Feel like being a Group Fitness Instructor is a lot tougher than it used to be? You’re not alone! From being thrown into virtual classes to seeing ‘fitness mode...
Social media is warping our perception of what's actually working in fitness classes. One viral clip can make an old-school workout explode overnight, but does that translate to real-world class attendance?Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores the disconnect between social media trends and actual gym schedules, provides a framework for evaluating what's real growth versus temporary hype, and shares practical strategies for instructors to use social platforms effectively without getting caught in the fad cycle!Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.This is the last episode of our 10-part series - we hope you've found it valuable and we can't wait to share more great content with you across 2025. Enjoy the episode!Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...(00:00) Introduction to social media's impact on fitness trends(01:45) The Step Aerobics revival case study: 78 million hashtag views(03:00) Search trends versus actual class schedules(04:30) Les Mills Auckland City data: only 1.5% of classes are step-based(05:45) Niche step brands building engaged communities(07:00) Three key takeaways for instructors about social media realities(08:15) How to differentiate between viral instructors and growing formats(09:30) Actionable tips for using social platforms effectively(10:45) Final thoughts on navigating the three biggest shifts in group fitnessLinks and References mentioned in this episode:Will’s Facebook, InstagramSH1FT Fitness WebsiteDownload your 2025 Action Plan124% increase in Step Aerobics search interestLes Mills Auckland City class schedule Niche step brands: Xtreme Hip Hop Step, Meccca, Club Cardio NC
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7:01
AI for Instructors: Making Technology Work For You
AI is everywhere in fitness - writing captions, generating workouts, and even creating virtual trainers. But will it replace human instructors? Not likely. What it will do is change how we work.Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores how AI is reshaping the fitness industry, examines what technology can (and fundamentally cannot) do for instructors, and provides practical strategies for harnessing AI as a tool rather than viewing it as competition!Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.Enjoy the episode!Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...(00:00) Introduction to AI's role in the fitness industry(01:30) Why AI won't replace human instructors(03:15) Industry data on AI adoption in gyms(04:45) The 33% increase in retention for gyms using AI(06:00) Why live classes are surging despite AI advances(07:15) How AI can automate administrative work(08:30) Using AI for programming ideas and inspiration(09:15) The limitations of AI for form correction(10:00) Actionable tips for leveraging AI effectivelyLinks and References mentioned in this episode:Will’s Facebook, InstagramSH1FT Fitness WebsiteDownload your 2025 Action PlanChatGPT for brainstormingCanva for designNotion for organisation Claude for copywriting support
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7:41
Getting Paid What You're Worth: The Instructor Pay Shift
Instructor pay has been stagnant for two decades, but that might finally be changing. Why? Because gyms are dropping expensive licenses and redirecting budgets elsewhere.Today on the podcast, Will Brereton examines the shocking decline in instructor compensation (when adjusted for inflation), analyzes the three major factors that have driven pay down, and provides actionable strategies for instructors to earn what they're truly worth in today's evolving fitness landscape!Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.Enjoy the episode!Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...(00:00) Introduction to Part 3: The business of being an instructor(01:30) The stark reality of instructor pay stagnation(03:15) How inflation has eroded instructor compensation(04:45) Gym budget pressures and license format costs(06:15) Boutique gyms leading the charge in pay increases(07:30) Why "finding your why" doesn't justify low pay(08:45) Three major reasons instructor pay has been stuck(09:30) Actionable tips for earning more as an instructorLinks and References mentioned in this episode:Will’s Facebook, InstagramSH1FT Fitness WebsiteDownload your 2025 Action Plan
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10:23
Live vs Digital: What Members Really Want
Remember when digital fitness was going to take over the world? Fast forward five years, and the reality looks quite different.Today on the podcast, Will Brereton analyzes why digital fitness platforms are struggling while live group classes are booming, examines the surprising shift in consumer preferences, and provides actionable strategies for fitness professionals to position themselves for success in this evolving landscape!Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.Enjoy the episode!Links and References mentioned in this episode:Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email AddressSH1FT Fitness WebsiteDownload your 2025 Action PlanUS ‘Connected Fitness Users’ decline from 41.2M to 40.3MMindBody surveyHealth and Fitness Association gym membership growth dataFitness Apps usage statshttps://www.puregym.com/blog/uk-fitness-report-gym-statistics/
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7:16
Wearables in Group Ex: Turning Member Data Into Better Classes
Wearable tech is everywhere. Smart watches, heart rate monitors, fitness trackers – people are tracking everything from steps to calories to sleep. And if you're teaching group fitness, your participants are bringing that data into your class.Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores how wearables are shaping group fitness, examines what metrics actually matter to your members, and provides practical strategies for using this technology to improve motivation and engagement without getting lost in the noise!Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.Enjoy the episode!Links and References mentioned in this episode:Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email AddressSH1FT Fitness WebsiteDownload your 2025 Action Plan ACSM's 2025 Worldwide Fitness Trends Report ranking wearable technology #1
Feel like being a Group Fitness Instructor is a lot tougher than it used to be? You’re not alone! From being thrown into virtual classes to seeing ‘fitness models’ everywhere and watching the rise of the boutique studio, it’s easy to see why you might feel overwhelmed and struggling to find your place as an Instructor. But we’re here to help. Host Will Brereton has worked in Group Fitness for over 20 years as an International Presenter for Les Mills and Beachbody and now runs his own Group Fitness brand SH1FT Fitness. He’s seen it all and he’s ready to get REAL about what it’s like to be a Group Fitness Instructor in 2022. Join Will and as he interviews some of the biggest names in Group Fitness about the topics that others shy away from. Each episode will provide you with tips, advice, stories, inspiration and a lot of real talk to help you not only survive, but thrive in the world of Group Fitness in 2022 and beyond.
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