Size Matters!!
How does your class size measure up? I don’t care if you have 20 or 40 bikes. When your class starts, how many seats do you have left to fill? Are your classes full? Are they half full? Are they less than half full? If your classes are less than half full, you should be concerned.
(because I can assure you your boss is definitely concerned)
Sure there’s a bunch of subjective excuses you could give as to why your class participation numbers are low today. However if participation is consistently low, it’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
The bottom line is, if your participation numbers are consistently low, you should be asking yourself why?
What can you do to increase participation? Is there anything that you can do differently as a coach?
When it comes to indoor cycling, here’s a list of 5 easy things that you can do to increase the number of participants in your class and keep them coming back for more.
1. Remember Names
Everyone likes to be recognized. Get better at remembering names and specific details about people’s lives. Build a rapport with people.
2. Be Positive
Everyone in your class wants to be inspired and motivated to push through a bout of hard work. Your positive energy helps your participants get into the right mindset.No one wants to hear about your bad day. (Everyone is here trying to escape the stress of reality)
3. Be Prepared
Show up early and be ready by the time participants start rolling in. The class profile and music selection should be intentional to the intensity/outcome and experience of the ride.
4. Be Aware
Throughout your class some participants will struggle more than others. You may need to adapt and/or change your ride profile on the fly. You should be aware of individuals who may be struggling and you should ask yourself why? Is it because they are new? Is that bike set up appropriately? Could their riding technique be improved? What can you offer them right now as a coach in order to help them?If a participant feels that coaching opportunities are being neglected, they are less likely to return to your class.
5. Be Thankful
Thank people for showing up to your class. Thank people for choosing to spend an hour today on themselves. Thank people for bringing positive energy and trying their hardest even though they might not feel up for it today. Thank people for choosing to train with You. There’s a bunch of other coaches out there and they chose to trust a portion of their fitness journey to you.
These five tips will help you keep people coming back for more!
How do you like to inspire and motivate people?
What do you like to do to keep people coming back to your class?