David Lloyd Leisure has teamed up with Universal Music UK to launch an exclusive music app aimed at boosting performance during exercise.

Created in conjunction with a sports psychologist, the David Lloyd Playlist is thought to be the first joint initiative of its kind pairing major companies from the health club and music sectors.

The playlist is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and Android devices. It is designed to enhance workout efficiency and enjoyment by matching a track’s beat with workout pace.

The tracks were carefully selected based on research suggesting that synchronising music and exercise rhythm leads to enhanced performance.

The app – which offers specially curated tracks for activities including jogging/running; rowing; cross-training; cycling; strength training and stretching – gives both David Lloyd Leisure members and non-members access to thousands of Universal Music artists, with fully customised playlists updated on a weekly basis.

Customised and fitness-focused playlists are a growing trend, with music playing a large part in the launch of former Fitness First CEO Colin Waggett’s recently opened Psycle fitness hub.

Music in health clubs has never been a straightforward subject, with confusion around the laws and regulations – overseen by music licensing firm PPL – causing headaches for clubs in the past. There have been several initiatives launched to facilitate in-club music in the past – including AERMUSIC and Netpulse, although this is thought to be the first joint venture between major music and health club companies.

Other features of the David Lloyd Playlist include storing playlists offline to listen to anytime and anywhere, automatic volume adjustment and the latest news on fitness and nutrition.

“It is really great to know that our artists’ tracks will not only be giving obvious enjoyment, but that they will be helping people of all fitness abilities get the very most out of exercise,” said managing director of Universal Music UK’s Commercial Division Brian Rose.

The David Lloyd Playlist App is free to download https://davidlloydplaylist.com/">here,, with a 28-day free trial available to all new subscribers.