48: 5 Ways To Take Your Group X Classes To The Next Level

In this must-listen episode of Group X Appeal, Terry and Kimberly reveal the secrets to transforming ordinary group exercise classes into extraordinary experiences that participants eagerly anticipate and enthusiastically recommend. 

Discover the essential elements that separate basic workouts from unforgettable experiences that build your reputation, boost retention, and create the kind of buzz that fills your classes through word-of-mouth alone.

Learn all about:

• 🎉 The Celebration Factor - How to make every class feel like an event participants look forward to
• 🎵 Music Mastery - Strategic ways to use music as your secret weapon for emotional engagement
• ❤️ Emotional Connection - Creating the community and belonging that participants truly crave
• ✨ Authentic Teaching - Why being genuinely yourself builds stronger connections than perfect technique
• 🏛️ Class Culture Building - Developing the unique atmosphere that encourages fierce member loyalty
• 👥 Personal Interaction Magic - Simple ways to make every participant feel seen, valued, and special
• 🎯 Brand Building Through Experience - Why your class experience IS your professional reputation
• 🔄 Retention Revolution - The connection between memorable moments and member loyalty

Essential for group exercise instructors and yoga teachers ready to elevate their classes from routine workouts to transformational experiences. Learn the practical strategies that turn participants into raving fans and classes into can't-miss community events.

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Questions or topic ideas? Email us @ groupxappeal@gmail.com

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Stay Connected with Kimberly:
- @kimberlyspreenglick on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
- email: kimberly@theinspiredlifeuniversity.com
- website: www.theinspiredlifeuniversity.com

Stay Connected with Terry:
- @terryshorter on Instagram & Facebook
- email: terry@rippedplanet.com
- website: www.rippedplanet.com

Transcript

What makes someone text a friend after class and say, you have to try this class? It's not just the music, not just the moves, it's the experience. Today, we're breaking down how to craft unforgettable GroupX classes that don't just fill the room, they build a movement. Because great instructors, they don't just teach, they create moments that keep people coming back for more. Tune in to learn why the class experience is so important and five ways to take yours to the next level.

Kimberly/terry (01:03)
Hey there, fitness leaders. Welcome back to Group X Appeal, where fitness leaders rise and everybody shines. I'm Terry Shorter. And I'm Kimberly Spreen Glick And today we are diving into a topic that is at the very heart of what we do as Group X Bros, creating class experiences that people just can't stop talking about. Yes, we all know the feeling. When the energy in the room is electric, the music hits just right, and people leave with that sweaty post-class glow and a big smile on their face.

That's what we're after. And if you're wondering how to make that your norm, basically, not just a lucky moment, you're in the right place. Absolutely. So I think first we should talk about why the class experience is so important. one, for the facility where you teach, wherever it is that you teach, whether it is a boutique facility, a larger chain club, or privately owned club, regardless,

The better the experience we can provide in those GroupX classes, we help that facility retain the members. So we retain the members in our classes when we create a great experience, but then overall, the facility where we get to teach retains them as members. Well, retention is revenue for the facility. So we're kind of playing our part in contributing to the overall success of the business and maintaining membership.

so that we get to continue to teach. Like it's just all this kind of win-win situation. And then also another reason why you want to make your classes an unforgettable experience is that word of mouth is king. It travels fast, especially nowadays with social media. People do not, they will not promote just a decent class. They promote the ones that moved them.

And not just, we're not talking about just getting moot physically. We're talking, that's going to happen automatically. we're talking about getting moot emotionally, even perhaps spiritually as well. ⁓ Those are so, so, so important and people will spread the word good or bad, but not decent. exactly. Yeah. We're going for something that, that sets you apart. And that's the next point is that it just, you want to create an experience that sets you apart. Fitness, fitness classes.

Let's just face it, they're extremely accessible. From community centers to, as I mentioned before, boutiques, larger clubs. You can go to a park and jump into a group X experience. So the experience itself is the only thing that your competitors, I hate to say competitors, because I don't want us to think about competing. This is a very collaborative industry that we're in. But as far as giving someone a reason to choose to come to your class, you've to provide an experience that can't be replicated. Yeah.

This next reason why is something we're gonna dive really deep into in one of the upcoming episodes. But another reason why you want to really provide that exceptional experience is because your class, it is a brand. Whether you are aware of it or not, your class experience really builds your reputation. It is connected, deeply rooted together.

Like I said, we will absolutely dive into branding, you being a brand coming up. So don't miss that episode coming up. Definitely. And then we just have to remember that when we enhance the class experience, we have an opportunity to help form connections, to build communities. And people are craving connection. We are hardwired as humans for connection. So beyond the movement, just taking them through the physical workout, great. They've come to get a great workout. Wonderful.

But participants, they want to feel seen. They want to feel hurt. They want to feel inspired and like they're part of something bigger than just themselves. Yeah. So those are reasons why. And we don't want to leave you in the mess at all. We want to give you some strategies that apply right away. And here's five of them. We want to give you five complete strategies to help you create that unforgettable group X experience based on our experience of now what over 50 something years combined. Yes, indeed.

That's half of a century half a century it is So and we're still going strong going strong, yes So I would have to say the very first thing to to make your your class that unforgettable group exercise experience is Create an emotional journey. Mmm, like Kimberly said a little bit earlier not just movement. It's not just a workout, right?

Start your class with whatever genre or modality that you're teaching. Start with intention. I always like to say begin with the end in mind, right? Know exactly what your focus is, what you want to get most out of it, and from there...

start building that energy and you start peaking with power and then you close with something meaningful. And that's in your cool down obviously. And you could use, we're both huge proponents of this, use music and your coaching voice to create those emotional arcs, not just reps. I like to liken the classes that I like to teach personally to, I like to liken it to a musical piece. You have your intro, you have-

Your you know your verse in a song and then the hook is the thing that really hooks you that would be considered that You know that peak that power peak part of the class and then where it crescendos right and then it comes down towards the cooldown You give those you know those participants that that I guess you can say in a good way in a positive way an emotional roller coaster. Yeah, right a fun roller coaster roller coaster Yeah, and so those are those emotional arcs that we're talking about you're not just counting

doing one, two, three, four, five, 10 reps, because that gets old really fast. Real fast. Yeah, people can count. Yeah, they can. I can only count to eight, though. But we can do it forward and backward, which is impressive if you think about it. Right. I that's a four. It's true. So this one's really important. And because you're the leader of the room in the space of the experience, you have the opportunity to make every participant feel like a VIP. So using eye contact.

To the best of your ability, I know this one, we should probably have a whole episode about this because I know everyone says how hard this is, but trying to use people's names. Maybe we could talk about that sometime, ⁓ how to get better at remembering names. But even just giving high fives and fist bumps and saying hello as they come in, checking in with them throughout class and saying goodbye as they leave, all of these things make an impact on people. We mentioned earlier, people want to feel seen and heard. This is a way you can do that. And we have to remember Maya Angelou said, people will forget what you said.

people forget what you did, they will never forget how you made them feel. So make your participants feel like they matter. That's the tip. They do. do. Because they do. Yeah, these people have. They're why you're there. Yeah, they've carved out time in their schedule to be with you, to spend time with you, to learn from you, to.

get inspired by you and they truly are those VIPs and so just by doing those little gestures like I love the fist bumps, the high fives, love the booty bumps, all that stuff. ⁓ wait, booty bumps? I haven't done booty bumps. think I'm afraid with these hips I might knock them down. You should try it, we'll see. I'll try. I will report back. Booty bumps. But all of that works.

And it truly does go a long way and people love that connection. and the names too, right? What's, you know, people, what do they say? The number one thing that people love hearing most is there in any language, their name. Yep. And there's, there's, well, we can talk another time, but the idea of as soon as you hear the name, repeating it two to three times can help it But we're going to save that for another episode. think too, that's like one of the top strategies for sure.

You know, the third tip would be mastering the art of musical flow. Yeah, you mentioned music. I was hoping you're going to go a little deeper in the music case. Dig deeper. Let's go deep. Yeah. So I'll give you a happy ending here in just a minute. No, we didn't. Here we go. So your playlist, your playlist is making fun of me just if you're curious. OK, your playlist is an integral part of the experiences.

you know, it's not just the exercises, right? ⁓ And a lot of times your playlist just shouldn't, shouldn't only be viewed as just background music or just like an audio background track. ⁓ The right playlist can make or break the experience. So, you know, if you're doing a more rhythmic kind of class, of course you want to make sure that you are moving with the music, right? In a dance class, for example. You know, I teach ripped, I teach rumble. So those are very,

musical based ⁓ classes so I we have to move to the rhythm ⁓ but making sure if it's not a musical based song you know where your words rhythmic

know the playlist, know the phrasing of each song, not just the playlist itself, but know the phrasing of each song. Know when the chorus is about to hit, know when the bridge, the change is about to happen, know when it's going to end as well. Get familiar with that as well so you can kind of sync up, when the energy's going to build up, ⁓ those emotional cues that are happening in the music, and perhaps, you know, whether or not you have a good voice or not, maybe you wanna sing along too to add a little bit of something, or rap along. I do not have a good voice, but I do sing.

Yeah, absolutely. I'm like, my class is like karaoke and the true meaning of karaoke, tone deaf. So, well, you know, the thing is, is people, whether you have a singing voice or not, when you are singing along, rapping along with the music, people realize, they see, they feel that you are present. You are feeling it. You're enjoying the process and guess what happens as a result?

they enjoy it too. Exactly. Right. It's contagious. It is. So think DJ meets coach or karaoke, Kimberly. Or not. Just, know, so the next strategy hat we have for you is to show up consistently as, I don't know you. How about that? How about that?

How about being... I know, right? But you know what's so interesting is how often over the years I've seen instructors who will maybe take another instructor's class, see that it's hugely successful, and then when they go teach, they try to replicate that instructor. Or they try to replicate an instructor that they learned from, who they see as a mentor or something, and or they will put on a show, a performance that they believe would be...

more widely accepted than if they just showed up authentically. So we're here to tell you that authentic is the way to go, to be who you genuinely are. Now granted, when we teach, there are by all means alternate versions of ourselves, let's say, that sometimes come to the party. I need to hear your alternate versions. You different names for your alter egos. When I was back in the DC area teaching in my earlier years in the industry, they named me. ⁓

So they gave you names, you didn't give your Correct, they named my alter ego. All right, let's hear And you're gonna die. ⁓ my gosh, I can't believe I'm about to share this. Her name is Shaniqua. Shaniqua? Yes. All right. So, and Shaniqua would show up in any of the higher energy classes I was teaching, know, kickboxing, high, low, dance, step, whatever. ⁓ So by all means, there are these kind of alter egos, but what that means, if it's an alter ego, it means it's an alternate version of you.

So it might not be, still the same person, still you. It might not be the you that I meet if I see you in the produce section of a grocery store, but it is a version of you that you come with and you're fully present. You're consistent in that energy, the vibe of who you are. You're authentic. So it's not about being perfect. It's about being fully present and being real, being raw with who you are and remembering that, you know, we're all human. And so, ⁓

Remember that if by showing up authentically it means that you're kind of letting some of the crack show that's okay Because we don't connect as humans through perfection. We connect through the cracks we connect through realizing ⁓ you know, they're just as human as I am and so we tend to allow ourselves to be more open and more vulnerable so if you really want to make true connections with people and and develop this amazing class experience you The real you the authentic you has to show up to the party

And you're gonna make mistakes. Of course. And you know what? It's scary because when you show up as authentically who you are, then it's like, yeah, you're vulnerable. It's like, what if people don't like me? Well, I've got news for you. Let's go ahead and you know, spoiler alert, there are going to be people that don't like you. Get over it. That's okay. Because there will also be people who will change their whole schedule to get to your class. So let it be okay. That's why we have so many different personalities and instructors out there teaching is so that we can serve the masses.

So it's all good, be yourself, own it. Own it. Own it. So ⁓ the last strategy or last tip that we want to leave you with is build.

a culture. Build a culture, not just a class. ⁓ You know, some of the things you can do if you have the flexibility, if your facility allows you, give it a give your class name or give it a cool name, something that's catchy, something that's fun. Give it that identity that represents not just what they're going to experience, but also something that reflects that authentic you that Kimberly talked about as well. ⁓

the energy, the vibe, just kind of make sure that all matches up, If you're doing social media posts, for example, to help you build that culture, ⁓ use fun hashtags. ⁓ Whenever I'll teach a ripped class, I do hashtag ripped family as an example. ⁓

One of the other things I love to do and people have come to expect it. I'm going to ask you what you do. I love some of the things you do as well. ⁓ Before class starts, I let people know that every just remind them that every day is a celebration. It should be a celebration. Doesn't have to be Christmas. Doesn't have to be 4th of July. I'll look literally on the nationalcalendar.com website and it sends me emails every day and gives me a list of the national days for that particular day that I'm teaching and I'll share it with everybody. He knows them all, especially if it

has to do with food. You all know that's right. That's the best. And literally we'll build themes around that national day. You know, let's say if it was ⁓ International Smile Day and I'm teaching a yoga class, I'm going to have you can rest assured I'm going to absolutely have songs on my playlist that will talk about smiling and happiness and sunshine and this and that. And we'll talk about the importance of smiling and all the benefits that have to do with smiling. So you can literally have fun. have to have fun. definitely. about it. Forget about it. If it's not fun, forget about

Because

again if you're having fun, they're having fun for sure. So, you know when people feel like they're a part of something that's bigger just to work out, ⁓ you have some major stickiness. People stick around. Stickiness. Yeah.

Anything what are some of the things that you do? end of class beginning of class some of the things that are have become like a rich. Yeah, you know, love and expect I definitely which which is really interesting being actually an introvert. I am an INFP all day long. However, when I'm in that space like that that studio is home and I'm welcoming these people into my home. I have invited them to my party. They have accepted the invitation. They are there. So I'm greeting them, introducing them to each other.

⁓ asking things about them, like how maybe their kids doing or how their vacation was and whatnot. So making that human connection. I also will use songs based on themes. In fact, all of my yoga playlists, not all, but many of my yoga playlists are based on theme. I've chosen and curated songs that are specific around loving yourself or unity or being fully present, things like that. And then during class, ⁓

I have kind of, I don't wanna say conditioned, but I've kind of worked with the community that I teach to encourage them that when I compliment them, I expect them to respond to me. And how do they respond? They respond, I know. Because what I know to be true is that every human being on this planet, so you included who are listening and watching, you know how amazing you are. But the fact is- you're better. Right? You're better. ⁓

And the fact of the matter is sometimes life happens and things get clouded over and we kind of forget how amazing, how incredible, how strong we are. And so when I'm teaching it doesn't matter if I'm teaching cycle or kickboxing or strength training, I will in the middle of the class, I'll say, you know, you all are so strong and inevitably they will come back with, I know. And every now and then someone will be like, I know, thank you. I'm like, oh, you thought the need to be polite. I get it, me too. And it's.

it has become a thing that's added to the culture of the experience. And it's just an uplifting way to remind them of something that they should already know, but sometimes forget. So those are some fun things. I love it. I love it. ⁓ I'm sure no one finds it annoying at all. I love that.

You know, gets people, people I've heard them in your classes, they giggle, right? After everybody says, know, but they can appreciate that because they feel like they are a part of something like, yeah, yeah. Even if they don't say that loud, just reminder, at think about it. Yeah. Affirmations, like I said, go a long way. One of the other strategies, I think, to keep that, create that community into.

to grow it as well as right at the beginning of class, have people like you said, I think you briefly said it, introduce themselves to somebody they've never met before. Just say hi. You don't have to like give each other big hugs or anything. Say hi, give each other a high five. know, just give someone a smile at least, right? And then before you know it, these people are like friends for life. Yeah, that's a beautiful thing. It is.

Look, moves can be copied and playlists can be shared. This move can't be right here. You see that? I could do that in my sleep. OK, I just don't feel like it right now. But the way the way you bring those moves to life, the way you bring that playlist to life, the way you create an experience that my friend is one of a kind, and that is your magic for sure. So whether you're leading the class or taking it,

You are truly a part of that energy. So instructors, your job is to build that moment that people look forward to all day. And if you're a class participant, your energy also fuels the room. Don't underestimate it at all. And of course, if this episode gave you ideas or fired you up, please do us a favor. Screenshot this episode. Tag us at Group X Appeal. Kimberly Spring Glick or myself, Terry Shorter. Let us know what's

one thing that makes a class unforgettable for you. I'd love to know that. Right. And also, hey, if you know an instructor who needs this reminder, share this with them. This one just might be the spark that reignites their fire. Yeah. So until next time, keep showing up. Keep shining. Keep creating moments and experiences worth remembering, because Group X isn't just a class. It's a movement. It's a movement. So until next time.

Make it a great day. And why Kimberly? Because it's a great day to have. Yeah, is. Much love. out.