When Erin Azar, known as Mrs. Space Cadet on social media, discovered Beats Per Minute (BPM) walks, she experienced a workout that didn’t feel like exercise. Her videos showcase her matching steps to the beat of curated playlists, transforming a simple walk into an energizing experience.
Azar’s approach is catching on, and fitness experts are taking notice, suggesting this might be the next fitness trend. Let’s explore it in more detail.
The expert perspective on BPM workouts
The BPM workout trend combines movement like walking, running, or cycling with music at specific tempos. Personal trainer Sarah Pelc Graca, from Strong with Sarah, calls it “a fantastic fitness idea”, especially for those who are musically driven.
According to Graca, structuring workouts around BPM can provide extra motivation and make exercise feel more intuitive. She also points out the potential for pacing benefits, as matching steps to music can make running or walking cadence feel natural and effortless.
For those looking to enhance cardiovascular fitness, the concept also applies to interval training. Alternating between songs with higher and lower BPM can mimic intense and recovery phases, boosting endurance and making workouts more dynamic.
Graca recommends a running cadence of 170 to 180 BPM for optimal results, but she emphasizes the importance of listening to your body. It’s crucial to select songs that align with your fitness level and to prioritize good form over strict adherence to the beat.
In one of her popular videos, Azar guides followers through a 30-minute BPM session, starting with a 120 BPM warm-up and gradually progressing to faster tempos, even reaching 174 BPM. The key is that it doesn’t feel like an exhausting workout. “I’m also enjoying the music, so it’s giving me energy, it’s improving my mood, and it’s like a built-in workout that you’re not actually having to think about”, she said.
Apply this fitness trend to your routine
BPM workouts are perfect for those who want to stay active without pushing themselves too hard or risking injury. Azar shares that her BPM walks have been a game-changer during her afternoon slump, getting her energized and in a better mood before her kids return from school. It’s an approach that could fit into anyone’s daily routine, bringing movement into your day in a fun and effortless way.
With social media amplifying trends like this, BPM workouts might just be the motivation you need to keep moving. And with fitness experts like Graca praising the benefits, it’s clear this isn’t just a passing fad. If you’re looking for a workout that feels more like a dance party and less like a chore, a BPM routine might be worth a try.