The value of music to the fitness industry, then, cannot be understated. But how can fitness instructors and personal trainers ensure that the music they choose for their work is licensed, and what benefits does music licensing have for the actual creators of the music? Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n
The benefits of music in fitness classes<\/strong><\/h4>\nMusic can be the difference between a good workout and a great workout. Carefully curated music can be a core component of a fitness session, with playlists specifically designed to reap results and elevate the overall experience for attendees.<\/p>\n
Anyone who\u2019s ever wobbled mid-deadlift or flagged at the bottom of a squat will know the unparalleled motivation that comes with the perfect song hitting at just the right moment. After all, music can bring the following to any session:<\/p>\n
\n- Rhythm<\/li>\n
- Tempo<\/li>\n
- Enjoyment<\/li>\n
- Motivation<\/li>\n
- Focus<\/li>\n
- Distraction<\/li>\n
- Mood booster<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One 2020 research review<\/a> found that music can even help your body\u2019s awareness of perceived exertion, meaning your workouts can actually feel easier.<\/p>\nSo, given how music brings the best out of every workout, how can you license the music you want to use in your fitness classes? Firstly, it\u2019s important to get to know the basics about music copyright.<\/p>\n
How does music copyright work in fitness?<\/strong><\/h4>\nAll music is protected by copyright, which means that businesses must get permission from music creators to play their songs in public settings \u2013 including spaces where people pay for fitness classes.<\/p>\n
While making a playlist using a Digital Service Provider (DSP) such as Spotify or Apple Music might seem like the easiest option when it comes to using music in your business, that\u2019s not usually allowed under terms of service. You should always check the terms and conditions of your preferred streaming platform to see if your subscription is for non-commercial use only. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated fitness music app or platform (such as FitPro) to source your music as they already have the necessary licensing in place.<\/p>\n
Music licences, however, streamline the process of obtaining that copyright permission, giving you peace of mind that all of the music you use in your classes is being played legally. The organisation that looks after this side of things in the UK is the world-leading collective management organisation PRS for Music, which supports fitness industry professionals with their licensing needs.<\/p>\n
Fairly compensating music creators<\/strong><\/h4>\nIf you\u2019re passionate about growing your fitness business, you\u2019ll be able to appreciate why it’s important that songwriters and composers are fairly compensated for their work. The work of these creators \u2013 including those who rely on royalties to make a living \u2013 is often played by businesses without them ever knowing.<\/p>\n
But going through the proper channels is a win-win. Not only does the music boost the quality of your classes but, by buying a music licence, you\u2019ll be supporting the creators behind the motivational tunes that keep your sessions full.<\/p>\n
PRS for Music represents the rights of more than 180,000 members and a repertoire of over 45 million musical works. They ensure fair payment for creators by collecting royalties whenever their music is played in public, broadcast, downloaded, streamed or performed live.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s now outline the various licensing options available for personal trainers, group instructors, dance teachers, yoga classes and more.<\/p>\n
Types of Music Licences for Fitness Professionals<\/strong><\/h4>\nTheMusicLicence via PPL PRS<\/h5>\n
If you own or manage a venue like a gym or cafe, you will need TheMusicLicence to play copyrighted music out loud in these spaces. It covers both background music and the music played in your classes. PPL PRS administers TheMusicLicence on behalf of PRS for Music.<\/p>\n
Professional Dubbing (Pro Dub)<\/h5>\n
If you take pride in making your very own mixes for your classes \u2013 meaning you curate playlists by copying music from various sources onto a new format \u2013 then you will need a Pro Dub licence. This includes both the copyright in the legally purchased musical work and the permission to copy it onto other formats, like CDs or downloadable content.<\/p>\n
Commercial Playlisting<\/h5>\n
Some fitness spaces will use a separate playlist as background music, perhaps when your class attendees are getting ready or warming up in communal spaces. In this instance, you would need a Commercial Playlisting licence, which covers copying music for your own playlists. You should note that this falls into a different category from your dedicated class music.<\/p>\n
Digital Music Licence for Fitness and Dance<\/h5>\n
This licence is designed specifically for online classes hosted by trainers, gyms, studios and dance instructors. It covers both livestreamed classes and on-demand episodes, meaning your clients can still work out to great music digitally. However, it does not include music that plays in physical spaces like gyms.<\/p>\n
Separately, if you want to edit music directly into a video \u2013 known as synchronisation \u2013 this isn\u2019t covered under this particular licence.<\/p>\n
Performing Right Online Licence (PROL)<\/h5>\n
If you source class music through a dedicated digital service or licensed fitness music provider like FitPro and play it through your own online fitness platform or website, you\u2019ll need a PROL licence. It allows you to play music in your sessions when your provider has already handled the copyright on their side.<\/p>\n
FMS (Fitness Music Services)<\/h5>\n
This licence is for those who supply music to fitness professionals solely for use in classes. Therefore, if you make music available to download \u2013 specifically audio-only, music video tracks or karaoke tracks \u2013 from a digital database or in physical form like DVDs or hard drives, then you\u2019ll need this licence. However, it does not include the right to play it in any venue.<\/p>\n
Which licence is best for me?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIf you\u2019re still unsure about which licence best applies to your business, you can take a look at the table below, which distinguishes what is applicable to venues and individual trainers. You can also fill out this form<\/a> and the team at PRS will get in touch with you to help support with your licensing needs.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fitpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/NEW-NL-MAIN-FEATURE-2-1024x683.png\")
<\/p>\n
* Survey conducted by PPL PRS via Attest with 500 UK participants March 2025.<\/p>\n
One 2020 research review<\/a> found that music can even help your body\u2019s awareness of perceived exertion, meaning your workouts can actually feel easier.<\/p>\n So, given how music brings the best out of every workout, how can you license the music you want to use in your fitness classes? Firstly, it\u2019s important to get to know the basics about music copyright.<\/p>\n All music is protected by copyright, which means that businesses must get permission from music creators to play their songs in public settings \u2013 including spaces where people pay for fitness classes.<\/p>\n While making a playlist using a Digital Service Provider (DSP) such as Spotify or Apple Music might seem like the easiest option when it comes to using music in your business, that\u2019s not usually allowed under terms of service. You should always check the terms and conditions of your preferred streaming platform to see if your subscription is for non-commercial use only. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated fitness music app or platform (such as FitPro) to source your music as they already have the necessary licensing in place.<\/p>\n Music licences, however, streamline the process of obtaining that copyright permission, giving you peace of mind that all of the music you use in your classes is being played legally. The organisation that looks after this side of things in the UK is the world-leading collective management organisation PRS for Music, which supports fitness industry professionals with their licensing needs.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re passionate about growing your fitness business, you\u2019ll be able to appreciate why it’s important that songwriters and composers are fairly compensated for their work. The work of these creators \u2013 including those who rely on royalties to make a living \u2013 is often played by businesses without them ever knowing.<\/p>\n But going through the proper channels is a win-win. Not only does the music boost the quality of your classes but, by buying a music licence, you\u2019ll be supporting the creators behind the motivational tunes that keep your sessions full.<\/p>\n PRS for Music represents the rights of more than 180,000 members and a repertoire of over 45 million musical works. They ensure fair payment for creators by collecting royalties whenever their music is played in public, broadcast, downloaded, streamed or performed live.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s now outline the various licensing options available for personal trainers, group instructors, dance teachers, yoga classes and more.<\/p>\n If you own or manage a venue like a gym or cafe, you will need TheMusicLicence to play copyrighted music out loud in these spaces. It covers both background music and the music played in your classes. PPL PRS administers TheMusicLicence on behalf of PRS for Music.<\/p>\n If you take pride in making your very own mixes for your classes \u2013 meaning you curate playlists by copying music from various sources onto a new format \u2013 then you will need a Pro Dub licence. This includes both the copyright in the legally purchased musical work and the permission to copy it onto other formats, like CDs or downloadable content.<\/p>\n Some fitness spaces will use a separate playlist as background music, perhaps when your class attendees are getting ready or warming up in communal spaces. In this instance, you would need a Commercial Playlisting licence, which covers copying music for your own playlists. You should note that this falls into a different category from your dedicated class music.<\/p>\n This licence is designed specifically for online classes hosted by trainers, gyms, studios and dance instructors. It covers both livestreamed classes and on-demand episodes, meaning your clients can still work out to great music digitally. However, it does not include music that plays in physical spaces like gyms.<\/p>\n Separately, if you want to edit music directly into a video \u2013 known as synchronisation \u2013 this isn\u2019t covered under this particular licence.<\/p>\n If you source class music through a dedicated digital service or licensed fitness music provider like FitPro and play it through your own online fitness platform or website, you\u2019ll need a PROL licence. It allows you to play music in your sessions when your provider has already handled the copyright on their side.<\/p>\n This licence is for those who supply music to fitness professionals solely for use in classes. Therefore, if you make music available to download \u2013 specifically audio-only, music video tracks or karaoke tracks \u2013 from a digital database or in physical form like DVDs or hard drives, then you\u2019ll need this licence. However, it does not include the right to play it in any venue.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still unsure about which licence best applies to your business, you can take a look at the table below, which distinguishes what is applicable to venues and individual trainers. You can also fill out this form<\/a> and the team at PRS will get in touch with you to help support with your licensing needs.<\/p>\n * Survey conducted by PPL PRS via Attest with 500 UK participants March 2025.<\/p>\nHow does music copyright work in fitness?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Fairly compensating music creators<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Types of Music Licences for Fitness Professionals<\/strong><\/h4>\n
TheMusicLicence via PPL PRS<\/h5>\n
Professional Dubbing (Pro Dub)<\/h5>\n
Commercial Playlisting<\/h5>\n
Digital Music Licence for Fitness and Dance<\/h5>\n
Performing Right Online Licence (PROL)<\/h5>\n
FMS (Fitness Music Services)<\/h5>\n
Which licence is best for me?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
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