Insights

  ›  

Best Business Sound Systems

Choosing the Best Sound System for Your Gym

Sound systems are integral to the gym environment. In this article, we’ll outline how to choose the right songs and why Pandora CloudCover is a top choice for all of your streaming needs.

Down icon

Insights

  ›  

Best Business Sound Systems

Choosing the Best Sound System for Your Gym

Sound systems are integral to the gym environment. In this article, we’ll outline how to choose the right songs and why Pandora CloudCover is a top choice for all of your streaming needs.

Music sets the tone inside your gym, from the moment people walk through the door. Gym-goers expect energizing music to keep energy up, lift moods, and make every workout just a little better. That feeling can make them come back again and again. 

Pandora CloudCover can help you streamline music management inside your gym. With one subscription, you can get the perfect playlist and manage every song like a pro.

Explore fully licensed music for your gym

Get Started for Free

No credit card required. Terms and conditions apply.

Why the Right Sound System Can Elevate Your Gym

The right background music can keep people engaged with their fitness programs, ensuring longer workouts and better performance. 

“Great music is essential to the overall gym and fitness experience. If you don’t have good music in your gym, it will be disastrous to your bottom line. A good playlist can keep the energy up, keep people in the gym longer, and keep them coming back.”

- Nate, Pandora CloudCover Musicologist

Setting the Tone: The Impact of Music on the Gym Experience 

Research shows music can help people push through fatigue and experience better workouts. In one study, researchers found the right music can increase workout endurance by 15%. 

Music can also enhance motivation, meaning songs can keep people engaged with their workouts. In one study, 94% of users found music essential for workout motivation. 

91%

Of people notice the music being played in gyms

81%

Of people find it’s important for a gym to play music they like

55%

Of Americans have stayed longer at a business location because of the music

Your Gyms’s Audio Needs 

Gym owners should select their equipment carefully to ensure they get the most benefit from their music investment.

Pandora CloudBox is a top choice, as it makes managing music quick and easy, and setup is almost instantaneous.

Access premier curated gym playlists with Pandora CloudCover

Start Free Trial

No credit card required

Size & Layout 

The size of your gym will influence how many speakers you need and where they are placed. For example, you may need just a few speakers in a small space. 

However, if your gym includes several rooms and floors, you’ll need many more pieces of equipment to fill the space with sound. 

Music Style & Volume 

The tempo and style of music can influence how long a customer will stay inside a gym and how hard they’ll work while there. 

Gym owners should tailor their playlists based on what customers will be doing in their workouts. For example, you’ll need different songs for cardio vs. lifting. 

Type of Gym & Classes

If you’re teaching a class, you need a different type of music license. Many companies sell licenses for background music only, and that does not include a class taught by a professional. 

Key Components of a Good Gym Sound System 

Having the right audio elements can help you set up a sound system for your gym. Here’s what you need to know. 

Speaker Types & Placement 

There are several different types of speakers, and they come with pros and cons. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Wall-mounted speakers offer directional sound for high-intensity zones, but they’re very visible and can create uneven sound if not spaced correctly. 
  • Ceiling-mounted speakers provide a minimalist aesthetic, but they have reduced impact when the ceilings are higher than 15 feet. 
  • Pendant speakers deliver uniform coverage in open-concept gyms, as they bring the sound close to the floor, and they can double as a design element. 

Amplifiers & Mixers for Zone Control 

Large gyms need to create zones and share different music in each one. Often, that functionality requires mixers to ensure music sounds great no matter where it’s played. 

Music Sources & Legal Licensing 

It’s critical to use licensed music solutions like Pandora CloudCover. Using a personal streaming account or YouTube can lead to lawsuits and fines. You’ll also need a specific type of license if you teach classes within your gym. 

Zoning & Volume Management 

Different zones benefit from individual volume and program control. For example, the music may need to be louder in the cardio section and deeper in bass in the weight room. 

Introducing CloudCover’s CloudBox: The Gym-Ready Solution 


Pandora’s CloudBox is the premier music management choice for gyms of all sizes. This system is ideal due to these benefits:

  • Simple setup
  • Constant connectivity 
  • Ideal sound quality 

Recommended System Layouts by Gym Type 


Different types of gyms benefit from different types of music. This chart can help you understand critical differences. 

“Boutique gyms may be more likely to feature curated, indie playlists, whereas you can generally expect top 40 hits from national, well-known fitness chains. High-intensity classes are synonymous with high-energy beats with high BPMs.
- Nate, Pandora CloudCover Musicologist

Gym/Market Type Music Characteristics Example Songs
National Chains Ex. Planet Fitness, Crunch You want high-energy, recognizable Top 40 Pop and EDM remixes that create a broad, "judgment-free" appeal for a diverse demographic. "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter"Levitating" by Dua Lipa
Boutique Gyms Ex. Local Gyms These spaces thrive on curated, genre-specific vibes (like deep house or indie-electronic) that reinforce a premium, exclusive brand identity. "Music Sounds Better With You" by Neil Frances "Glue" by Bicep
High Intensity Ex. CrossFit, Orange Theory Fitness Music should feature a consistent, heavy pulse (140+ BPM) using Aggressive hip-hop or hard rock to drive adrenaline and mask physical exertion. “Till I Collapse” by Eminem "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC
Class-Specific Ex. Spinning, Stretching Music must mirror the physiological phases of the class, using high-cadence beats for sprints and low-BPM ambient tracks for recovery. Spin: "Cinema" (Skrillex Remix) by Benny Benassi Stretch: "Weightless" by Marconi Union

Why Gyms Everywhere Trust Pandora CloudCover

Our decades of experience in the music industry mean we can help you find and share the right music with your gym patrons. Our music is fully licensed and legal to play as background inside your gym. 

Our musicologists can also help you build a specific playlist that’s built around your store type, time of day, and customer needs. We also offer audio messaging that allows you to amplify your promotions and sales. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does music matter in gyms?

Music can enhance the workout experience for your customers and increase your brand performance. 

How should I choose the right tempo or style for my gym?

Musicologists with Pandora CloudCover can help you with this critical step. They’ll ensure the music you choose fits your brand and members.

Can I play a personal playlist from Spotify or Pandora in my gym?

No, you can’t. If you use personal accounts, you are in violation of U.S. copyright law.

How often should I update my gym’s playlist?

Regularly. Your customers expect new music when they visit you. 

Does Pandora CloudCover offer music for different types of gyms?

Yes. We have several different playlists available. 

How do I get started with licensed custom playlists from Pandora CloudCover?

Start with a 14-day free trial. If you enjoy that experiment, sign up for a license. 

References

Music and Exercise: 5 Benefits of Listening to Music When You Exercise. Reid Health. 

Music Moves the Needle: Feed.fm Data Proves the Impact of Music on Fitness App Success. (October 2024). Fitt Insider.
No items found.

Get Legal Streaming Music for Your Enterprise Business

Example title here

Get Started for Free

No credit card required