GLL's Shift to Royalty-Free Music Sparks Outcry Among Gym Instructors and Members

GLL, the social enterprise managing Better leisure centers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has transitioned from licensed music to royalty-free tracks from the Power Music app, effective March 1, 2026. This decision, aimed at saving approximately £1 million annually due to rising licensing costs, has ignited significant backlash from gym instructors and members who argue that the change undermines the quality and energy of fitness classes.

The Guardian

Instructors like Rachel, who teaches various classes in London, have expressed frustration over the limited selection of tracks available on Power Music. Rachel noted, “I had to create everything from zero,” after being informed of the change just weeks before its implementation. The lack of engaging music has reportedly led to a decline in class attendance, jeopardizing instructors' jobs and diminishing the overall workout experience. “Now, with Power Music, there’s flat music playing, and the class is flat too,” she stated.

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers

Jacqui Lewis, a long-time member at Clissold Leisure Centre, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the loss of cultural diversity in classes that previously featured a mix of genres, including Ukrainian folk songs and Latin dances. “The instructor is as professional, enthusiastic and inspirational as ever, but she can’t do the sheer variety that she used to,” Lewis remarked.

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers

The community's response has been vocal, with several petitions on Change.org amassing over 4,500 signatures. A dedicated website, "Better Scrap the App," has also been launched to coordinate efforts aimed at reversing GLL's decision. Members like Gabby criticized the new music as “janky” and not representative of the diverse community that frequents the gym, stating, “It’s disrespectful [of GLL] to assume that instructors would just be able to do their classes to completely different music.”

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers

In response to the backlash, a GLL spokesperson acknowledged the importance of music in creating an engaging class environment but emphasized the need to balance funding for community programs. They stated, “While music plays an important role... these rising costs inevitably impact the resources available for our wider community programmes.” GLL has committed to expanding its music offerings to include genres like Afrobeats and bhangra.

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers

Power Music defended its product, asserting that none of its tracks are AI-generated and that many instructors appreciate the variety it offers. However, the sentiment among critics remains that the transition has stripped away the emotional and cultural richness that live music provided.

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers

The shift to royalty-free music raises broader concerns about the financial impact on the music industry. PPL UK, which manages royalties for performers, warned that moving away from licensed music could result in decreased earnings for music creators. “Ultimately, a move away from licensed music means less money in the pockets of music creators,” a spokesperson stated.

The Guardian

As gym members like Gabby and Lewis contemplate their continued memberships, instructors like Rachel face an uncertain future. With over 20 years of experience, she expressed her dismay at the loss of musical freedom, stating, “I can’t imagine doing something else. But I don’t know how long I can keep up like this, without freedom of music.” The ongoing debate highlights the tension between cost-cutting measures and the cultural significance of music in communal fitness experiences.

When the Music Dies: Gym Chains Swap Original Hits for Cheap Covers