When the top 80s workout songs come up for debate, classic rock songs always get a lot of love, but let’s take a moment to appreciate the absolutely ICONIC pop songs that came out of the 80s. I’m not kidding. We’ve got true 80s pop powerhouses on this indoor cycling playlist: Madonna, Whitney Houston, Elton John, and more.
Enjoy!
Reminder: I like to teach my cycle 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 (45-minute Workout)
- Song 1: 60-70 RPM – Climb. Find your pace between 60-70 RPM. Add resistance throughout the song to go from moderate intensity to hard intensity. Bonus: Add+10 RPM during the chorus for a quickie surge.
- Song 2: 65-75 RPM – 30 seconds seated / 30 standing. Every time you sit, add resistance to increase intensity, going from moderate to hardest w/o going breathless.
- Song 3: 95 RPM – 30/30 very hard sprints.
The 80s Pop Songs Indoor Cycling Workout Playlist and Routine
| Series Song / Workout | Song |
| Warm up | “Straight Up,” Paula Abdul |
| Song 1: Climb | “Like a Virgin,” Madonna |
| Song 2: 30 seated / 30 standing (4x – Mod, Hard, Harder, Hardest) | “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes |
| Song 3: 30/30 breathless sprints (3x; start immediately) | “I’m Still Standing,” Elton John |
| Song 1: Climb | “Manic Monday,” The Bangles |
| Song 2: 30 seated / 30 standing (4x – Mod, Hard, Harder, Hardest) | “Kiss On My List,” Hall & Oates |
| Song 3: 30/30 breathless sprints (4x; start at 00:40 when intro is over and recover into next song) | “Maneater,” Hall & Oates |
| Song 1: Climb | “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” Whitney Houston |
| Song 2: 30 seated / 30 standing (5x – Mod, Hard, Harder, Harder, Hardest) | “Love Shack,” The B-52’s |
| Song 3: 30/30 breathless sprints (4x; recover into next song) | “Footloose,” Kenny Loggins |
| Cool Down | “Physical,” Olivia Newton John |
Want to hear the songs? I’ve added all these songs and more to my Spotify playlist here or on YouTube 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 cycle class. GroupXFitnessTips.com is not liable for any injuries or negligence that occurs.
