A significant shift in gym music has left fitness enthusiasts and instructors disheartened, as popular fitness chain Better has opted to replace well-loved tracks with cover versions that lack the vibrancy of the originals. This decision has sparked outrage among gym-goers, who argue that the new soundscape is sapping the energy from their workouts and ultimately impacting attendance.
A Shift in the Soundtrack
As of 1 March, GLL, the social enterprise that manages the Better fitness centres across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, decided to cancel its music licensing agreement. Instead, they will now rely on royalty-free tracks sourced from the Power Music app. This change, intended to save the company approximately £1 million annually in licensing fees, has left many feeling that the very essence of their fitness experience has been compromised.
Instructors have expressed their frustrations over the limited selection of tracks available on Power Music. Rachel, a fitness instructor who teaches a variety of classes in London, lamented the lack of creative options. “I had to create everything from zero,” she explained. “Now, there’s flat music playing, and the class is flat too. I chose this profession to inspire and motivate, and it feels heartbreaking to lose that spark.”
The Community Speaks Out
Feedback from gym-goers has been overwhelmingly negative. Long-time member Jacqui Lewis, who has attended classes at Better’s Clissold Leisure Centre for a decade, voiced her discontent, noting that the music previously enriched her Zumba classes. “The instructor is as professional as ever, but she can’t deliver the same variety of experiences she used to,” Lewis said. This sentiment has been echoed by many who feel that the unique atmosphere created by instructors through carefully selected music has been lost.
Another member, Gabby, echoed these concerns, stating that the new playlists are not representative of the community. “It’s disrespectful to assume instructors can simply adjust their classes to entirely different music,” she argued. “They’re not being compensated for the extra effort it takes to adapt, and it diminishes the connection we all share during our workouts.”
Resistance and Appeal
The backlash against this decision has sparked grassroots activism, with several petitions launched on Change.org, amassing over 4,500 signatures in protest. A dedicated website, Better Scrap the App, has emerged to coordinate further action, urging GLL to reconsider its policy. It’s clear that for many, the music played during workouts is about more than mere entertainment; it’s an integral part of the fitness experience.
In response to the criticisms, GLL has acknowledged the importance of music in creating an engaging atmosphere but stated that rising costs necessitated this change. A spokesperson added that they plan to broaden the musical offerings to include genres like Afrobeats and soca, although many remain sceptical about whether this will truly enhance the experience.
The Bigger Picture
This change is not isolated to Better gyms; it reflects a growing trend across various public spaces where cost-cutting measures threaten the presence of original music. As the fitness industry grapples with financial constraints, the potential for a shift towards cheaper, less inspiring alternatives raises concerns about what this means for artists and the cultural landscape at large.
PPL UK, an organisation that manages music licensing in the UK, has expressed concern that a move away from licensed music could diminish earnings for songwriters and performers. “A decline in licensing means less money for creators,” a spokesperson for the organisation warned, highlighting the broader implications of this decision.
Why it Matters
The uproar surrounding Better’s switch to cover songs underscores a deeper connection between music and community spirit in fitness. For many, the gym is not just a place to work out; it’s a communal space where shared experiences are amplified by the power of music. The shift to generic tracks threatens to dilute this connection, leaving instructors and members alike feeling disenchanted. As the fitness landscape evolves, the challenge remains: how to balance financial sustainability with the vibrant, energising atmosphere that truly inspires movement and connection within the community.