beats or the progression,” he said. “It felt like the music was creating space for me to breathe and find my rhythm. By the end of the ride, I felt like I’d found my place in the room.”
These moments create the magic that keeps riders coming back.
Beyond personal breakthroughs, music in cycling classes has a way of uniting people. When everyone in the room is pedaling to the same beat, it fosters a sense of belonging. Riders feel connected—not just to the music or the coach but to each other.
One instructor shared how they closed one class with a powerful group ride to “Kammy (like I do) ” by Fred again. “It’s not just about the song,” they explained. “It’s about the shared energy in the room. You can see it in their faces—everyone feels part of something bigger, like they’re not just riding alone.”
At its core, rhythm-based cycling is about letting music guide you through movement, reflection, and connection. It’s about finding that one song that pushes you through the tough moments or helps you celebrate the wins.
So, the next time you clip in, listen closely. That beat might just be the reminder you need—that life, like music, is a journey best experienced in motion.
What’s your favorite cycling song, and how did it make you feel? Share your story, because every rider’s rhythm is unique.
