Tag: fitness instructor

2025 The Year Group Fitness and Mega Stars have the same OPPORTUNITY.

Tricia Madden

New Year’s Programming Manifesto: Igniting the Fire of Group Fitness in 2025

Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed a cultural revival that’s pulsating through generations both young and old. Thousands save up and eagerly queue for hours, not for a fleeting moment of entertainment, but for a shared, immersive experience. This isn’t just about the concerts of mega-popstars or the electric atmosphere at the venues of burgeoning artists. It’s about something profoundly connective and undeniably magnetic. This realization dawned on me at a Meghan Trainor concert, amidst a sea of dancing, singing, and exuberantly sweating fans: this is the modern-day essence of group fitness!

Why Group Fitness is Poised for a Resurgence

The scene at these concerts—packed rooms, booming music, and synchronized movement—mirrors a vibrant group fitness class. There’s an addictive energy when people move together, driven by the same beat and sharing the same space. Every generation, from Boomers to Gen Z, is craving this communal energy more than ever. It’s clear: Group Fitness is set to explode in popularity once again.

How We Can Harness This Phenomenon

Step #1: Great Music

Music is the heartbeat of any group fitness class. With platforms like Fit Radio, Yes! Music, Spotify, and iTunes, it’s never been easier to pull people into your fitness space with the right playlist.

Step #2: Simple, Inclusive Movement Patterns

Let’s get loud about this: people don’t judge a group exercise (GX) class by the complexity of the moves. What sticks is the feeling of unity—the collective energy when everyone moves together. Simple movements ensure that anyone, regardless of their fitness level, can join in and find joy in the motion.

Step #3: Creating a Welcoming Environment

The allure of a Taylor Swift or Beyoncé concert isn’t just the performance; it’s the atmosphere. Attendees are drawn by the promise of a community vibe and a sense of belonging. This is where we, as group fitness professionals, can excel. Our expertise lies in fostering environments where everyone feels seen and valued—from sparking conversations to recognizing every participant by name.

The Role of Fit Pro Programming

At Fit Pro, particularly with our new Ever FLEXED program aimed at athletically aging adults, we provide you with the blueprint, choreography, and playlists. This support allows you to focus on crafting that irresistible class atmosphere. Your members should feel that each session is curated with excellent music, thoughtful programming, and a welcoming community vibe—a place that feels like home.

The VIP list in your classes should always include the newcomers, ensuring that everyone, from first timers to regulars, feels like they belong.

Conclusion

As we step into the new year, let’s commit to transforming our group fitness classes into not just workouts, but memorable experiences that resonate with the vibrant energy of a live concert. This is more than fitness; it’s about creating moments of joy and community in every session. Let’s make 2025 the year we all truly move in unison, not just in our classes, but in our spirits.

Ideas? Need Education at your facility? Want help building your GX department?

tricia.murphy.madden@gmail.com @murphmadden

Pedal Forward: Reenergizing Indoor Cycling in a Digital Age

Tricia Madden

Where the Road Meets the Rhythm: The Reignition of Indoor Cycling

In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about the future of indoor cycling. Whether at major fitness conferences, virtual panels, or casual conversations among fitness professionals, the whispers are growing louder:

  • “Indoor cycling is dying.”
  • “Digital experiences are killing the In-Real-Life draw”
  • “COVID Annihilated us because members prefer home workouts.”
  • “Classes aren’t filling up because we’ve lost our instructors.”
  • “People just don’t want to do indoor cycling anymore.”

These whispers have led to a significant reduction in the number of cycling classes offered around the world. Even worse, some clubs have announced the complete cancellation of their indoor cycling programs. As I write this I am across the street from my health club that just announced the cancellation of classes all together and the selling of their bikes. 

But is indoor cycling really on its way out? In 2018 pre-pandemic and right as Peloton hit it’s stride I wrote a blog post titled Peloton Killed the Cardio Star and while outdated my insights into upskilling and finding the balance between instructor and entertainment was imperative for survival of IRL classes. Fittertainment is a real thing and as much as we wish we were not’ required to be persona driven; we must be both to build and retain members. 

Is Indoor Cycling on an inevitable decline? Not so fast. 

There are still programs thriving, and it’s not just luck. These are the programs that have invested in great instructors, talent development, and leadership that values the importance of cycling in their fitness offerings. The truth is, cardio never goes out of style— it will always be a vital component of physical fitness and a necessity for overall health. While there’s a ton of reasons consumers love to ride at home there are also immense limitations including financial, social emotional connection and motivation. I have a bike in my living room but somehow jumping on it alone feels like a stretch 90% of the time. 

Indoor cycling, when done right, offers a unique and exhilarating experience that’s hard to match. The thrill of group cycling is amplified when instructors are equipped with the right tools and techniques to create engaging, rhythm-based classes that keep riders coming back. Instructors who know how to own the stage can be developed and the system is simple. 

That’s where Swerve Cycle Instructor Training comes in. We want to upgrade and pack your classes again with the signature style of teaching.  This program equips instructors with science-backed techniques and rhythm-based programming designed to elevate the cycling experience. No more guesswork—just meaningful, competitive experiences that resonate with riders. Instructors can be taught how to find that special “thing” that draws people into their classes and at least occasionally off their bikes at home. 

It’s time to reimagine indoor cycling. With the right strategy, we can revitalize this category, fill classes, and make it more thrilling and relevant than ever. Discover how combining the essence of a road ride with the energy of the ultimate rhythm ride can transform the experience.