Rachel Holmes has been at the forefront of group fitness for 35+ years, transforming the careers of thousands of instructors. In this candid conversation, Will Brereton and Rachel dive into the major shifts highlighted in the Triple Threat Series that sparked massive debate in Rachel's community.Today on the podcast, Rachel Holmes shares her expert perspective on the evolution of pre-choreography, the transformation of instructor education, the unstoppable rise of Pilates, and practical strategies for navigating music licensing challenges in 2025 and beyond!Enjoy the episode!Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...(00:00) Introduction to Rachel Holmes' extensive background in fitness (02:30) The Triple Threat Series debate and pre-choreography evolution (05:45) The distinction between individual class success and industry trends (12:00) How instructor education has transformed to modular, online learning (19:00) The Pilates revolution and why Rachel believes it's overtaking yoga (27:00) Music licensing realities and their impact on instructor income (33:00) Strategies for instructors to maintain "periphery vision" for trends (36:00) Discussion of SH1FT's SkillSync program for experienced instructors (38:00) Future opportunities for instructors who can adapt to industry changesLinks and References mentioned in this episode:SH1FT SkillSync Program - Cross-certify with your existing qualificationsTriple Threat Series - The industry trends sparking conversationPure Energy Music - Rights-included music solution for fitness professionals
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FREE Certification For Life? The Program That's Disrupting Group Fitness
The group fitness industry is facing a major issue: instructor pay hasn't moved in 20 years, and the cost of learning new programs or formats continues to rise. Today, Will Brereton introduces SkillSync, a revolutionary program from SH1FT Fitness that eliminates certification costs for qualified instructors and challenges the industry standard of expensive digital trainings that don't deliver the same value as live trainings.Today on the podcast, Will explains why SH1FT Fitness is flipping the model by removing certification costs altogether, breaks down how experienced instructors can leverage their existing certifications to join SH1FT, and shares transparent details about the program's subscription costs and opportunities!Enjoy the episode!
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Social Media Reality Check: What Actually Works
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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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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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
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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