INDOOR CYCLING
Data can improve motivation, but only if it’s explained to members
EXPANDING THE CIRCLE
How can we broaden the appeal of indoor cycling? Kath Hudson asks the experts
I
ndoor cycling should have a broad appeal: there are no tricky dance moves and most people are familiar with bikes. It’s also a
low impact, joint-friendly cardiovascular workout that can be adapted to all fitness levels. However, the way indoor cycling is delivered in many health clubs means it’s often perceived as being too hardcore and too cool for all but the most confi dent members to try. So how can we broaden the appeal of
indoor cycling, helping ensure a wider range of people feel drawn to give it a go? We ask the experts…
THE INSTRUCTOR
The instructor needs to make participants feel safe and let them know they’re there for them, not to work out
themselves. Staff must be well trained and there should be an annual audit, making sure instructors’ certificates are up to date. Clubs should continually invest in training to keep classes fresh. Sarah Morelli
Classes tend to be taught by high-energy, fit, young, athletic instructors who feed into that ‘give me more’ mentality, which tends to feed the vicious cycle of intimidation in the eyes of less fit potential participants. We recommend club owners hire a diverse teaching staff, mixing up the schedule with seasoned instructors, both female and male, who can relate to the various stages of life. Establish some instructor protocols
that make the cycling room feel inclusive. Instructors should truly care about members’ goals and get to know everyone in the room. It’s refreshingly helpful when an instructor takes some time to walk the fl oor before and during class, offering support where needed. Finally, instructors should also be able to teach a variety of formats, so
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they can cross-promote indoor cycling classes during their dance, strength and yoga classes to recruit new riders. This skill can also be leveraged to incorporate fusion classes onto the weekly schedule. Jackie Mendes
Instructors must strive to be ‘cue- municators’: indicating their intentions in numerous ways so everyone gets it. They need an excellent beginner’s perspective, appreciating what it’s like to experience indoor cycling for the first time, and need a higher degree of empathy than the average instructor. Cameron Chinatti
It must be fun and friendly. I always think about how my mum would feel and what would make her comfortable. For people who are new to the class, it’s a nice touch to welcome them personally at the door and show them to the bike, help them set it up and explain the structure of the class. Instructors should also encourage people to feel
August 2015 © Cybertrek 2015
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