Written by Alexis Nseya, Coach at Activate House

I have always been passionate about music as a form of self-expression. I can always find a song that resonates with my mood or motivates me. Playlisting for riders is my absolute favorite as it creates a medium where we can collectively push each other as a team, and I can infuse my style into the workout. I put a lot of intention into playlisting, aiming to craft a sonic narrative that unfolds like a captivating story.  

To start the class, I often open with upbeat and motivational tracks to cultivate energy for the ride. A recognizable beat produced by The Neptunes/Pharrell is a go-to, along with anything by Beyoncé. As the story progresses, I like to queue a song that comes as a surprise, such as an alternative or 80s/90s remix. When we reach the peak portion of the ride, I focus on high resistance, where a deep, strong hip-hop beat sets the cadence for a heavy climb or moves such as isolations. As we collectively overcome the climb, we have an opportunity to release, reset intention, and push our endurance. I aim for this portion of maximum work and choreography to feel automatic and in sync with the beat, so I often pair it with a song that feels euphoric and mindless, like a smooth afrobeat or deep house mix. To conclude the class, I always have something upbeat on deck, as I want my riders to feel confidently prepared to conquer the final push of the ride.

Overall, I love curating an experience that inspires, motivates, and empowers each rider. It is a goal that through music, we not only push ourselves physically but also connect on a deeper level and provide a transformative experience as a team.