by Barbara | Mar 29, 2021 | Barbara Hoots, Best Practices
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Barbara Hoots, one of the new columnists at www.indoorcycleinstructor.com -John
By Barbara Hoots
It’s 5:30 a.m. and you can hear the sound of a low but persistent hum in the Spinning room. Listen carefully, and in between the grinding of flywheels you can hear the whispers, “Is she late…… again?”
Time management is the foundation for building the hottest class in the gym and is essential for creating student loyalty. In today’s rushed society, time is an important commodity that silently reflects your own attitude toward class. Imagine you were invited to a dinner party and the hostess was running late or forgot to prepare the entrée. Would you feel special, desired or respected? Take a cue from the experts in hospitality and prepare for class with the same zeal you would extend to guests in your home. Never expect your students to walk into a silent, sterile, empty cycling room and rave about your class.
The window of time before class begins is where most growth occurs. Arrive 30 minutes early and seize the opportunity to:
- Test the sound system and ensure microphone battery is fresh
- Crank up some background music to warm the crowd
- Adjust the air temperature
- Tidy up the room
- Offer water to new students if they didn’t come prepared (I always keep a case of water bottles on hand)
- Distribute guest passes so students can bring friends (make your own if your gym doesn’t offer a free cycling class pass).
- Dim the lights to establish an environment free of judgment (if lighting options are available at your facility).
- Start class on time!
Critical phase
During this critical pre-class phase, get to know your audience! A savvy instructor will learn students’ athletic interests, musical preferences and occupations. Congratulate the mother of two for completing her first half marathon, throw in a remix by The Doors for your children of the 70’s and buy a latte’ from the guy on bike #12 who owns a coffee shop. Don’t expect riders to support your efforts if you don’t support theirs.
Don’t believe me? Take the challenge! For one month make a conscious effort to improve your time management skills and extend genuine kindness to your students. Watch with delight as new conviction emerges and classes become energized.
What’s next? I’ll teach you how to spice up your class with a trick from the advertising boys on Madison Avenue…..trust me; you won’t want to miss this one!
Leave a comment for Barbara so she knows your were here.
Originally posted 2019-01-18 10:23:07.
by Barbara | Aug 2, 2020 | Barbara Hoots, Best Practices, Instructor Tips and Tricks
by Barbara Hoots
Do you dream of teaching a kick-ass class in a packed studio with unstoppable energy? Follow my FIVE BEST TRICKS ON THE PLANET and I guarantee your dream will become a reality.
1. Volunteer to Be a Guest Speaker.
Last week I spoke to a local civic club on the benefits of group exercise and physiological effects of endorphins. While my
presentation was not specifically geared toward indoor cycling, I seized the opportunity to distribute free Spinning® passes and now
have six new students in class! Most civic, social, or religious organizations in your community are desperate for free guest speakers! Volunteer to give a presentation on the benefits of exercise and reap the reward — a full class!
2. Use Your Body
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Originally posted 2009-10-02 06:46:52.
by Barbara | May 1, 2020 | Featured Studios
Welcome to the NEW world of indoor cycling! Eucalyptus-scented chilled towels, a post-ride massage, signature locker room amenities, bikes that monitor your performance and scheduling software that allows you to reserve a specific bike are just a few of the trends emerging in this wildly popular fitness addiction.
Boutique neighborhood studios are now combining indoor cycling with Pilates, personal training, barre and yoga classes. Imagine a high energy Spin® class followed by restorative yoga, and you’ve found the perfect respite to your hectic day.
Studio ambience is first and foremost in the minds of new studio owners. Clients are
now asking for custom logo flywheels, pre-opening storefront windows, remote controlled lighting, wall murals, sleek and powerful sound systems, curved tinted glass walls, instructor platforms for team rides, and acoustic ceiling panels.
Indoor Cycle Design collaborates with the best names in the industry (FreeMotionâ„¢, Keiser®, Star Trac®, Schwinn®, Performance IQ®, ZingFit®, etc.), to provide clients substantial discounts on products that not only withstand the rigors of a cycling class, but also provide functional beauty and quality. From logo design and pre-opening marketing to flooring and microphones, my goal is to ensure your ultimate success.
Check out Indoor Cycle Design’s newest studios opening soon:
The Art of Spyn in Washington, D.C. – http://www.theartofspyn.com
Breakaway Cycle in LaJolla, California – http://www.breakawaycycle.com
More openings are scheduled to launch this fall in London, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
Need ideas to spice up your studio? Visit my Indoor Cycling Studio Design website and Facebook
Originally posted 2012-04-24 05:37:52.
by Barbara | Nov 6, 2019 | Featured Studios
Just a few trends I've seen in 2012 that are moving smartly into 2013.
– Dual fitness offerings – boutique cycling studios are now combining TRX, Pilates, personal training, yoga, etc. The ideal studio space required to provide these amenities is running 3000 sq ft. and above.
– Ambient features are now included in the start up budget…no longer an option but a must have on opening day. Even the big box gyms are installing LED lighting and promoting the entire mind/body ride concept. If the corporate giants are starting to figure it out, boutique studios must stay ahead of the game and keep adding more….video, performance tracking, etc.
– Benefit rides are all the rage. If your studio doesn't offer yearly at least ONE cancer/special olympics, etc. ride with proceeds going to a local charity, you're missing a HUGE opportunity to recruit new members and establish yourself as a forward thinking fitness organization. My studio hosts 2-3 benefit rides per year….I have tons of resources if anyone is interested.
– SPD's required…no longer an option in many studios. The shift has been strong in 2012 for clips only. As you know, I'm working with Pearl and others to provide dealer status to studios. Stocking rental shoes is the accepted norm now.
– Studio Logo/Names – The swoosh image on a bike has seen its day and new designs for studios are clean, more Euro, and less nosiy…..very clean. simple.
– Websites – look impressive. No longer are GoDaddy “do it yourself” websites cutting it. Clients are sinking tons of money into edgy website experiences….check out my latest project: kor180.com
And puh-leeeese, studio owners! Hire a consultant to check your site for grammatical errors, incorrect usage of cycling terms, and red flags that shout “little details don't matter” to your customers. I've found so many spelling/punctuation/redundancy/inaccurate info on cycling sites. Studio owners are cutting back funds and creating the text themselves…or worse, they're plagiarizing from other sites.
– Studio names. Guys, if your don't trademark, anyone can use your studio name…it's up to you to protect it. I'm aware studios in different cities with the same name. I asked one why she had not trademarked for protection, and her reply was, “haven't gotten around to it….” Please Include legal fees in your startup budget.
– Branding…..it's the name of the game. Everything from clothing to bumper stickers…studios are blowing it up with marketing and creating a buzz with super cool gear with a logo recognized immediately. Friday night wine tasting after a ride, guest celebrity chefs, fitness lectures…etc. We are creating a community, not just a cycling studio. See me for more info.
Originally posted 2012-12-29 05:45:24.
by Barbara | Nov 2, 2019 | Barbara Hoots, Featured Articles
Have you ever met someone and liked them instantly? You can't explain why but you immediately felt an emotional bond. I'm not talking about sexual attraction, but rather a genuine and wholesome feeling of fondness and respect towards this person.
In a job interview, you are more likely to be hired if the interviewer connects with you as a person. In a business situation, you are more likely to get your foot in the door and seal the deal if the client connects with you as a person. As a cycling instructor, you are more likely to have students follow you to the ends of the earth and never dream of skipping a class if they connect with you on this personal level!
Although your technical skills may be outstanding, if class size has dwindled it may be time to develop some love-ability skills! The qualities of a lovable instructor can actually be cultivated with these simple tips.
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Originally posted 2010-04-18 12:12:48.
