The most important facts in brief
Legal certainty first: The commercial use of music always requires a licence. Private streaming services used commercially are illegal and can be expensive.
- Motivation through speed: Adjust the BPM (beats per minute) of the music to the respective training zone to increase the performance of your members.
- Saving costs with a system: Through the use of GEMA-free music you can reduce the licence fees by up to 100 %.
- Atmosphere creates loyalty: A well thought-out music concept that matches your studio's brand will set you apart from the competition and encourage loyalty.
- Automation relieves the burden: Modern systems make it possible to automatically control music programmes, volume levels and even advertising announcements on a schedule.
The right gym music is far more than just background noise. It is a key motivator, a pace-setter for peak performance and a central component of the atmosphere in your gym. Well thought-out background music can reduce perceived exertion, prolong endurance and massively increase the satisfaction of your members. But how do you find the perfect sound, stay on the safe side legally and avoid skyrocketing GEMA costs? This guide shows you 11 practical ways to professionalise your music concept and turn it into a real competitive advantage.
1. clarify the legal basis: GEMA, GVL & Co
The most common and most expensive mistake with gym music is the use of private streaming accounts (such as Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). Their terms and conditions expressly prohibit commercial use. In the event of an inspection, there is a risk of high additional payments to GEMA (for composers and lyricists) and GVL (for performers and record companies). Any public reproduction of music on business premises is subject to a licence.
A professional provider for Music for companies ensures that all licences are correctly covered. In addition, an experienced partner can support you with the complex GEMA administration and negotiate considerable discounts through framework agreements.
2. select the correct tempo (BPM) for each training zone
Not all music is the same. A fast beat that motivates on the cardio floor is distracting in the yoga room or wellness area. The key lies in adapting the BPM (beats per minute) to the activity in question. A zone-specific sound system is now the gold standard for professional fitness studios.
As a rule of thumb:
- Warm-up & cool-down: 100-120 BPM
- Strength training: 120-140 BPM (e.g. hip-hop, rock)
- Cardio & HIIT: 140-170+ BPM (e.g. dance, EDM, techno)
- Yoga & Wellness: < 100 BPM (e.g. ambient, chillout, lounge)
Modern sound systems enable simple multi-zone control so that you can create the perfect ambience for every area - from the barbell area to the training room and sauna.
3. strategically reduce GEMA costs with GEMA-free music
GEMA fees often make up a considerable proportion of the running costs. A legal and highly effective alternative is the use of GEMA-free music. This involves high-quality productions by artists who are not members of GEMA or another collecting society. Licensing is handled directly by the provider.
The biggest advantage: You can reduce your GEMA fees by up to 100 %. A reputable provider will issue you with a certificate that you can present at a GEMA inspection and exempt you from the fees. Professionally curated, GEMA-free music programmes today offer a huge selection of genres that do not differ in quality from music subject to GEMA.
4. create a clear playlist dramaturgy
A good playlist is like a good workout: it has an arc of suspense. Avoid abrupt changes between genres or tempos. Start with moderate energy, build up at peak times in the afternoon and evening with real power tracks and finish the day with more relaxed beats. This dramaturgy subconsciously influences the mood and motivation of your members.
Professional music services update their channels daily and automatically ensure a varied but coherent rotation. This prevents your members and employees from having to listen to the same ten songs on a continuous loop.
5. customise the music to your target groups and courses
A boutique studio focussing on Crossfit has different musical needs than a health-oriented studio for the 50+ generation. Analyse your membership structure and adapt your music profile accordingly. Perhaps play energetic pop and rock on the training floor, while in the classroom, depending on the programme, anything from Latin American rhythms for Zumba to driving techno for spinning is possible.
You can access specially curated programmes for a selection tailored to your target group. On the Industry page for fitness studios you will find audio samples for various styles, from „Power Fitness“ to „Workout Charts“.
6. use automation for a smooth process
Your employees should concentrate on the members, not the music system. With professional systems, you can fully automate processes. Use a schedule to define which music should be played at what time of day, in which zone and at what volume. This way, a quieter programme starts automatically in the morning, picks up at lunchtime and ramps up the energy in the evening at prime time.
Advertising or information announcements (e.g. about new courses or offers) can also be seamlessly integrated into the music programme. Centralised remote control via PC or Mac gives you full control at all times, even if you have several locations.
7. understand sound quality as a high-quality figurehead
Scratchy speakers, unstable Bluetooth connections or low-quality MP3s destroy any good atmosphere. Invest in solid audio hardware and a music service that guarantees a stable, high bit rate. A professional sound conveys value and attention to detail - qualities that your members will transfer to your entire studio.
Systems like sonicPRO are supplied with a dedicated music server designed for uninterrupted operation and the highest audio quality - even if the Internet should fail.
8. define your own brand sound
What is the sound of your brand? Are you a hard-hitting power gym, a service-orientated premium club or a relaxed wellness temple? Your choice of music should reflect this identity. A consistent, recognisable sound reinforces your brand image and creates an emotional connection with your members.
Some providers even make it possible to create a completely customised „Your Name Radio“ with individually curated playlists and your own jingles. This turns music from a pure cost factor into an active marketing tool.
Find the perfect sound for your studio
From GEMA-free music to reduce costs to fully automated multi-zone systems - we develop the right solution for your gym. Legally compliant, motivating and easy to use.
9. avoid the „employee DJ“ mistake
It may be tempting to let employees bring their own playlists. But this harbours three major risks: legal problems (private accounts), poor quality (bad songs, unsuitable genres) and an inconsistent brand experience. Music should not depend on an individual's personal taste, but should follow a professional brand strategy.
Modern systems offer an elegant compromise here: employees can use a protected remote control to favour songs that are well received or block unsuitable titles for the future. However, the basic programme design remains in professional hands, which guarantees quality and legal security.
10. think beyond music: video entertainment
Why only appeal to the ears? Large screens on the cardio area or in the lounge area offer enormous potential. Instead of news or the standard TV programme, you can show high-quality, motivating content here: impressive nature shots, extreme sports clips, travel documentaries or sports highlights.
Professional Video entertainment for companies is not only an added value for your members, but can even become a source of income. You can display your own adverts for your offers (e.g. personal training, protein shakes) or sell advertising space to local partners. Such systems can often be realised for as little as €0.
11. create oases of calm with the right music
A holistic fitness concept also includes relaxation and regeneration. Think about your wellness areas, saunas, changing rooms or physiotherapy rooms. Loud, bass-heavy gym music is out of place here. Instead, opt for calm, atmospheric sounds that invite you to relax.
Specially curated GEMA-free wellness music creates the right atmosphere without incurring additional GEMA costs. A professional multi-zone system ensures that the transition from the energising training area to the quiet relaxation zone is seamless.
Frequently asked questions about gym music
Can I play Spotify, Apple Music & Co. in my gym?
No. The terms of use of private streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music or Deezer prohibit commercial or public playback. You only acquire a licence for private, non-public use. Use in the studio is illegal and can lead to warnings and high additional claims from GEMA.
What is the difference between music subject to GEMA and GEMA-free music?
Music subject to GEMA licence fees comes from artists who are members of GEMA (or an international sister society). Licence fees must be paid to GEMA for the public performance of this music. GEMA-free music is created by composers who have not registered their works with a collecting society. The licences are purchased directly from a provider such as sonicsense, which completely eliminates the GEMA fees. You will receive a certificate as proof.
How much does GEMA cost for a fitness studio?
The costs depend on the size of the area covered by the sound system. GEMA generally charges its rates per square metre. There may also be surcharges for courses or events. The exact costs can vary greatly. With a professional GEMA consulting can often save up to 40 % of the fees through framework agreements and correct registration, with GEMA-free music even 100 %.
What happens if my internet goes down in the studio?
This depends on your system. Pure streaming solutions are mute in the event of an internet failure. Professional systems such as sonicPRO use a local music server/receiver on which the music is stored. This continues to play reliably even without an active internet connection and updates itself as soon as the connection is re-established. You can also find detailed information on this in the FAQ of many providers.
