Track 7: The Climb
Maya hadn’t spoken in three days. Not since the email.
She stood in the back corner of the dimly lit studio, clipping her cycling shoes into the pedals of Bike #7. The room smelled of sanitized rubber and old sweat. The LED strip along the baseboard glowed a cold blue. Tonight was Launch Night for RPM 56.
Her husband used to stand next to her. Liam had loved Track 4—the “Steady Climb”—because he said it felt like their life. Long, predictable, hard, but beautiful at the top. They’d been a team: Maya the sprinter, Liam the mountain goat. When the instructor shouted “Add a half turn!” Liam would grin, sweat dripping off his chin, and say, “Just like real life, babe.”
Then the real climb came. A diagnosis. A short, brutal descent. And suddenly Maya was pedaling alone.
The instructor, a bright-eyed woman named Jess, clapped her hands. “Welcome to RPM 56! Tonight’s theme is Resilience.”
Of course it is, Maya thought.
The first track—the warm-up—was deceptively gentle. A soft electronic pulse. Jess called it “finding your baseline.” Maya closed her eyes. She could feel Liam’s ghost in the resistance knob, always telling her not to crank it too hard too soon.
Track 2: Acceleration. The beat doubled. The room heated up. Maya’s legs remembered the choreography: 30 seconds seated, 15 standing, 10 fast flats. Her lungs burned. Good. Pain was something to measure.
Track 3 was where old Maya would have quit. But new Maya—the one who had watched Liam fade over 14 months—kept her hands in position two, back flat, eyes on the fake orange sunrise painted on the wall.
Then came Track 4. The Long Climb.
Jess’s voice dropped to a low growl. “Add three full turns. We’re going up a mountain that doesn’t end.”
The music shifted to a deep, driving house track—heavy bass, a woman’s vocal sample whispering “you are still here.”
Maya added resistance. Her quads screamed. Her heart rate hit 182. Around her, people were sagging, shaking their heads. Two riders unclipped and walked to the water fountain.
But Maya kept grinding. She wasn’t riding for a calorie burn anymore. She was riding for the night last February when Liam, too weak to speak, had squeezed her hand three times. I love you. Three squeezes. Three kilometers left in this imaginary climb.
Halfway through Track 4, tears mixed with the salt on her cheeks. The woman next to her pretended not to notice. That was the unspoken rule of indoor cycling: you can cry, just don’t stop pedaling.
Track 5: Recovery. A merciful soft beat. Jess walked around, tapping handles, whispering “good work.” Maya drank water. Her legs trembled. She imagined Liam laughing at her. Only three tracks left, you wimp.
Track 6: Race Day. Sprints. 20 seconds all-out, 10 seconds rest. Repeat five times. Maya shifted into a gear so light her feet spun like a cartoon character’s. She thought about the email she’d received Monday: “We’ve approved your transfer to the oncology nursing unit. Start date April 10.”
She’d been an ER nurse. After Liam, she couldn’t handle more sudden emergencies. But she could handle the long climb. She could sit beside people in the dark and hold their hand until the music faded.
Final track. Track 7: Cool Down.
Jess dimmed the lights to deep purple. A slow, aching piano melody filled the room. “Unclip one foot,” Jess said softly. “Reach down and feel your pedal. That’s your starting point. Now reach up. That’s where you’re going.”
Maya unclipped her left foot. She stretched her arm toward the ceiling. Her heart was still pounding, but her breath was steady.
She looked at the empty bike next to hers—Bike #8. Liam’s bike. She had left it empty on purpose.
“You’re still here,” she whispered. les mills rpm 56
And for the first time in three days, Maya smiled.
After class, Jess handed her a small sticker—the RPM 56 launch sticker: a silhouette of a cyclist against a mountain range.
“You crushed that climb,” Jess said.
“I had help,” Maya replied, glancing at Bike #8.
She walked out into the cool night air, legs wobbly, lungs clear. The email was still in her phone. The grief was still in her chest. But Track 4 was over.
And she had kept pedaling.
The release of Les Mills RPM 56 in late 2012 marked a high-energy chapter in the indoor cycling program, characterized by a mix of indie-pop, electronic beats, and classic rock. This release focused on building cardiovascular endurance through a structured "journey" of terrain-based tracks. 🎵 Tracklist Highlights
The music of RPM 56 was designed to drive specific riding phases, from the initial warm-up to the final recovery. Song Title LaserLight Jessie J ft. David Guetta Charlie Brown Mixed Terrain Crush On You Everybody Talks Neon Trees Speed Work Ya Mama (Push The Tempo) Fatboy Slim (Moguai Remix) Mountain Climb Apollo Road ATB & Dash Berlin You Are The Best Thing Ray LaMontagne 93 Million Miles Jason Mraz 🚴 The Ride Experience
The "story" of RPM 56 follows the standard 45-minute Les Mills format, but with specific emotional peaks tied to its iconic tracks: The Warm-up (Tracks 1-2):
A lighthearted start with Train's "Drive By" to find the rhythm, followed by the electronic pulse of "LaserLight" to build the first layer of intensity. The Emotional Climb (Track 3):
Coldplay's "Charlie Brown" serves as the first major hill, using soaring melodies to help riders push through the initial resistance. The High-Energy Peak (Track 6):
The remix of "Ya Mama (Push The Tempo)" is the technical "speed work" highlight, pushing riders to their maximum cadence. The Final Peak (Track 7):
The "Mountain Climb" to "Apollo Road" is designed as the ultimate endurance test before the cool-down begins. 💡 Key Workouts Stats ~45 minutes. Calories Burned: 675 calories per session. Low-impact, high-intensity rhythmic cardio.
If you are looking for this specific release, you can find user-curated playlists on Spotify (Playlist 1) Spotify (Playlist 2) to relive the workout. If you'd like, I can help you: the intensity of RPM 56 to newer releases like choreography tips for specific tracks like the "Mountain Climb." Explain the difference between RPM and other cycling programs like Les Mills - RPM 56 - playlist by remco.eissing - Spotify
RPM 56 is a "legacy" release – brutal but beautiful. It lacks the pop-chart polish of modern RPM but makes up for it with raw, driving energy. The Pendulum track is a rite of passage. If you can coach this release well, you can coach any RPM release.
Best for: Experienced riders who want a mental and physical challenge. Avoid for: Absolute beginners (give them modifications or use a different release).
Les Mills Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely regarded as a high-intensity release that focuses on catering to both newcomers and seasoned regulars. The workout follows a specific intensity curve that builds significantly from Track 5 and maintains a super-high intensity until the end of Track 7. Tracklist & Musical Highlights
The release is noted for its strong musical selection, particularly in the later tracks.
Track 1: Pack Ride – Drive By by Train. An easy start to introduce the body to the workout. Track 2: Pace – Breathing by Jason Derulo.
Track 3: Hills – LaserLight (Hard Club Remix Radio Edit) by Jessie J ft. David Guetta. A highlight of the first half of the release.
Track 4: Mixed Terrain – Charlie Brown by Coldplay. Described as an uplifting and favorite track for many riders.
Track 5: Intervals – Crush On You by NERO. This is where the release's peak intensity begins.
Track 6: Speed Work – Pressure (Alesso Remix) by Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji. Considered the musical standout and a major highlight of the entire release. Track 7: The Climb Maya hadn’t spoken in three days
Track 7: Mountain Climb – Apollo Road (Club Version) by ATB with Dash Berlin. It is designed to push participants to their absolute limits with appropriate resistance.
Track 8: Ride Home – You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne. Track 9: Stretch – 93 Million Miles by Jason Mraz. Key Workout Features
Intensity Peak: The "super-high intensity" phase is concentrated in Tracks 5, 6, and 7.
Catering to All Levels: The release emphasizes providing options for new participants, especially in the high-intensity tracks, while still challenging regulars.
Heart Rate Goals: The workout is structured to spike heart rates into the 80%+ zone starting early in the ride, particularly by Track 3.
Performance Focus: Track 7 is explicitly mentioned as a place to "leave everything on the floor".
Confessions of an RPM Addict | the story of my les mills journey
RPM 56 is a classic release in the Les Mills indoor cycling program, notable for its high-energy atmosphere and a musical journey that transitions from pop hits to intense trance and acoustic cooldowns. This workout follows the Cardio Peak Training methodology, combining steady-state aerobic segments with high-intensity peaks to maximize fat burning and cardiovascular endurance. Core Workout Structure
The release is designed as a journey through various terrains, typically lasting around 45 minutes. It is structured to push participants to their limits through several key phases: Les Mills RPM Class & Workout - Exercise & Fitness
Les Mills RPM 56 is a classic release in the indoor cycling program, notable for its high-energy music selection and a specific focus on balancing the experience for both newcomers and veteran riders. Released in late 2012, this installment is often remembered for its standout Track 6 and the intense peak starting in Track 5 that continues through the end of the class. Release Overview and Philosophy
Program Directors Glen Ostergaard, Sarah Ostergaard, and Lily Rose Ostergaard led this release, which was dedicated to their daughter, Lily Rose. The primary coaching objective for RPM 56 was inclusivity; instructors were encouraged to provide clear bike setups and solid introductions for beginners while maintaining high-intensity options to challenge regulars. The workout follows the standard RPM format, a journey of hill climbs, sprints, and flat riding designed to burn up to 675 calories per 45-minute session. Official Tracklist and Workout Structure
The release features a mix of pop, rock, and trance music carefully synchronized with specific cycling terrains: Song Title Original Artist 1 Pack Ride "Drive By" 2 Pace "Breathing" Jason Derulo 3 Hills "LaserLight" (Hard Club Remix) Jessie J feat. David Guetta 4 Mixed Terrain "Charlie Brown" 5 Intervals "Crush On You" 6 Speed Work "Ya Mama (Push The Tempo)" Fatboy Slim (Moguai Remix) 7 Mountain Climb "Apollo Road" ATB & Dash Berlin 8 Ride Home "You Are The Best Thing" Ray LaMontagne 9 Stretch "93 Million Miles" Jason Mraz Performance Highlights
The Intensity Peak: The workout’s "super-high intensity" begins at Track 5 and remains relentless through Track 7. This block is designed to push participants to their physical limits.
Standout Track 6: Program Director Glen Ostergaard identified Track 6, "Ya Mama (Push The Tempo)", as the musical highlight of the release. This speed work track is praised for its high energy, encouraging riders to leave everything on the floor.
The Mountain Climb: Track 7, "Apollo Road", is a fan favorite in the RPM community, cited by long-time instructors and participants for its powerful, transporting feel during the final heavy climb.
Cool Down: The release concludes with an uplifting ride home to "You Are The Best Thing", followed by a stretch to "93 Million Miles", providing a contrasting mellow finish to the high-intensity work. Instructor Resources Cycle - Les Mills RPM - Purdue RecWell
Here are a few options for your post about Les Mills RPM 56 , depending on whether you are an instructor promoting a throwback class or a participant sharing your workout. Option 1: For Instructors (Throwback Class Promo) Throwing it back to one of the absolute classics! 🚴💨 We are bringing back Les Mills RPM 56
for a special throwback session. If you remember riding to "Drive By" by Train or crushing the climbs to "LaserLight," you know exactly how epic this release was! 🎶🔥
RPM 56 is the perfect mix of high-energy terrain, massive cardio peaks, and that undeniable pack energy. Whether you did this release years ago or you are ready to experience these classic tracks for the first time, grab your water bottle and let's ride!
👇 Drop a comment if you remember this release, and book your bike on the gym app now!
#LesMills #RPM56 #IndoorCycling #ThrowbackWorkout #GroupFitness #GymLife #RideToTheRhythm #CycleInstructor Option 2: For Participants (Workout Sweat-Selfie)
Nothing beats the feeling of a classic Les Mills playlist! 💦🚴♂️ Just crushed
and my legs are officially jelly. There is something about the older releases that just hits differently—the energy, the music, and those brutal mountain climbs! 🏔️ Special shoutout to the track "Apollo Road" for getting me through that mixed terrain. Tracking progress
If you are looking for a sign to get on the bike today and sweat it out, this is it.
How are you moving your body today? Let me know in the comments! 👇
#RPM56 #LesMillsRPM #IndoorCycling #WorkoutDone #FitnessJourney #CardioDay #SweatSession #BikeLife
Option 3: Short & Punchy (Great for Instagram Reels or TikTok) Old school RPM hits different! 🚲🔥 Taking a trip down memory lane with Les Mills RPM 56
. "Drive By" and "LaserLight" on the playlist means pure cardio magic and heavy sweat. 😅
Are you a fan of the classic Les Mills releases or do you prefer the brand new ones? Let me know below! 👇
#LesMills #RPM #CyclingClass #SpinClass #WorkoutMotivation #ThrowbackFitness
🎵 Tracklist Reference (In case you want to tag the artists!) Track 1 (Pack Ride): Track 3 (Hills): LaserLight – Jessie J feat. David Guetta Track 4 (Mixed Terrain): Charlie Brown – Coldplay Track 7 (Mountain): Apollo Road – ATB and Dash Berlin modify any of these options to match a specific tone or include your gym's name? Les Mills - RPM 56 - playlist by remco.eissing - Spotify
Music Vibe: Ethereal building to aggressive.
Most RPM warm-ups are about finding your rhythm. Track 1 of Release 56 starts deceptively calm. As the deadmau5 chords swell, the ride instructions are simple: "Find your breath." But the Madeon remix injects a frantic energy. Coaches often note that by the third minute, the resistance is already on. It’s a warm-up that wakes up the legs without shocking the heart, but it warns you: This is not a gentle ride.
Short answer: Yes.
While cycling technology has evolved (stages, power zones, RPM now competes with The Trip and virtual riding), the physiological principles of RPM 56 are timeless.
Les Mills RPM 56 is not the prettiest release. It doesn't have the flashy graphics of the modern "Immersive" rides. But it has soul. It represents an era where indoor cycling was less about entertainment and more about confronting your own limits.
So, find an instructor with a dusty hard drive, clip into a bike, and turn the resistance knob to the right. The hammer is waiting.
Did you ride RPM 56 live? Do you remember the "Hammer" cue on the Mountain track? Share your memories in the comments (or on the Les Mills subreddit).
Here’s a complete guide to Les Mills RPM™ 56 — a landmark release in the RPM program, known for its powerful mix of climbing tracks, speed work, and race-inspired intervals.
This is the track that made RPM 56 famous. Kings of Leon – Radioactive. Let that sink in. At the time, this rock anthem was everywhere. But for indoor cycling, it is perfection. The track begins with a sparse, menacing guitar riff (heavy resistance, slow climb). As Caleb Followill sings "I'm ready now," the class adds a turn of the resistance knob. By the final chorus ("I'm waking up..."), the entire room is out of the saddle, grinding at 60-70 RPM. It is primal. It hurts. And instructors still mourn the loss of this track from the master playlist.
Music Vibe: Cinematic drum & bass.
Here it is. The crown jewel of Les Mills RPM 56.
Pendulum’s "The Island – Pt. II" is not just a song; it’s a journey. Starting with a melodic, almost somber intro, the track invites you to add more resistance. Then, the drum & bass beat kicks in.
Song: Kickstarts (Extended Mix) – Example Time: ~5:00
The Goal: Very fast, seated sprints with high resistance for short bursts. This is where RPM differs from Sprint. Coaching Nuggets:
Temario, esquemas, cursos y todo lo que necesitas para tu preparación de oposiciones de justicia
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