‘When I Finish My Classes, I Feel Sad’: Anger Builds over Gyms Swapping Pop Classics for Cheap Covers

Why It Matters

The decision highlights the tension between cost‑containment and delivering engaging member experiences, while also reducing royalty income for artists and performers.

Key Takeaways

• GLL will save about $1.27 million annually by dropping licence
• Instructors forced to rebuild playlists, citing loss of class energy
• Over 4,500 people signed petition demanding return of licensed music
• PPL UK warns royalty cuts hurt performers as covers replace originals
• GLL promises to add Afrobeats, bhangra, soca to broaden genre mix

Pulse Analysis

Cost pressures are reshaping how fitness venues source music. GLL’s switch to Power Music reflects a broader industry trend of replacing expensive commercial licences with royalty‑free libraries to protect thin margins. While the $1.27 million annual saving eases budget constraints, it also signals that large‑scale operators are willing to sacrifice curated soundtracks when licensing fees outpace inflation.

The impact on the ground is immediate and palpable. Instructors at Better centres report having to recreate entire class playlists, a task that traditionally takes weeks of research and testing. Members, accustomed to a mix of pop hits, cultural tunes and high‑energy covers, describe a noticeable dip in motivation and community vibe. Petitions on Change.org have quickly amassed more than 4,500 signatures, and a grassroots website, Better Scrap the App, is rallying further opposition, underscoring how music choice can affect member retention and brand perception.

Beyond the gym floor, the shift raises questions about the future of music royalties. PPL UK warns that replacing licensed tracks with generic covers deprives original performers of performance royalties, even as songwriters still receive composition fees. As AI‑generated and royalty‑free tracks become more sophisticated, other fitness chains may follow suit, potentially reshaping revenue streams for artists. GLL’s promise to diversify its genre offering may mitigate some backlash, but the episode serves as a cautionary tale for any organization weighing short‑term savings against long‑term cultural and financial implications.