Working note for folk and folk-rock tracks that could function in exercise-class contexts. Originated from looking for a folk equivalent to the BODYPUMP warm-up track Let It Be For Love by Armin van Buuren feat. JAI RYU.
Nominal BPM is not enough. Folk-rock and shanty-derived tracks may have fast strumming or subdivisions, while the usable exercise movement pulse may be half-time or otherwise felt differently.
Example: All Around My Hat by Steeleye Span may feel usable on every second beat — about a 71 BPM movement pulse if treated as half-time from a fast nominal BPM.
Sea shanties and related work songs are naturally relevant because they coordinated physical effort: steady pulse, group timing, repeated hooks, and effort cues. For exercise use, the best candidates may be shanty-derived folk-rock or folk-pop rather than unaccompanied traditional shanties.
| Type | Work pattern | Exercise use |
|---|---|---|
| Short-drag / hauling shanty | Big pull on a repeated cue | Rows, clean-and-press, strong repeated efforts |
| Halyard shanty | Longer coordinated hauling | Repeated effort blocks |
| Capstan / windlass song | Continuous walking/pushing rhythm | Warm-up or steady cardio |
| Forebitter / sea song | Entertainment rather than direct labour | Less reliable for exercise timing |
| Track | Artist/version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York Girls | Steeleye Span | The user is more used to this version than Bellowhead’s. |
| New York Girls | Bellowhead | Suggested as a high-energy folk-rock candidate, but may not match the user’s familiar reference. |
| All Around My Hat | Steeleye Span | Potentially usable half-time: move on every second beat rather than chasing the faster strum. |
| Ordinary Day | Great Big Sea | Initially suggested as a tempo match, but felt too fast/busy for the target. |
| Home for a Rest | Spirit of the West | High-energy folk-rock; may suit squats/lunges more than warm-up. |
| Use | Best folk feel |
|---|---|
| Warm-up | Capstan-like, folk-rock, Celtic pop-rock, strong but not frantic |
| Squats | Heavy stomp, big chorus |
| Back track | Pulling / hauling energy |
| Lunges | Relentless driving rhythm |
| Core | Darker, steadier, less bouncy |
For folk/folk-rock exercise use, judge the comfortable movement pulse first. Exact BPM can mislead if the track has busy strumming, fast ornamentation, or a half-time feel.