Cycling classes and their popularity got much further than anyone expected I guess. With studios dedicated only for those type of classes, hi-tech equipment, crazy variations with disco lights and other extra features, it has many‘followers’ around the globe. I must admit I made very silly mistakes while participating in my first ever cycling class and quickly got discouraged. I have talked in changing room to a few cycling freaks and I want to share some really easy, yet often overlooked, tips that can help every single person to have a great time and want to come back for more and can help the club to gain more customers for those classes.
All about the seat
Members should arrive ideally 10-15 minutes before the classes start so to allow themselves enough time to get comfortable on the bike and start warming up. The bikes are adjustable in multiple places, and the most common adjustment is the height of the seat.The trainer should always look around for new faces and those struggling with the equipment. There is nothing worse than an uncomfortable bike and the prospect of 45 minutes painful ride. I would recommend not to allow people who are late to participate as this may be counterproductive.
Outfit
Of course apart from the proper seat and depending on fitness club different types of shoes are required. Members can either wear normal athletic shoes or cycling shoes. Some studios offer straps that hold regular shoes in while some require to have or rent cycling shoes that clip in. Why not send automatic reminder from automation centre in PerfectGym management software to all enrolled customers with reminder about proper shoes and ideal timing? It can be onlybeneficial for both sides.
Control
Cycling classes are not about being mindless hamster in a spinning wheel. It requires some great portion of technique and attention. From start to finish it's crucial for the classes to havea proper form. Not only will it maximizethe ride and results, by it will also prevent injuries. Riding a bike may seem all about the legs but core muscles and arms are equally important to pay attention to. The instructor should remind members to focus on keepingthe core rock-solid, upper body loose, back straight and shoulders down throughout the class.
Motivation
And now the key - each bike has a knob under the handlebars that controls the resistance. The instructor will call out when to turn it up or down, simulating hills or flat road duringthe class. And this person is the most important part of those classes. Charisma, knowledge, fun and easy going personality are the perfect combination and guarantee for the high frequency. Members cannot feel pressured to keep turning the knob just because they are told to. They should be motivated to push themselves to the edge but not to a point where they can inflict an injury upon themselves. It works similar from the other side – there is no point to ride with no resistance as it can be harmful for the knees and hips. The instructor has to spot such participants and encourage them to workout harder.
Keep fresh
If cycling classes are great success and you have a high retention among those attending members while checking statistics in PerfectGym management software, do not let yourself to rest on your laurels. The members expect to always have the equipment in a good condition, rooms nice and clean, some changes such as different music or extra lights added etc. Work together with your team to always catch novelties from the fitness market and be ahead of the competition.