Music licensing company PPL has released new research revealing some interesting insights into the value of music to the fitness sector.

The company, which works on behalf of over 90,000 record companies and performers to license recorded music played in public and broadcast, has revealed the value of original artist music to UK gym goers, in a recent poll conducted by YouGov.

It found that, when made to choose, 87 per cent of current and ex gym members (i.e. those who had been a member within the last five years) that have attended a fitness class within the last year stated that they prefer to listen to music by original artists over cover versions or sound-alikes when working out at a fitness class. Of these, 52 per cent stated that it was because they find it more enjoyable to listen to music by original artists or performers, with 51 per cent saying that music by the original artists or performers is of better quality.

The research went on to show that current and ex gym members that have not undertaken a fitness class in the last year also valued original artist music; when made to choose, a resounding 96 per cent stated a preference for it when working out. Again, ‘quality’ (50 per cent) and ‘enjoyability’ (53 per cent) were both cited as key reasons for their preference – an important insight for gym operators and centres across the UK.

To coincide with the release of this new research, PPL, using data from the fitness organisation FitPro, has announced the top ten most worked out to songs by original artists in 2014. The chart, compiled by FitPro from airplay data from gyms and leisure centres across the UK shows ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ by Oliver Heldens and Becky Hill featuring at number one (full list below).

Christine Geissmar, director of operations at PPL, said: “Our research shows music by original artists can bring many benefits to gym goers. All we ask is that any business using music is legally compliant by obtaining a PPL and PRS for Music licence, ensuring that the performers and companies who create and invest in the recordings are paid fairly for their work.”

David Stalker, ukactive CEO, commented: “Our aim is fundamentally about getting people moving, through whatever route makes them comfortable and keeps them motivated. This research shows that, for many people, music is an important part of the journey to establishing a habitual physical activity programme.”

Further information about the Exercise to Music tariff can be found on the PPL website.

For further information about the benefits of music to the fitness sector, visit www.musicworksforyou.com.

Chart of most worked out to songs by original artists in 2014 - compiled by FitPro

01 Gecko (Overdrive) - Oliver Heldens and Becky Hill

02 Summer - Calvin Harris

03 Crazy Stupid Love - Cheryl Cole ft Tinie Tempah (Club Mix)

04 One More Day (Stay With Me) - Example

05 Wasted - Tiesto

06 I Will Never Let You Down - Rita Ora

07 All Of Me - John Legend (Tiesto Remix)

08 Your Love - Nicole Scherzinger

09 Birthday - Katy Perry

10 Fancy - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX