A significant shift in gym music has left fitness enthusiasts feeling disillusioned as the popular chain Better opts for cover versions of beloved tracks instead of the original songs. This change, implemented on March 1, is causing a stir among instructors and gym-goers alike, who argue that the new tunes lack the energy and excitement needed for effective workouts.
A Melodic Transition
The decision by GLL, the social enterprise behind Better’s 250 leisure centres across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, to ditch its music licensing has sparked outrage. In a move to save an estimated £1 million annually, the company has turned to royalty-free tracks provided by the Power Music app. While GLL asserts that this shift was necessary due to rising costs, many are questioning whether the financial savings are worth the impact on the workout atmosphere.
“I want you to make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world,” captures the essence of the change. Yet, the rendition heard in classes lacks the depth and richness of Rihanna’s original. With generic backbeats replacing iconic basslines, gym-goers are finding the experience flat and uninspiring.
Instructors Face a Tough Challenge
Rachel, a fitness instructor who teaches various classes across London, shared her frustrations about the sudden transition. “I had to create everything from zero,” she explained. Instructors were first informed of the change in December 2025, with the implementation initially scheduled for January but pushed back to March due to feedback. The limited selection of tracks available on Power Music has stifled Rachel’s creativity, leading to a decline in class attendance that could threaten her job.
The shift has implications beyond just music; instructors are struggling to maintain the energy and enthusiasm that defined their classes. “When there’s flat music playing, the class is flat too,” Rachel lamented. The emotional connection that comes from using original tracks is irreplaceable, and many instructors are finding themselves in a tough position of adapting their routines to an uninspiring soundtrack.
Community Reaction
The response from gym-goers has been overwhelmingly negative. Jacqui Lewis, a long-time member of the Clissold Leisure Centre in North London, voiced her disappointment. She noted that her Zumba classes have lost their vibrant mix of dance styles, including flamenco and Ukrainian folk songs, which previously enriched the experience. “While the instructor remains professional and enthusiastic, the variety has diminished,” she remarked.
Gabby, another regular, expressed similar sentiments. Her classes, once filled with energetic UK garage and drum’n’bass tracks, have been replaced with what she described as “janky” American covers. “It’s disrespectful to assume that instructors can seamlessly transition to completely different music,” she stated, highlighting the extensive effort instructors put into curating their classes.
The Broader Implications
Petitions against the Power Music initiative have gained traction, with one gathering over 4,500 signatures. A dedicated website, Better Scrap the App, has emerged to organise further action against GLL’s decision. In response to the backlash, GLL has promised to diversify its music offerings, planning to introduce genres like Afrobeats and bhangra. However, many remain sceptical about the potential for genuine improvement.
A spokesperson for GLL explained, “While music plays an important role in creating an engaging and enjoyable class environment, these rising costs inevitably impact the resources available for our wider community programmes.” The balance between financial sustainability and maintaining a vibrant atmosphere in fitness classes is a delicate one, and critics argue that this decision may set a precedent that undervalues the contributions of original artists.
Why it Matters
The debate surrounding gym music extends far beyond personal preferences; it touches on the cultural significance of music in communal settings. As fitness spaces increasingly lean towards cost-cutting measures, the potential loss of authentic musical experiences could lead to a more homogenised culture, devoid of the diversity and energy that invigorate workouts. For many, the gym serves as a sanctuary where the joy of music fosters community and motivation. The current upheaval highlights the importance of preserving the integrity of these spaces, ensuring that they remain as vibrant as the individuals who inhabit them.