In a move that has left fitness enthusiasts and instructors feeling disheartened, the leisure chain Better has opted to swap out beloved pop anthems for generic cover versions. This change, which took effect on 1 March, has drawn ire from loyal gym members and trainers alike, who argue that the energy and excitement of their classes have been significantly diminished.
A Shift in the Soundtrack
Imagine stepping into your favourite workout class, eager to sweat it out to the pulsating beats of Rihanna or the rhythmic grooves of Drake. Instead, you’re greeted with a lacklustre rendition that seems to sap the very essence of the original. This is the reality for many patrons of Better, a network of 250 leisure centres managed by GLL, a social enterprise. The decision to abandon licensed music in favour of royalty-free tracks from the Power Music app stemmed from escalating licensing costs, projected to exceed £1 million annually.
Rachel, a dedicated instructor who leads a variety of classes across London, has found herself scrambling to adapt her routines. “I had to create everything from zero,” she explains, reflecting on the challenge of crafting new choreography to fit the limited selection available on Power Music. Previously vibrant classes have now turned into uninspiring sessions, with Rachel lamenting, “When there’s flat music playing, the class is flat too.”
Instructors and Members Speak Out
The discontent is palpable among both gym members and instructors. Jacqui Lewis, a long-time attendee at Clissold Leisure Centre, shares her disappointment. “The instructor is still fantastic, but the variety has vanished,” she notes, recalling the diverse musical selections that once made her classes so enjoyable. The cultural connection provided by music, especially in classes like Zumba, is irreplaceable.
Gabby, another gym member, echoes this sentiment, criticising the lack of representation in the new music choices. “The instructor would prefer to play music that resonates with her community,” she argues. This criticism highlights a broader concern: the move away from licensed music not only undermines the quality of fitness classes but could also signal a troubling trend in the music industry, as cheap, easily produced tracks begin to overshadow established artists.
Petitions and Pushback
In response to the backlash, several petitions have sprung up on Change.org, with one gathering over 4,500 signatures in a matter of weeks. A campaign dubbed “Better Scrap the App” has emerged, galvanising support for reversing this unpopular policy. The outcry has reached GLL, prompting a spokesperson to acknowledge the importance of music in shaping an engaging atmosphere. However, they maintain that financial constraints necessitated the switch.
While GLL insists they are expanding the variety of genres available, including Afrobeats and bhangra, many remain sceptical. The concerns extend beyond just personal preference; they touch on the fundamental value of compensating artists for their work. According to PPL UK, a major player in music royalties, the shift to unlicensed music could mean less income for creators, a stark reality that may have longer-term implications for the music industry.
Why it Matters
This situation reflects a growing tension between budgetary constraints and the cultural significance of music in communal spaces. For many gym-goers, music is more than just background noise; it provides motivation, connection, and a sense of shared experience. As fitness chains opt for cheaper alternatives, the risk is not only a loss of energy in classes but also the erasure of the cultural significance that music brings to our lives. It raises critical questions about the value we place on artistry and the experiences that bind us together in our everyday activities.
