Gyms Swap Real Hits for Covers: Energy Lost

A significant shift in music policy has been implemented by Better, a fitness chain operating 250 leisure centers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As of March 1, 2026, the company, owned by GLL, opted to discontinue its music license, choosing instead to use royalty-free tracks from the Power Music app. This strategic move is projected to save the organization approximately £1 million per year, following a substantial projected increase in licensing costs.

However, this decision has sparked considerable backlash from both fitness instructors and members. Many report a noticeable decline in the energetic atmosphere of classes, attributing it to the generic sound of cover versions replacing popular artists. Instructors have expressed frustration over limited music choices, impacting their creativity and potentially leading to decreased class attendance. This situation is underscored by ongoing protests, including online petitions and dedicated websites, urging GLL to reconsider its policy.

Beyond the immediate impact on workout intensity, concerns have been raised about a broader trend towards cheaper, less artistically rich music in public spaces. While Power Music asserts that their tracks are not AI-generated, critics argue that replacing licensed music ultimately diminishes income for music creators. PPL UK, an organization involved in music licensing, noted that revenue from fitness and dance class licensing has risen, with fees not exceeding inflation since 2018. GLL maintains that the decision aims to balance costs with the delivery of community programs and is exploring genre expansions like Afrobeats and soca.