How To Become An Indoor Cycling Instructor

Indoor cycling is one of the most popular ways for people to burn off those weekend indulgences and enjoy a heart-pumping experience. If you love cycling and want to give your clients a unique fitness experience, training to become an instructor can be a great career move.

Gyms and health centres across the UK offer it, giving you plenty of employment options and the opportunity to diversify your earning potential.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to become an indoor cycling instructor.

Key takeaways:

1. Indoor cycling is one of the most popular classes in the UK and will always be in high demand. However, you don’t necessarily need to take an official indoor cycling course to teach students.

2. Opting for an accredited fitness instructor certification or personal training diploma means that you can run indoor cycling courses.

3. While you’ll need an official spinning instructor certification to teach trademarked spin classes, many gyms offer indoor cycling, which is similar to spinning, with some minor differences.

What is indoor cycling?

Indoor cycling involves using stationary bikes in class-based settings (most often in gyms and health clubs). While many view it as primarily a cardio-based exercise, it also strengthens the leg muscles.

Indoor cycling classes can have multiple participants, and the classes usually range from beginner to advanced – depending on experience.

Instructors use music to motivate their clients and will also have to monitor each person during the class.

Are indoor cycling and spin classes the same thing?

OK, things get a little complicated here – because indoor cycling and spinning have many things in common.

However, spinning is a trademarked term that requires certification from an accredited training provider, whereas indoor cycling instructors can teach classes with a general certification.

So, while someone can take an indoor cycling class and enjoy the same fitness benefits, the instructor won’t be able to incorporate trademarked spinning exercises.

Why is indoor cycling so popular?

Indoor cycling is one of the most popular classes in the fitness industry, with market research predicting a global CAGR of 5.4% by 2031.

Why do people love it? Well, there are many reasons – including the opportunity to lose weight and build muscle simultaneously, enjoy a workout in a secure location instead of cycling on busy roads, and improve endurance.

It’s low-impact

Indoor cycling is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. Some people find high-impact exercise too challenging – especially if they’re older or have conditions such as arthritis.

Using an indoor bike is less demanding than running on a treadmill but gives the body a complete workout.

It’s not weather dependent

Let’s be honest; it takes some real determination to go out in the winter cold on a traditional bicycle. Indoor cycling, however, is an excellent alternative because it still requires the same skills as outdoor cycling, but you can do it in a warm gym.

People with arthritis and other joint disorders find cold weather difficult, so indoor cycling is often a welcome alternative.

High calorie burn

Indoor cycling is also a great way to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. A 155-pound person can burn approximately 620 calories in one hour of indoor cycling.

Improved endurance

In addition to burning calories, indoor cycling can also help boost endurance, which supports cardiovascular health. Research shows that people who cycle to work have fewer risks of heart attacks, and indoor cycling is an excellent alternative to dealing with busy roads.

It’s fun

Why do so many people end their gym memberships? Because working out can feel like a chore rather than fun. Indoor cycling often incorporates lively music, and group classes have a social element, which keeps participants coming back for more.

Steps to becoming an indoor cycling instructor

So, if you’re thinking about becoming an indoor cycling instructor, it’s important to remember that you’ll need an accredited certification. While there’s nothing to say you can’t invest in a trademarked spin instructor qualification, it’s not necessary to teach indoor cycling.

Here are the different routes you can explore.

Level 2 Gym Instructor Certification

A Level 2 Gym Instructor certification is an entry point into a fitness career. The qualification covers everything you need about health and fitness basics and gives you a foundational knowledge of how to support clients.

Most gyms won’t hire anyone without this certification – unless you’re doing an apprenticeship.

Level 3 Personal Training

If you’re interested in supporting a diverse range of clients and having more career opportunities, a Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma prepares you to work with both groups and individuals.

While qualified Level 3 PTs can’t teach official spin classes, many will run indoor cycling sessions if they have some experience.

Exercise to Music Certification

An indoor cycling class without music is like a meal without any flavour. Music is where the motivation comes from, but it’s not just a case of pumping up the volume – the type of music you choose matters.

Becoming a qualified ETM instructor means that you can design and conduct classes that incorporate different styles of music. While this course doesn’t qualify you as an indoor cycling instructor, you can still hold classes for clients.

Level 2 Group Training Certificate

Finally, we have the Level 2 Group Training certification, which is another beneficial qualification if you want to teach indoor cycling and run your own classes.

The course ensures you understand vital fitness principles and understand how to create classes for groups while maintaining health and safety for all participants.

Do I need to complete an indoor cycling certification?

If you want to teach indoor cycling classes, the above certifications will ensure you qualify. While finding a trademarked spinning certification can be challenging, some course providers have created indoor cycling instructor courses.

However, these courses aren’t essential, and completing the following steps should ensure you can teach indoor cycling classes.

Go to indoor cycling classes

There’s no point in becoming an indoor cycling instructor if you haven’t experienced classes for yourself. The thing that most instructors have in common is a passion for conducting classes and keeping students motivated.

You can see how they integrate music into the sessions and navigate being unable to incorporate trademarked spinning techniques.

Get certified

If you’re already a Level 2 Gym Instructor, you’ll need to explore further qualifications, such as an ETM or group exercise course. Completing the Level 3 Personal Trainer diploma gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and find a range of employment opportunities.

Start small and build up

When you’re new to teaching indoor cycling, it’s always a good idea to gain some experience. For example, you could teach a small class of students or practice with your family and friends before approaching local gyms and health centres.

If you already work in the fitness industry, you’ll have more opportunities to incorporate indoor cycling into your fitness classes.

How much can indoor cycling instructors earn?

Your earning potential as an indoor cycling instructor is around £21,000 for entry-level roles, but many instructors earn £36,000 or more (Glassdoor). If you’re a qualified personal trainer and offer individual support to clients, your earning potential will increase.

There’s also the opportunity to freelance and run indoor cycling classes as a side hustle. Let’s not forget that many trainers are also now teaching online classes, where students can tune in from home and enjoy motivational sessions.

What skills do indoor cycling instructors need?

Indoor cycling classes can only be successful if a good instructor is ready to take charge and provide a proactive training environment for participants. Some people already possess the following skills, but you can also learn them.

Motivation

Many people who try indoor cycling are out of shape and looking for a way to improve their fitness. As an instructor, your job is to motivate them and ensure they have a valuable experience throughout the session.

Fitness professionals must rev their clients up to get the best results, so each class you teach must be energetic.

Confidence

If you’ve ever seen an indoor cycling course, you’ll know that the music is loud, and the instructors are even louder! Every certified indoor cycling instructor knows that running back-to-back classes can impact their muscles – but the voice box is often overlooked.

Constantly shouting over music can damage your voice, but vocal training is vital for instructors, as it will teach you how to use your voice effectively.

Organisational skills

When it comes to indoor cycling, music is everything. You’ll plan each lesson, including sequences and intensity, but you’ll also have to develop a playlist to motivate people.

Nobody wants a tedious experience, so many instructors plan their classes to incorporate different songs for each session.

Knowledge of indoor cycling

It goes without saying that a cycling instructor must be an expert in their field. From helping your clients choose proper indoor cycling shoes to ensuring they know how to maintain proper form on a cycle, you will be an invaluable resource.

Adaptability

While planning classes in advance is important, there might be times when you have to adapt the training routine. For example, your participants might have low energy, or there could be more beginners joining, which will mean you’ll have to slow things down.

Being able to alter the sessions will keep your clients coming back for more.

The bottom line

Becoming an indoor cycling instructor is a great way to enjoy a long and rewarding career. With its projected growth rate and popularity among gym goers, you can expect plenty of interested participants and the ability to make a lasting difference in each person’s future.

Best of all, you don’t necessarily need to take an official indoor cycling instructor course. If you’re interested in diversifying your career options, The Fitness Circle offers a variety of affordable online courses.

Studying with us gives you access to a network of professional tutors with experience in the fitness industry and flexible payments. Please book a free call for more information or download a brochure today.