If you’re gathering a list of the best 80s workout songs, these Hard Rock songs are sure to be at the top. I compiled all my favorites–from Van Halen and Scorpions to ZZ Top and Def Leppard–to create the ultimate playlist for the ultimate indoor cycling routine. You may be surprised to find yourself wearing leg warmers and extra hairspray by the end!
Enjoy!
Reminder: I like to teach my indoor cycling classes in a series of exercises that we do 2-4 times through. I pick a couple exercises to make up the series, and we stick to it throughout the class. That way, participants know what to expect, so they can go big when they’re supposed to and not hold back for fear of another interval around the corner.
The Series (60-minute Ride)
Do the following exercises, done four times through.
- Song 1: 30 seconds each standing/seated. Maintain a moderate or easy intensity throughout the song. Alternate between 30 seconds seated and 30 seconds standing. (For later series, you may use some of this song to recover from earlier intervals.)
- Song 2: Chorus surge – RPM. Find a moderate intensity at your baseline RPM. At the chorus, increase intensity by going +10 RPM faster.
- Song 3: Heavy distance test. Before the series, you’ll do 2 minutes of your hardest work and track the distance you travel on your monitor. Encourage riders to have some resistance on their bike. The songs have a more moderate BPM/RPM, and the heavy resistance will help make the ride more challenging. Remember the distance, because you’ll use it again.
- Series 1: Same time (2 minutes) and aim to reach the same distance. (If you hit the distance early, you can finish early and recover for the remaining time.)
- Series 2: Same time (2 minutes) and aim to reach the same distance. (If you hit the distance early, you can finish early and recover for the remaining time.)
- Series 3: Half the time (1 minute) and aim to reach half the distance. It’s challenging!
- Series 4: Double the time (4 minutes) and aim to reach double the distance. This one is also very challenging!
The 80s Hard Rock Indoor Cycling Workout Routine and Playlist
| Series Song / Workout | Song |
| Warm up | “You Shook Me All Night Long,” AC/DC |
| Heavy distance test – 2 minutes (baseline) | “Lick It Up,” KISS |
| Song 1: 30 seconds each standing/seated | “Bad Medicine,” Bon Jovi |
| Song 2: Chorus surge – RPM (60-70 RPM is baseline) | “I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts |
| Song 3: Heavy distance test – 2 minutes | “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” Scorpions |
| Song 1: 30 seconds each standing/seated | “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” ZZ Top |
| Song 2: Chorus surge – RPM (65-75 RPM is baseline) | “Welcome To The Jungle,” Guns N’ Roses |
| Song 3: Heavy distance test – 2 minutes | “Panama,” Van Halen |
| Song 1: 30 seconds each standing/seated | “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Pat Benatar |
| Song 2: Chorus surge – RPM (65-75 RPM is baseline) | “No One Like You,” Scorpions |
| Song 3: Heavy distance test – 1 minute | “Sharp Dressed Man,” ZZ Top |
| Song 1: 30 seconds each standing /seated | “Round and Round,” Ratt |
| Song 2: Chorus surge – RPM (65-75 RPM is baseline) | “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Guns N’ Roses |
| Song 3: Heavy distance test – 4 minutes | “The Final Countdown,” Europe |
| Cool Down | “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” Def Leppard |
Want to hear the songs? I’ve added all these songs and more to my Spotify playlist here.
Catch ya next week!
Disclaimer: Readers who rely on this information do so at their own risk. Instructors must be properly certified, insured, and have the music licensing in order to teach a cycling class. GroupXFitnessTips.com is not liable for any injuries or negligence that occurs.