Group Fitness Real Talk

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 

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!

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

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

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

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/

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 

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 

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

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