How do your gym members get pumped up for their workouts? Pep talks and warm ups will get them started, but music is the answer for keeping the momentum up throughout the time spent at the gym. It should come as no surprise that music and exercise go hand in hand. Many of us grab our iPods and headphones when going out for a jog. However, the effects of music on a workout might be greater than you realize. There are very real connections to be made between the two.

To keep gym guests engaged and active during their workout, you have to consider two things: the music that you play, and the gym sound system through which you play it.

Designing a Great Gym Sound System

Music can do wonders for providing a distraction and keeping gym guests motivated throughout their workouts. Keep the music going and guests happy with a gym sound system that provides your guests with the right motivation for the workout that they are engaged in.

Of course it’s not just the style and tempo of the music that’s important, it has to work in the space you have as well. Different ceiling heights and interior surfaces mean you will have additional considerations as to what system design you use.

For example, if you have low ceilings, (8’ and under) you are going to need more speakers to cover the space than if you had a higher ceiling. If the surfaces are all hard and made of concrete and drywall without absorbent materials, you are going to get a lot of reflections and it may become difficult to clearly hear the sound.

If your gym does different types of workouts at the same time, for example yoga and cardio, you are going to need a sound system with multiple zones. If not multiple zones then you’ll need several separate systems. One of the big name gyms we do here in the Clearwater Tampa area, has separate systems for the main workout area, the spin room and the group fitness areas.

Playing the Right Music for Your Guests

Once you've designed the perfect gym sound system, you can start thinking about how to send out the kind of music that keeps gym members motived. Check out these music suggestions for different workouts:

Weightlifting: Those lifting weights will benefit from an increase in beats per minute when it comes to their music. Look for songs with 130-140 beats per minute. In a weight room, the music should be loud and fast to keep the energy up. Strong bass in a song can be helpful for weightlifters to focus.

Cardio: Many people come to the gym to run on the track, hit the treadmills, and cycle through exercise machines. A gym sound system will save guests from the need for bringing their own iPods along. Those who are doing cardio routines will benefit from songs with 140-160 beats per minute. This sets a good pace for runners and provides an upbeat atmosphere for those on the machines. Choose music that is positive to create a great energy in the space.

Yoga: Those who choose to take part in yoga classes are there to relax and meditate as they work through the movements. The music coming from fitness club sound systems during yoga sessions should be soothing. Songs with 100-120 beats per minute will help to relax those in the class.

So when planning your audio system you should first think about how it will be used, and then take into consideration the building specifics. Remember that if you don’t design they system around your facility and the needs of your customers, you may miss an opportunity to create an atmosphere that encourages guests to keep coming back.