Music sets the tone for every workout. It motivates, energizes, and helps participants stay engaged from warm-up to cool-down.
But when you're creating virtual fitness videos, choosing the right music isn't always as simple as picking your favorite playlist. One of the biggest questions instructors face is:
Should I use songs with lyrics or instrumental music?
The answer depends on your goals, your audience, and where your videos will be shared. Here's a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.
The Pros of Using Songs with Lyrics
• They Create an Emotional Connection
Lyrics can make a workout feel more personal and memorable. Whether it's an empowering anthem or a nostalgic favorite, familiar vocals often help participants connect emotionally with the experience.
That emotional connection can increase motivation and make workouts more enjoyable.
• Great for Choreographed Classes
For formats built around musical phrasing, lyrics can reinforce movement patterns and add personality to choreography.
Many instructors use lyrical cues to help participants anticipate transitions and remember combinations.
The Cons of Using Songs with Lyrics
• They Can Compete with Your Voice
One of the biggest challenges in virtual fitness is maintaining clear instruction.
When lyrics and coaching happen at the same time, participants may struggle to hear important cues about form, safety, or upcoming movement changes.
This is especially true when viewers are using phone speakers, tablets, or televisions with limited audio quality.
• They Can Be Distracting
Sometimes the music steals the spotlight.
Participants may find themselves singing along instead of focusing on technique, breathing, or proper movement.
For high-skill or instructional workouts, too much lyrical content can reduce concentration.
The Benefits of Instrumental Music
Instrumental tracks solve many of these challenges.
Without competing vocals, instructors can communicate more clearly while still providing an energetic workout experience.
Participants are able to:
- Hear coaching more easily
- Focus on movement quality
- Stay engaged without lyrical distractions
- Enjoy a clean, professional audio mix
Instrumental music also tends to work well across a wide variety of workout styles and participant age groups.
Finding the Right Balance
There's no universal rule that says you should always use lyrics—or never use them.
Consider asking yourself:
- Is this workout instructional or performance-based?
- Will participants need frequent coaching?
- Where will this video be shared?
- Do I have the appropriate licensing?
- Will lyrics enhance or distract from the workout?
Your answers may be different for every class you create.
Spend Less Time Searching for Music
If you've ever spent hours looking for the perfect track—or worried about whether a song will work in your virtual videos—you know how time-consuming the process can be.
That's exactly why we created the Virtual Music Toolbox.
Inside the Toolbox, you'll find thousands of professionally produced fitness tracks that are organized specifically for instructors. Search by BPM, genre, mood, energy level, and more to quickly build playlists that fit your class style and teaching goals.
Instead of scrolling endlessly through music libraries, you can spend more time doing what you love: creating amazing workouts for your clients.
Whether you prefer instrumental tracks, songs with vocals, or a mix of both, the Virtual Music Toolbox makes it easy to find music that fits your vision.
Ready to simplify your music search and create better virtual fitness videos?