How I Create a Perfect Workout Playlist

My Nia playlists are created using the 7 cycles of Nia.

 

Following these cycles creates a magical workout experience!

We use these 7 cycles in a Nia class to create a dynamic fitness experience that has a clear beginning, middle and end. You can do the same when you create your own workout playlist!  What are the cycles?

 

1.  Set your Focus & Intent (no music)

This sets the tone of the class by naming what we will pay attention to during our practice (e.g., our breath, our feet, etc.) and what we hope the outcome will be (e.g., experience greater relaxation or greater stability). This allows us to activate our “conscious personal trainer” and to be mindful
during practice. We may also choose of focus on a certain movement energy (e.g., of the martial arts, dance arts or healing arts),  which can certainly inform music choices.

2.  Step in

This is our starting point. It is when we physically enter into our practice, leaving distraction behind and symbolically declare that we are “ready” to be in the “now” and listen to our body as it tells us it’s movement desires.

Brandon Warren via Compfight

3.  Warm Up

During this point, we move energy through our 13 major joints and prepare our heart and lungs to get ready for the increased action to come.Typically the music during this cycle is slow, flowing and melodic.

My 5 favourite warm up songs are:

• Song for Olabi by Bliss (from the Nia routine Sexi)

• Take the Long Way by Po Girl

• We are All Connected by Magic Sound Fabric (from the Nia routine R1)

• Thank You for This Day by Karen Drucker (available on iTunes)

• Beautiful by Portishead

4.   Get Moving

During this cycle, we energize the moves – moving in and through space at a higher level of intensity to condition our heart and lungs.  We use speed and energy variety to condition and train the nervous system.

My 5 favourite “get moving” songs are:

• Let Your Soul Guide Your Heart (Featuring Diana) by Rodney Hunter (from the Nia routine Vibe which you can purchase here)

• Deewangi Deewangi / Om Shanti Om
  
  
• C’est La Vie by Khaled

• Air Batucada by Thievery Corporation (from The Nia routine Sanjana which you can purchase here)

• Give Thanks (feat. Tevya Jones AKA Wisdom)  by +Elijah- And The Band Of Light

5.  Cool Down

In this cycle, we prepared to move down to the floor by slowing down, stretching, re-centering, reflecting and preparing to move on the floor. During this stage we listen to our body as it tells us what muscles and joints need more attention to bring balance to it. We also check in on our mind, emotions and spirit to ensure we have given ourselves a harmonized experience.

My top 5 “cool down” songs are:

• ZKT / Forever Changes (from the Nia routine Global Unity which you can purchase here)
• 100 Billion Stars by Luz (from the Nia routine Vibe which you can purchase here)

• Such Great Heights by Iron and Wine
• Fuzz by Slowdeck (from The Nia Routine ZenSation)
• Shine by Joshua (from The Nia Routine R1 – watch the Advanced Nia class perform this song here!)

6. Floor Play

During this cycle, we enhance the conditioning of our bodies in ways not possible when standing. Using play, we use the floor, gravity and space to improve our strength, agility, flexibility, mobility and stability. Being on the floor further allows us to stretch and open up our joints.

My 5 favourite floor play songs are:

• Minimba Featuring Mari Boine by Future Prophecies (from the Nia routine Sanjana which you can purchase here)

•  All is Well by Karen Drucker
• Hallelujah performed by KD Lang or Jeff Buckley
• Beautiful World by MRJ (from the Nia routine Passion which you can purchase here)
• Butterfly by Rajaton

7. Step Out

This final cycle allows us to transition from our Nia practice to the next part of the day. Before physically taking a step “out” of our practice, we sense for the fitness benefits and self healing that we have received. With intent and purpose, we physically step into the next experience of our day with renewed health.
                                                                                                                        

What songs will make it onto your workout playlist?

Share your favourites in the comments below!