Experiencing a movie is a sensory adventure that draws you into a world of compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and unforgettable music. The excitement builds as you settle into your seat, the lights dim, and you’re transported from your everyday life into the cinematic universe on the screen. The thrill of a gripping plot, the collective anticipation of the audience, and the emotional journey with well-crafted characters all contribute to an unforgettable experience. The soundtrack plays a crucial role, enhancing every moment, heightening suspense, evoking deep emotions, and perfectly complementing the narrative. Whether through powerful soundtracks, breathtaking visual effects, or unexpected plot twists, a trip to the movies offers an unparalleled escape into a story larger than life.
The blend of audio and visuals in movies creates a seamless experience that amplifies the impact of every scene. Whether it’s an emotional drama, a heart-pounding thriller, or a lighthearted comedy, the right song at the right moment can elevate the entire experience. The same goes for an indoor cycling class—between our profile and the playlist that accompanies it, we aim to create more than just a workout. We want to evoke emotions, inspire strength and resilience, and build trust with our riders through the music we choose.
In 2017, ICA introduced our Step Outside Your Musical Box (SOYMB) bucket playlist, filled with movie soundtracks. Since then, we’ve expanded it with a whole slew of new song ideas, now totaling over 250 tracks. Even better, we’re excited to present a new profile from Fern called “Cinematic Climbs,” which uses this updated playlist. In this ride, you’ll experience five progressively steeper climbs, all set to iconic movie songs!
Many songs created or recorded for films have achieved immense popularity, sometimes even outshining the movies themselves. Think of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard, Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from The Breakfast Club, or Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon. Hearing these songs instantly brings the movies to mind.
Just like movies transport you from your daily routine, a well-crafted cycling journey can do the same for a rider. Incorporating movie soundtracks into your rides adds an element of fun and nostalgia. Plus, it’s a blast to play movie trivia and ask your riders to “name that movie” during class.
Here are a few of my favorite movie soundtrack songs for cycling classes:
Call Me, Blondie, 143 bpm, 3:32
Originally written for American Gigolo in 1980, this track became Blondie’s biggest hit. Use it for a ramp climb, gradually increasing resistance from moderate to hard.
Eye of the Tiger, Survivor, 109 bpm, 4:06
The iconic theme song for Rocky III is perfect for HIIT workouts. At 4 minutes long, it’s ideal for Tabata drills with intervals of 20 seconds on, 10 seconds off. You can also do 30/30s or 40/20s to this song. Whatever you do, be sure to let the song’s energy fuel your determination and resilience, much like a tiger’s unwavering focus.
Stayin’ Alive, The Bee Gees, 104 bpm, 4:45
John Travolta’s dance moves in Saturday Night Fever are unforgettable, and so is this song. With its steady beat, it’s great for flat road work at a high cadence of 104 rpm. It’s another great contender for a HIIT drill.
Fun fact: The rhythm of this song matches the recommended pace for chest compressions during CPR, making it a lifesaver in more ways than one!
Happy, Pharrell Williams, 160 bpm, 3:53
Written for Despicable Me 2 in 2013, this feel-good track was a huge hit. It’s perfect for a warm-up or a long recovery between high-intensity intervals, setting a positive tone for your ride.
See You Again, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth, 80 bpm, 3:50
Commissioned for the Furious 7 soundtrack as a tribute to Paul Walker, the Fast & Furious actor who died in a car crash on November 30, 2013, this emotional track works well for a warm-up, endurance ride, or recovery. There are three options for intensity surges, either with higher cadence or added resistance at 0:38–1:15 (37s), 1:41–1:54 (13s), and 2:53–3:42 (49s).
Lose Yourself, Eminem, 171 bpm, 5:26
Created for the movie 8 Mile, this song became Eminem’s first Billboard 100 single and is now one of the most beloved workout tracks. Even Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, used this song before competitions to pump himself up.
Choosing the right song in your classes can be crucial to maintaining a winning mindset. Use the powerful lyrics to challenge your riders to seize the moment: “If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?” This song’s intensity is perfect for a progressive build of resistance on a flat road, pushing your riders to their limits.
Kiss from a Rose, Seal, 132 bpm, 4:48
Featured in Batman Forever in the love scene between Val Kilmer and Nicole Kidman, this soulful ballad makes for a steady climb at 66 rpm, letting its haunting melody guide you through the ascent.
ICA’s movie soundtrack bucket playlist now has over 250 songs. ICA members can access the full playlist and Fern’s new “Cinematic Climbs” profile and playlist below.
What is your favorite movie soundtrack song to use in your classes? Share in the comments below!