The right music can make or break your workout. That's why we tapped some of the best instructors, trainers, and DJs to curate the perfect soundtrack for every session.
This Week: Maranda Barskey of Cycle House in LA
No one will argue against the therapeutic benefits of blasting Beyoncé (really, any track will suffice) post-breakup. And, when you need the musical version of a long, hot bath after a stressful day, The Civil Wars’ mix of “Billie Jean,” does the trick. Every moment can be enhanced by the right song. For the moments when you’re dripping sweat and pushing through a heavy climb at your indoor cycling class, the track you need is “Pumpin Blood” by NONONO.
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“I think we’ve been led to believe that there is something noble about sacrificing ourselves for others,” says Maranda Barskey, instructor at the popular Cycle House indoor-cycling studio in L.A. “This song by NONONO reminds me that I have got to take care of my number-one first: me!” The track taps into the body’s natural instinct to protect itself, Barskey says. “That is exactly how we should live; we have to take care of ourselves first.”
So, whatever your “me time” entails (Carefree dancing around your room? Closing your eyes and blasting through another set of hill sprints?), turn up this song and feel alive. “I want my riders to be challenged physically and mentally," Barskey says. "[To] be able to leave thinking, I didn’t know if I was going to make it through that, but I did. Damn, I’m incredible.”
Here’s your power playlist for celebrating your badass self. (No, "I'm Too Sexy" is not included.)