Music has always been part of the fitness experience. For years, leading digital fitness platforms have used Feed.fm to power licensed, curated music inside their apps, helping create energy and atmosphere during workouts in a way that drives member engagement.
As the industry matures, forward-thinking brands are taking that strategy a step further by designing it intentionally around the personalities members connect with most: their coaches. That shift is giving rise to what we call trainer-inspired soundtracks: curated music experiences shaped around a trainer’s taste, tone, and coaching style.
Tonal recently brought this concept to life with two coach-led stations, and the response quickly revealed how powerful it is to use music as a member engagement engine.
From trainer-inspired pilot to community-driven momentum
The first trainer-inspired Tonal station was curated with coach Kristin McGee to support the launch of their new reformer-like Pilates modality and programming. Kristin’s Mindful Motion station served as an early experiment to see how members would respond to a music experience designed specifically around a coach’s programming and personality.
The response was immediate. “The most surprising aspect has been how members are spreading the word about these channels in the community,” said Chael Mackinnon, Tonal’s Channel Strategist, Member Engagement. “Members love the shared experience of working out to the station and feel like they’re in the know listening to music curated by their favorite coaches.”
“Members love the shared experience of working out to the station and feel like they’re in the know listening to music curated by their favorite coaches.”
As excitement grew, Tonal launched a second station with coach Joe Rodonis tied to his 12 Weeks to Unleash strength program. Joe’s Unleash Mode station quickly became one of the most popular options in Tonal’s music menu, ranking among the platform’s top stations.
Product discovery moments
The conversations happening in the Tonal community revealed another benefit: the stations were helping members discover music features they had not previously explored. In many cases, the discussion around the stations became product discovery moments for other members.
One Tonal member shared: “I've had this machine for five years and never paid attention to where the music was coming from... but this is one week I have realized that maybe the music clicks with the routine.”
How marketing music unlocks the flywheel
Tonal’s marketing approach combined simple product announcements with authentic coach promotion. Kristin McGee and Joe Rodonis introduced their stations on social media, while Tonal highlighted them across newsletters, program launches, and community announcements.
For Kristin’s Pilates programming, the team created a station designed to match the tone of the workouts. “Flow to the rhythm with an all-new Tonal Radio station curated by Kristin McGee,” one newsletter announcement read. “It’s a grounding yet uplifting experience featuring indie, acoustic, and ambient electronic tones to pair with your Pilates practice.”
Joe’s station took a very different direction, aligning with the intensity of his signature strength program. “Expect to feel unstoppable when you tap into Joe’s Unleash Mode,” Tonal wrote in a member announcement. “With iconic rock and metal hits from Linkin Park, AC/DC, System of a Down, and more, the station channels grit and raw power.”
Once members discovered the stations, the sharing began to happen organically. Members started recommending them to each other and celebrating the connection between music and their favorite coaches.
Extending the coach connection
One of the most interesting outcomes for Tonal has been how the stations extend a coach’s presence across the platform. Members often have a favorite coach and tend to stick with them. Trainer-inspired soundtracks allow that connection to travel across different workouts and programs.
One member shared how Joe’s station influenced their workouts across categories: “Joe Rodonis, LOVING your 12 Weeks to Unleash playlists on Tonal Radio. Makes every class — especially yoga and Pilates — even more intense and epic.”
Another member wrote, “The new ‘Joe’s Unleash Mode’ station on Tonal Music is absolutely fantastic! This is what I have been looking for!”
In this case, a strength coach’s soundtrack encouraged a member to explore new workout types while still feeling connected to the coach they trust. Music evolved into a bridge between programs, coaches, and modalities.
What’s next: expanding music as a member engagement engine
With two successful stations now live, Tonal is already planning the next phase. The team is exploring ways to pair trainer-inspired soundtracks with upcoming programs and seasonal initiatives.
For Tonal, the opportunity to use music as a member engagement engine is clear. “The coach-curated stations help make workouts feel like a bigger experience,” Chael said. “These stations were paired with programs that were community challenges, so the music added to the whole communal experience. They connect members to coaches and to each other.”
Why more fitness platforms are exploring trainer-inspired soundtracks
When music reflects the personalities members already connect with, it becomes much more than background audio.
The music becomes:
- a product feature members talk about
- a marketing moment coaches share with their followers
- a way to deepen community connection (member engagement engine)
- and a retention lever that keeps the experience feeling fresh
Interested in bringing trainer-inspired soundtracks to your platform?
Talk to a music specialist to find out how digital fitness brands are building their signature sound with Feed.fm.
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