Music can make or break a fitness class. The right song at the right moment can energize your participants, while the wrong one can throw off the entire flow. Whether you’re leading HIIT, dance cardio, or strength training, music is your secret weapon for engagement, motivation, and retention. But many fitness instructors make avoidable mistakes when it comes to their playlists. Here are five common music missteps—and how to fix them!
1. Choosing the Wrong BPM for the Workout
The Mistake:
Using music with a beat that’s too slow or too fast for the workout style. A mismatched BPM (beats per minute) can make movements awkward and reduce the effectiveness of the workout.
The Fix:
Select music with BPM ranges that match the intensity and type of movement:
Warm-Up & Cool Down: 100-120 BPM
Strength Training: 110-130 BPM
HIIT & Cardio Workouts: 120-135 BPM
Using a music platform like VIBES Music, which allows you to adjust BPM, ensures your playlist matches the pace of your class.
2. Ignoring Transitions Between Songs
The Mistake:
Having awkward silences or jarring song transitions that disrupt the energy of the class. A sudden drop in volume or a completely different rhythm can confuse participants.
The Fix:
Create playlists with smooth transitions by:
Avoid abrupt changes in tempo or genre.
Choosing songs with similar energy levels to maintain a consistent vibe.
Planning your playlist ahead of time prevents those mid-class “What just happened?!” moments.
3. Using Copyrighted Music Without Licensing
The Mistake:
Playing copyrighted songs without proper licensing can result in content being muted or taken down when posting workouts online, as well as legal issues for your business.
The Fix:
Ensure you use commercially licensed music when streaming, recording, or teaching in public spaces.
For live classes: Platforms like VIBES Music provide legally licensed music from real artists.
For online & on-demand workouts: Ensure you have sync licensing if your videos will be posted online.
Standard streaming music from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music does not cover commercially licensed or sync rights!
4. Sticking to One Music Style (and Losing Engagement)
The Mistake:
Playing the same genre or style every class, which can lead to participant boredom. Not everyone wants to hear Top 40 or EDM for every workout.
The Fix:
Mix it up! Try different genres to keep classes fresh and inclusive:
Classic Rock or Funk for a nostalgic, high-energy vibe.
Latin or Afrobeats to add rhythm and fun.
Throwback Hits for a singalong factor.
Indie or Alternative for a unique, unexpected twist.
Get feedback from your class participants about what they love!
5. Ignoring the Emotional Impact of Music
The Mistake:
Not considering how music affects motivation and emotions. Music can pump up a class or drain its energy depending on the lyrics, tempo, and mood.
The Fix:
Curate playlists that align with the emotional arc of your class:
Start strong with upbeat, feel-good tracks to set the mood.
Build momentum with motivating anthems in the middle.
Peak energy with powerful, high-intensity songs at the climax.
Cool down with relaxing, melodic tunes to help participants wind down.
Understanding the psychological effects of music can turn your playlist into a tool for motivation, focus, and performance.
Music is more than just background noise—it’s a driving force in every fitness class. By avoiding these common mistakes and making intentional choices with your playlists, you’ll enhance your participants’ experience, increase motivation, and elevate your classes. Need help finding the best licensed music for your fitness business? Check out VIBES Music, the ultimate music concierge for fitness pros!
