Here are pictures from IHRSA of the new Spinner NXT and the all new Spinner Blade. I'm going to guess that Spinning still sees a large market for conventional Indoor Cycles that would cause them to redesign the NXT.
4/15 update: I had a very informative discussion with Josh Taylor today about all the changes they have made to the NXT. I hope to have a separate post about it early next week.
The only significant change I can see is the addition of fore/aft adjustment of the handle bars.
Adjustable Handle Bar
My understanding is that the crank arms on these new cycles us a proprietary (as in unique) pedal spindle thread size that will prevent using any other types of pedals 🙁 That would mean that Schwinn Triple Link pedals (a common upgrade for indoor cycles) will not be an option and studios will have a very limited choice of replacement pedals. What's up with that?
Spinner Blade
Although it looks very stylish, from a technological perspective the new Spinner Blade is a bit disappointing to me. This will be Spinning's cycle with power – and they're using the old friction system for the resistance? That's so 1990's, especially when Keiser, Schwinn and FreeMotion are all using vastly superior Magnetic Resistance. No clue as to how they are measuring the amount of force applied to compute a riders power output. This display cycle doesn't show any computer/console . They must not have it completed yet. Will the Spinner Blade be ready by WSSC?
Comments: Hey John I just recently moved out of the box clubs (LA Fitness for one) I was working at and started classes at a small studio. I have never done any marketing work and wondered if you could help guide me. Do you have any materials I could use for local news papers or any other suggestions for me. I would really like to get a few more people into this studio. Have you been enjoying that summer weather in Minnesota this winter?
Thanks,
Richard
I'll answer your second question, first Richard. I love the nice weather… but hate what it's doing to my class attendance 🙁
The answer to your first question; Heck Yes!
Over the past 4 years we've posted a bunch of practical tips and ideas an Instructor or Studio owner can use to build class attendance.
I say we because a lot of the information has come from studio owner and Indoor Cycling studio start-up business consultant Bill Pryor. Bill runs two very successful studios and has contributed a wealth of information on getting people into your studio.
Beyond word-of-mouth, a Google search is the top way people will find your studio. Bill and I have a lot of experience on this topic and produced a series of free podcasts and informative articles at Fitness Studio Marketing focused on making your studio more findable online. This link will take you to the iTunes page where you can subscribe.
We also have a resource for Indoor Cycling Studio Owners that you will find helpful. It's for members only, but free to register.
Have you tried asking other Instructors their ideas? Our community at Pedal-On has a lot of very creative people who I'm sure can offer some ideas.
Really. There's no changes that I can see that would be of any value to you, as a Fitness Instructor. The preferences section is exactly the same – OK, not exactly; they've removed the option for gap-less playback, but kept the cross-fade.
Discount parts for Star Trac Spinning®, Schwinn, Keiser and FreeMotion Indoor Cycles
Fitness equipment replacement parts distributor Sportsmith is offering a 15% discount for ICI/PRO readers and listeners. They have most everything you'll need to tune up all your bikes and have them ready for the fall (is it really coming so soon?) rush of new participants.
I've worked with Sportsmith for years – they distribute my Red Pedal Tool for easily and safely removing the fitness shoe cages from the Schwinn triple link pedals used on cycles in studios around the world.
Here's an old video I made showing how to use the Red Pedal Tool that features younger daughter carly 🙂
