How to perfect your background music
We’ve put together a step-by-step checklist on how to successfully use background music for your business. From branding, to target audience, to sound systems and
Success Story:
MyActive Leisure Centres
What is MyActive?
MyActive are a group of seven leisure centres based across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. The sites, which are open to both members and non-members, include gym and swimming facilities alongside exercise classes. MyActive introduced music across its sites in late 2024 for the enjoyment of both staff and customers.
We spoke to Marketing & Communications Lead, Heather Djuranovic, to find out more about the benefit introducing music has had on the leisure centre chain.
Getting into the groove
“Music makes a massive difference. It lifts the mood, sets the pace, and just makes the whole place feel more alive. Whether you’re in the gym, at a class, or walking through reception, the right music can change how you feel.
It helps our staff just as much as it helps members. A good playlist keeps energy up, makes busy shifts more enjoyable, and adds to the positive vibe across the centre. When staff feel good, members feel it too.”
Pumped up with the perfect playlist
“Songs can spark memories, help people feel more at home, and elevate an experience – we wanted to tap into that! We want people to walk in and hear songs they actually know and love. “We hope that recognisable music will add energy and perhaps give people that little extra push in their workout.”
We’ve been listening to what people want through our Soundcheck survey. It’s not one-size-fits-all! Upbeat tracks in the gym, calmer vibes for yoga, family-friendly tunes in reception. Each site has a bit of flexibility, so the music fits their community.
TheMusicLicence means we can play the songs people actually enjoy, and at the same time, we know the artists are being paid for their work. It feels right, our members benefit, and so do the people making the music.”
Heather Djuranovic, Marketing & Communications Lead
We also surveyed a sample of MyActive staff and members to find out more about the benefit introducing music has had on the leisure centre chain.
Benefits of music to gym-goers
The survey found that 64% of customers enjoyed listening to music at MyActive leisure centres, with 66% agreeing that music makes them feel more motivated.
Almost 2 in 3 (59%) of the members we surveyed said music makes the experience more enjoyable, while over a third (37%) would be less inclined to visit a gym where no music was playing.
Benefits of music to employees
Of the staff we surveyed, 92% said music is important to their day-to-day role, with 60% agreeing that listening to music at work makes them feel happy.
Similarly, 55% said music makes them feel more motivated, while over a third (36%) said music makes them feel more focused.
The majority (81%) said they enjoy listening to music at work, with favourite genres amongst employees including Pop (68%), Dance (63%), Rock (55%), Hip-Hop (36%), Indie (34%) and Country (34%).
References
*Survey conducted by PPL PRS on 59 MyActive leisure centre members, July 2025
**Survey conducted by PPL PRS on 38 MyActive leisure centre staff, May 2025
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