In today’s fitness market, gyms are chasing every edge, from standout equipment to expert trainers to unforgettable group classes. But one of the most powerful tools? Often overlooked: background music.
At POSmusic, we specialise in delivering customised background music for business. For gyms and wellness studios, this means more than background noise. It is about helping people move better, recover well, and enjoy the entire experience. Here is what the research shows, and why your background music strategy is worth getting right.
Listening to music during exercise can reduce perceived effort by up to 10% (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). In plain terms, members can train harder and longer without noticing how much they are pushing themselves.
Tempo matters. Songs between 120 and 140 BPM are ideal for cardio and strength work. This range matches movement patterns and helps with pacing, timing, and coordination. Background music that aligns with the rhythm of a session can also lead to better power output. The right track at the right time can make all the difference on a final sprint or heavy lift.
Background Music That Drives Mood and Motivation
Music does not just support physical performance. It also influences mood and motivation. High-energy tracks can boost mood and reduce stress, making the session feel more enjoyable. When members enjoy being in your gym, they are far more likely to keep coming back.
Even more, giving members a mix of familiar and surprising tracks increases engagement. Research shows that hearing music people like directly improves adherence to exercise programs (Terry et al., 2020).
Background Music for Gym & Wellness Studio Recovery Spaces: Change rooms, Saunas and Plunge Pools
What happens after the workout is just as important. The way members wind down can shape how they feel about their entire visit.
Music in spaces like changerooms, saunas, plunge pools and relaxation zones can support recovery and improve the post-exercise experience. Research shows that slower, soothing music can help activate the body’s parasympathetic system, encouraging relaxation and speeding recovery (Thaut & Hoemberg, 2014).
Well-chosen background music in these spaces can:
Too many gyms leave these quieter spaces silent, or worse, use playlists meant for the workout floor. Thoughtful background music design here shows attention to detail and helps members leave on a high note.
We work with instructors to match tone, tempo and space to the type of class, whether it is a dynamic flow, restorative yoga, or guided breathwork.
Why a Tailored Gym and Wellness Studio Background Music Strategy Works Best
POSmusic for Fitness and POSmusic for Wellness can:
Of course, you can’t just hit ‘play’ and assume you’re right to go. In Australia, all businesses must hold a licence or have other permission granted from the copyright owners if they want to play copyright-protected music in a public or commercial setting – this is called public performance of music.
If you are playing music protected by copyright in your gym or fitness studio, you need to be correctly licensed. From a compliance standpoint, it’s worth noting that while a OneMusic licence permits public performance, it does not override the Terms of Use for personal streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube, etc. These platforms remain for personal use only, and using them in a commercial environment places your business at risk of damages from legal proceedings.
This is where OneMusic, and POSmusic work hand in hand. The POSmusic platform is built for commercial use; therefore by using POSmusic and a licence from OneMusic, your gym will be fully compliant so you can focus on building a great member experience without the worry.
Let’s Talk About Your Gym or Wellness Studio
At POSmusic we do not believe in one-size-fits-all playlists. We build music environments that match the flow of your gym, from warm-up to cool-down to recovery. Done well, music is another reason members choose your space and keep coming back.
Contact us to find out how our fully managed background music services can help your gym stand out.
Ready to fine-tune your gym’s sound?
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