How to Design an Inspiring Class
In collaboration with our friends at Shimano.
For today’s fitness instructor, creating a top-notch experience isn’t merely about putting together a solid workout and sweet playlist. Increasingly, our communities expect so much more. They expect - and need - your inspirational leadership.
The task is not easy! It requires digging deep, and even being vulnerable. Where do we start?
As you prepare to serve up that next inspiring experience for your wolfpack, we asked some of your fellow coaches from across our community to reflect on and share their most meaningful takeaways:
From Latosha Lovell, Senior Trainer at Sweat Cycle, Wellness Coach, Speaker, & Interior Designer:
"A first step in delivering an inspiring and motivating class is setting an intention for the experience you want to create for your riders. Consider how you want them to feel throughout the ride and what you can offer that not only empowers them physically, but elevates their emotional and mental state as well. Then, choose your music and motivational rhetoric that's grounded in that intention.
It's also super important to BE YOURSELF! Allow the best of who you are and what you have to give emerge and shine through. Don't be afraid to be authentically you. In doing so, you create space for your riders to do the same.
The most common takeaway I hear from those who've taken my classes is the feeling of empowerment, gratitude, and the desire to keep believing in their own RISE.
Although our life experiences can be very personal, I believe we're all striving toward a common goal: to be the best version of ourselves and experience some joy along the journey. As a leader, you have the awesome opportunity to give a dose of both!"
We are so proud to see Latosha’s team at Sweat Cycle in this recent feature on hot tips to riding in cold seasons!
From Javier Santín, Operations Director at Struct Club & International Master Educator
"Most of my classes come to life based on one of these three elements: Words, Events, and Songs.
My class creation process often begins by choosing an inspiring word, like Resistance. Using that word as the common thread for the class allows me to find related music (Like Resistance by Muse, or The Resistance by Skillet + SOLI).
Using one special word allows me to tell a story, providing inspiration for motivational coaching “as we pedal against it, remember that Results are written with the capital R of Resistance!” and it informs the type of effort for the ride (resistance work such as heavy hills versus higher cadence drills).
Can you think of a magic word to inspire your next class experience?"
Anytime you need a boost in your class design process, grab some more of Javier’s top tips here.
Image courtesy of Chrome Cycle Studio
From Amira Polack, CEO & Founder at Struct Club:
“Beyond covering the basics of designing a safe and productive workout, here are the primary questions I answer when designing an inspiring class:
What inspires ME? Your wolfpack is smart! If your material isn’t getting your gears going, they’ll know! First and foremost, the inspiration starts from within you.
What message do my students need to hear today? As a coach, you’ve got the power of the mic. Have something to say. Before my last class, a student walked in and shared, “this is the hardest week. I need this class.” Many messages can speak to their need - congratulate folks for showing up for themselves, remind them to give themselves permission to blow some steam, or simply reaffirm that they are strong. Hear your people out. Speak to them.
What emotional journey is today’s playlist leading people through? I try to have songs that aim to spark one of each of the following reactions: confidence, playfulness, competitiveness, goosebumps, laughs, nostalgia/recognition, and even heartfelt tears.
Above all, be true to your core values. Show what you stand for with every class you design.”
Dive into setting goals that stick with Amira here.
From Demar Jackson, Fitness Influencer & Shimano Ambassador:
“Generating an inspiring class is as unique and authentic to the instructor as the people who attend the class. The instructor does not necessarily have to know everyone in the class to cater to their specific needs. Instead, they should always give genuine energy and messages while in front of their audience. As long as the instructors can stand up in front of a class, and speak as if they are talking to an individual and helping them along their journey, an abundance of people can feel that and relate to it.
People can sense if something is being manufactured and made up. They want it real, speaking from the heart. Tone matters, and if the tone is right, the message will usually come across just as genuine.
That's what inspires a group of people who seek something more than just a workout.”
Check out more of Demar’s insights on growth and development within your own wellness here.
From Kaleigh Cohen, Fitness Influencer & Shimano Ambassador:
“I always plan my cycling classes for one person and I like to think of taking that person on a journey!
I will start with ‘what is the transformation I want this person to have?’
Do I want them to feel empowered? Do I want them to leave in a better mood? Ready to accomplish anything?
Then I’ll start at the end of the class and work my way back to the beginning letting the music drive the journey and be the inspiration for the transformation.”
Learn more about Kaleigh’s perspective on finding her groove with indoor cycling here.
What class will you design next? At Struct Club, we’re always excited to see what inspires you. If you ever want to see one of your Struct Club classes featured in the app, email us at support@structclub.com or drop us a DM on IG with a share link of a class you’ve designed in the app!