Group Fitness Real Talk

By SH1FT Fitness

Feel like being a Group Fitness Instructor is a lot tougher than it used to be? You’re not alone! From being thrown into virtual classes to seeing ‘fitness models’ everywhere and watching the rise of ... more

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FAQs about Group Fitness Real Talk:

How many episodes does Group Fitness Real Talk have?

The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.

Group Fitness Real Talk episodes:

May 22, 2025The New Group Fitness Reality w’ Rachel Holmes
Rachel Holmes has been at the forefront of group fitness for 35+ years, transforming the careers of thousands of instructors. In this candid conversation, Will Brereton and Rachel dive into the major shifts highlighted in the Triple Threat Series that sparked massive debate in Rachel's community.
Today on the podcast, Rachel Holmes shares her expert perspective on the evolution of pre-choreography, the transformation of instructor education, the unstoppable rise of Pilates, and practical strategies for navigating music licensing challenges in 2025 and beyond!
Enjoy the episode!
Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...
(00:00) Introduction to Rachel Holmes' extensive background in fitness
(02:30) The Triple Threat Series debate and pre-choreography evolution (05:45) The distinction between individual class success and industry trends
(12:00) How instructor education has transformed to modular, online learning
(19:00) The Pilates revolution and why Rachel believes it's overtaking yoga
(27:00) Music licensing realities and their impact on instructor income
(33:00) Strategies for instructors to maintain "periphery vision" for trends
(36:00) Discussion of SH1FT's SkillSync program for experienced instructors
(38:00) Future opportunities for instructors who can adapt to industry changes
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
SH1FT SkillSync Program - Cross-certify with your existing qualifications
Triple Threat Series - The industry trends sparking conversation
Pure Energy Music - Rights-included music solution for fitness professionals
...more
48min
April 10, 2025 FREE Certification For Life? The Program That's Disrupting Group Fitness
The group fitness industry is facing a major issue: instructor pay hasn't moved in 20 years, and the cost of learning new programs or formats continues to rise. Today, Will Brereton introduces SkillSync, a revolutionary program from SH1FT Fitness that eliminates certification costs for qualified instructors and challenges the industry standard of expensive digital trainings that don't deliver the same value as live trainings.
Today on the podcast, Will explains why SH1FT Fitness is flipping the model by removing certification costs altogether, breaks down how experienced instructors can leverage their existing certifications to join SH1FT, and shares transparent details about the program's subscription costs and opportunities!
Enjoy the episode!
...more
18min
March 28, 2025Social Media Reality Check: What Actually Works
Social media is warping our perception of what's actually working in fitness classes. One viral clip can make an old-school workout explode overnight, but does that translate to real-world class attendance?
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores the disconnect between social media trends and actual gym schedules, provides a framework for evaluating what's real growth versus temporary hype, and shares practical strategies for instructors to use social platforms effectively without getting caught in the fad cycle!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
This is the last episode of our 10-part series - we hope you've found it valuable and we can't wait to share more great content with you across 2025.
Enjoy the episode!
Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...
(00:00) Introduction to social media's impact on fitness trends
(01:45) The Step Aerobics revival case study: 78 million hashtag views
(03:00) Search trends versus actual class schedules
(04:30) Les Mills Auckland City data: only 1.5% of classes are step-based
(05:45) Niche step brands building engaged communities
(07:00) Three key takeaways for instructors about social media realities
(08:15) How to differentiate between viral instructors and growing formats
(09:30) Actionable tips for using social platforms effectively
(10:45) Final thoughts on navigating the three biggest shifts in group fitness
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
124% increase in Step Aerobics search interest
Les Mills Auckland City class schedule
Niche step brands: Xtreme Hip Hop Step, Meccca, Club Cardio NC
...more
8min
March 26, 2025AI for Instructors: Making Technology Work For You
AI is everywhere in fitness - writing captions, generating workouts, and even creating virtual trainers. But will it replace human instructors? Not likely. What it will do is change how we work.
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores how AI is reshaping the fitness industry, examines what technology can (and fundamentally cannot) do for instructors, and provides practical strategies for harnessing AI as a tool rather than viewing it as competition!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!

Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...
(00:00) Introduction to AI's role in the fitness industry
(01:30) Why AI won't replace human instructors
(03:15) Industry data on AI adoption in gyms
(04:45) The 33% increase in retention for gyms using AI
(06:00) Why live classes are surging despite AI advances
(07:15) How AI can automate administrative work
(08:30) Using AI for programming ideas and inspiration
(09:15) The limitations of AI for form correction
(10:00) Actionable tips for leveraging AI effectively
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
ChatGPT for brainstorming
Canva for design
Notion for organisation
Claude for copywriting support
...more
8min
March 24, 2025Getting Paid What You're Worth: The Instructor Pay Shift
Instructor pay has been stagnant for two decades, but that might finally be changing. Why? Because gyms are dropping expensive licenses and redirecting budgets elsewhere.
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton examines the shocking decline in instructor compensation (when adjusted for inflation), analyzes the three major factors that have driven pay down, and provides actionable strategies for instructors to earn what they're truly worth in today's evolving fitness landscape!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Highlights: Here's a glance at this episode...
(00:00) Introduction to Part 3: The business of being an instructor
(01:30) The stark reality of instructor pay stagnation
(03:15) How inflation has eroded instructor compensation
(04:45) Gym budget pressures and license format costs
(06:15) Boutique gyms leading the charge in pay increases
(07:30) Why "finding your why" doesn't justify low pay
(08:45) Three major reasons instructor pay has been stuck
(09:30) Actionable tips for earning more as an instructor
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
...more
11min
March 21, 2025Live vs Digital: What Members Really Want
Remember when digital fitness was going to take over the world? Fast forward five years, and the reality looks quite different.
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton analyzes why digital fitness platforms are struggling while live group classes are booming, examines the surprising shift in consumer preferences, and provides actionable strategies for fitness professionals to position themselves for success in this evolving landscape!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email Address
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
US ‘Connected Fitness Users’ decline from 41.2M to 40.3M
MindBody survey
Health and Fitness Association gym membership growth data
Fitness Apps usage stats
https://www.puregym.com/blog/uk-fitness-report-gym-statistics/
...more
8min
March 19, 2025Wearables in Group Ex: Turning Member Data Into Better Classes
Wearable tech is everywhere. Smart watches, heart rate monitors, fitness trackers – people are tracking everything from steps to calories to sleep. And if you're teaching group fitness, your participants are bringing that data into your class.
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores how wearables are shaping group fitness, examines what metrics actually matter to your members, and provides practical strategies for using this technology to improve motivation and engagement without getting lost in the noise!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email Address
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
ACSM's 2025 Worldwide Fitness Trends Report ranking wearable technology #1
...more
8min
March 17, 2025How Weight Loss Drugs Are Reshaping Fitness
Weight loss drugs are everywhere. Major fitness brands are now integrating GLP-1 weight loss protocols into their services. You've probably already had some clients ask you about them. Does this mean fitness professionals are out of a job? Far from it.
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are reshaping the fitness industry, explains the science behind muscle loss with these drugs, and provides a clear framework for instructors to become even more valuable in this new landscape!
Plus, don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
Equinox and Xponential GLP-1 moves
F45 GLP-1 offering
BODi "GLP-1 Fitness Formula" exercise plan
GLP-1 medications: muscle loss stats
...more
13min
March 13, 2025The Circuit Revival: Why Hybrid Training is Exploding
Circuit training is back, but it's not the same as you remember! Today's circuits blend strength, cardio, and recovery into efficient formats that deliver maximum results in minimum time. But why is this classic format experiencing such a dramatic revival?
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton explores the circuit training renaissance, examines how modern innovations have transformed this classic format, and provides a clear framework for designing effective circuits with any equipment you have access to!
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram and Email Address
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
IbisWorld market research on circuit-based workouts
F45 recent performance metrics
HYROX official website - fitness racing competition
...more
13min
March 12, 2025Has Pilates Peaked? The Future of Low-Impact Fitness
Pilates is everywhere. On social media, in high end studios, and dominating ClassPass bookings. But, has it peaked? And if so, what's next for low impact fitness?
Today on the podcast, Will Brereton breaks down where low impact fitness is heading next and why the smartest instructors are already adapting their approach. Learn how the low impact landscape is evolving beyond traditional Pilates and what this means for your teaching career in 2025.
Plus don't forget to download your Group Fitness Triple Threat Action Plan right here.
Enjoy the episode!
Links and References mentioned in this episode:
Will’s Facebook, Instagram
SH1FT Fitness Website
Download your 2025 Action Plan
Market size data yoga and pilates
ClassPass Pilates booking data
...more
9min

FAQs about Group Fitness Real Talk:

How many episodes does Group Fitness Real Talk have?

The podcast currently has 77 episodes available.

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