You're sitting on the couch, maybe halfway through a bag of chips, when that purple-hued screen flashes on. It’s a Planet Fitness ad. Suddenly, you aren't thinking about the chips anymore—you're wondering what that song is. It's catchy. It’s high-energy. It’s basically designed to make you feel like you could run through a brick wall, or at least finally sign up for that $15-a-month membership.
Honestly, the Planet Fitness commercial song isn't just one track. Over the last year, especially heading into early 2026, the brand has been rotating through a few heavy hitters. Music is their secret weapon. They use it to bridge the gap between "I should probably exercise" and "I'm actually having fun."
The Big 2026 Anthem: "The Promise" by When in Rome
If you've seen the latest "Start the Year Strong" or "We're All Strong" spots that started blanketing the airwaves in late December 2025 and January 2026, you've heard that unmistakable 80s synth-pop beat. That is "The Promise" by When in Rome.
It’s a bit of a nostalgic curveball. Most gyms go for modern EDM or aggressive hip-hop. By choosing a 1988 New Wave classic, Planet Fitness is leaning into that "Judgment Free" vibe. It feels approachable. It’s the kind of song you’d hear at a wedding or a grocery store, which fits their whole "gym for normal people" brand identity.
The lyrics—about being there for someone and not letting them down—subtly mirror the brand's message of supporting your fitness journey. Plus, the tempo is surprisingly good for a brisk walk on the treadmill.
The Megan Thee Stallion Era: "Body" and "Big Fitness Energy"
We can't talk about Planet Fitness music without mentioning the absolute cultural reset that was the Megan Thee Stallion partnership. This campaign, which kicked off in early 2024 and saw several "Mother Fitness" iterations through 2025, used her hit song "Body."
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You know the one. "Body-ody-ody-ody-ody."
It was a brilliant move. Megan brought a level of "cool" that most budget gyms just can't touch. The commercial featured her as a literal fitness goddess, banishing "toxic fitness culture" with a literal zap of energy. While newer 2026 ads have moved toward the When in Rome track, the "Big Fitness Energy" (BFE) slogan—and the thumping bass of Megan's discography—remains a core part of the gym's in-club playlists and social media presence.
Why the Music Choice Matters
Why do they spend millions on these specific tracks? It’s not accidental.
- Tempo: Most of these songs sit between 120 and 130 BPM (beats per minute).
- Familiarity: They use "safe" hits. You won't hear underground death metal.
- Emotional Resonance: "The Promise" triggers nostalgia; "Body" triggers confidence.
Other Songs You Might Have Heard Recently
Planet Fitness is prolific with their ad spend. They don't just have one commercial; they have dozens of variations for different markets, including Spanish-language spots and "Black Card" exclusives.
In 2025, they frequently used "Super Freak" by Rick James for their "Super Free" promotional deals. It's a classic choice. It’s loud, it’s fun, and everybody knows the hook. It’s hard to stay grumpy about a workout when Rick James is yelling in the background.
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Then there’s the 2026 "Finish Strong" campaign. Some of these spots are more focused on the voiceover—often featuring that signature dry, slightly sarcastic humor—but when the music kicks in, it's usually a custom-composed high-energy track or a licensed pop hit like "I Like It" by Cardi B, though that’s been phased out in favor of the newer "Mother Fitness" vibe.
The "Xrystal with an X" Commercial
Have you seen the one with the influencer? Her name is "Xrystal," and she's telling you to drink a gallon of water before you even wake up. It's a parody of the "fitspo" culture that makes people hate the gym.
The music in this spot is intentionally generic, bright, and "influencer-y"—think royalty-free ukulele or bubbly pop. It’s meant to sound annoying. It contrasts sharply with the "real" music they play once the scene shifts to the actual Planet Fitness floor, where the sound becomes more grounded and driving.
Finding the Songs Yourself
If you’re trying to build a workout playlist based on these ads, you aren’t alone. Planet Fitness actually keeps a pretty active presence on Spotify. They often curate "Judgement Free" playlists that include the songs from their commercials.
If you hear a song and can't find it, look for the agency credits. Usually, a company called Barkley or Red Tettemer O'Connell + Partners is behind the creative. They work with music supervisors to clear these tracks.
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Sometimes, if the song sounds familiar but you can't place it, it might be a cover. Planet Fitness has a history of using sound-alike tracks or reworked versions of classics to save on licensing costs while keeping the "vibe" of the original song. But lately, with the Lindsay Lohan "Feel Fitacular" and Megan Thee Stallion spots, they’ve been going for the real deal.
What's Next for the PF Soundtrack?
As we move further into 2026, expect the Planet Fitness commercial song choices to lean even harder into "New Year, New Me" energy. The brand is currently focused on "The Promise," but they rotate music every 3 to 4 months.
If you're looking for the exact tracks for your own headphones, here is a quick list of what's been in heavy rotation:
- "The Promise" – When in Rome (Current 2026 Lead)
- "Body" – Megan Thee Stallion (The "Mother Fitness" theme)
- "Super Freak" – Rick James (Used for "Super Free" promos)
- "I Like It" – Cardi B / J Balvin / Bad Bunny (Seasonal rotations)
Actionable Next Steps
If a song caught your ear and you want to use it to fuel your own workout, here’s how to lock it down:
- Check iSpot.tv: This is the industry standard for tracking commercials. If you search "Planet Fitness," it will list every active ad and, more importantly, the verified song title and artist.
- Use the Shazam App: If the ad is playing on your TV, hold your phone up. Shazam is surprisingly good at picking up songs even over the top of a loud narrator.
- Follow the "Planet Fitness Official" Spotify Profile: They update their public playlists whenever a major new campaign launches.
- Download "The Promise" (Extended Version): If you like the current 2026 vibe, the extended version of the When in Rome track is actually a fantastic 6-minute cardio pacer.
Music makes or breaks a workout. Planet Fitness knows this better than almost anyone in the industry, which is why they spend the big bucks to make sure their commercials don't just look good—they sound like something you actually want to listen to.