As we bid farewell to March and roll into April, one special day stands out—a day dedicated to mischief, laughter, and harmless fun. April Fool’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shake things up in your cycling class, keeping your riders on their toes and leaving them with a smile (or maybe a groan).
Why should you bring April Fool’s Day into your class? Because fitness should be fun! A little surprise, a lighthearted prank, and an unexpected playlist twist can make your ride even more engaging. It’s a chance to foster camaraderie, lift spirits, and remind your riders why they love coming to class.
Here are some pranks and tricks you can pull on your unsuspecting riders:
🎤 “Bad news, folks…the stereo system is broken today, so I’ll be singing for you instead!” Bonus points if you actually belt out a few lines before starting the real playlist.
🎶 “I’ve carefully curated a playlist of nothing but Michael Bolton songs—let’s begin!” Start the ride with a Bolton ballad before transitioning into your actual playlist.
🚴 “Surprise! Today’s class is an endurance challenge—a 3-hour ride! No one can leave until we’re done.” Watch the expressions change from excitement to panic—then quickly reassure them it’s just a joke.
💤 “We’re taking recovery seriously—nobody can go above low Zone 1 today!” Cue confused glances and a chorus of protests.
😭 “I have a big announcement—this is my last class ever!” Wait a beat for gasps before revealing the truth.
❄️ “To celebrate all the parents in the room, today’s playlist is 100% Disney! Let’s start with ‘Let It Go!’” Actually play the song—just for fun.
🧘 “Today, we’re trying something new—indoor cycling meditation. No pedaling, just mindfulness.” Dim the lights and cue some relaxing music before letting them off the hook.
🔥 “Bikram-style indoor cycling is the next big thing. So I cranked the heat for a more ‘authentic’ experience.” Perfect if your studio is already warm!
🔄 “Today, we’ll be working muscles in a new way—by pedaling backward for the entire class!” Challenge them to try it for a few seconds before laughing it off and reminding them that it’s contraindicated.
🌑 “For a full sensory experience, we’ll be riding in complete darkness today.” Turn off the lights briefly, then bring them back up.
🧦 “Forgot my cycling shoes today, so we’re all riding in socks. Solidarity!” Extra hilarious if you actually slip off your shoes.
🍫 “I made brownies for you all!” (Then hand out pieces of brown construction paper cut into the letter E—brown E’s!) Classic prank, never gets old!
And of course, the ultimate trick: Rick Rolling your class by slipping “Never Gonna Give You Up” into your playlist.
You can find more hilarious ideas in the comments below. Feel free to share your own favorite pranks!
Fool-Proof Playlist Ideas
Take your theme ride to the next level with songs about fools, tricksters, and lies. At the end of this post, ICA members can access our two special bucket playlists: APRIL FOOL’S DAY (180 songs) and songs about LYING & LIARS (~270 songs). Here are a few of our favorites:
Nobody’s Fool, Avril Lavigne, 3:57, 90 bpm
The perfect warm-up track to introduce your theme.
Original Prankster, The Offspring, 3:40, 146 bpm
Get up a fast-paced climb with this rebellious anthem—the quintessential track for this theme (FYI, there isn’t a clean version—at least that I’ve found—so skip this one if your club doesn’t allow expletives!).
The Joker, Steve Miller Band, 4:25, 164 bpm
A fun moderate flat to embrace your inner trickster.
Liar, Liar, Avicii, 3:59, 124 bpm
Use this for a climb that gets progressively steeper, standing when he sings “liar, liar!” Or use it for jumps.
King of Fools, Social Distortion, 2:49, 90 bpm
A short, high-cadence interval track for a burst of intensity.
Liar, Camila Cabello, 3:27, 98 bpm
A spicy, Latin-inspired fast flat—bring on the energy!
Won’t Get Fooled Again, The Who, 3:40, 135 bpm
A perfect song for rock-and-roll lovers. Use it for a powerful climb—and if you want it longer, you can you opt for the full 8-minute version!
Stuck in the Middle With You, Steelers Wheel, 3:29, 124 bpm
Climb away as you embrace the chaos of the jokers and clowns!
Happy Prank Day, Poppy, Harper, Cooper (The Trolls Film), 2:18, 127 bpm
A goofy little track for a playful recovery—because it’s prank day!
Let the laughter (and the pranks) begin! Have you ever pulled a great April Fool’s prank in your class? Share your best ideas in the comments below!
Enjoy the two bucket playlists below.
I start my April fools ride by playing “Mandy” by Barry Manilow, telling the class I want to try something a little different this year. But about 20 seconds in I edited in a record needle dragging scratch sound effect, then Homer Simpson yelling April fools. The whole thing is 24 seconds. I did the same with “Let It Go” other years.
I think I’m going to try this one this year!
Love this idea! Brilliant! I’m on the Brownie treats! Also using the “Let It Go” suggestion with the needle scratching on the record after it plays the chorus, then playing “Jive Talking”. So much fun! Thanks so much for such great ideas!
Last year, my warm up song was Alvin and the Chipmunks. I announced to the class that the whole playlist was Alvin and the Chipmunks. I was new enough to the facility that they all believed me! You should’ve seen the looks on their faces!! ???? It was all I could do to keep a straight face!
that’s great Lori! And it shows you don’t need an entire playlist for a theme ride…you can get a fun laugh out of your class with just one or two songs!
Good to see my favorite “Fool’ song listed: Taken For A Fool by The Strokes. I can suggest Fantasy Fools by The New Pornographers at 145 BPM. In addition to including “fantasy fool”, the lyrics also mention “muscle memory” and “you’re gonna need your body” which may be applicable for an indoor cycling class. I have no idea what the song is actually about.
I’ll add it to the playlist, Bill. Thanks for the suggestion. Keep them coming!
I’ve toyed with the idea of having my music on shuffle for the ride…impromptu of how the ride would play out. Could be interesting and the only time I’d need to skip would be if we need a break but a song comes on that lends itself to speed work.
I LOVE this idea. Especially with my playlists! You never know what you’re gonna get. Ha!
Michael Bolton! That’s enough to cause anyone to BOLT!
I am going to do those Brown E’s!!