Bringing Excellence Back to Group Fitness—Because Every Experience Matters

I love seeing people get moving. Whether it’s in a gym, a park, a group class, or an influencer-led boot camp—if people are getting stronger, fitter, and more confident, I’m here for it. But here’s where I think we’re missing an opportunity: every time we lead a class, we have the chance to deliver a premium experience, one that actually inspires people to keep showing up. And too often, that opportunity is being wasted.

Group fitness has changed a lot over the years, and not always for the better. I’ve been in this industry for 18 years, and I’ve watched the pay for instructors decrease, while expectations have only gone up. In places like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, where many instructors are contractors, we’re seeing fewer people making this their full-time career. Contrast that with Singapore, where instructors are given the space (and the pay) to truly master their craft. The result? A massive gap in quality and consistency.

And here’s the kicker—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro, you’re probably getting paid the same rate. So what’s driving people to level up? To spend extra hours learning choreography, refining their cueing, and perfecting their craft? The disillusionment is real, and it’s showing up in classes that feel more like a clocked-in shift than an experience that moves people.

Excellence in Group Fitness is More Than Just Showing Up

✔ It’s about instruction that’s clear and engaging. No one should be standing there confused about what they’re meant to be doing.

✔ It’s about great cueing that helps people move better. Not just “keep going,” but real, actionable feedback.

✔ It’s about coaching, not just running a timer. A class isn’t just a series of exercises—it’s an experience. It should flow. It should build. It should make people want to come back.

I’ve been to influencer-led fitness events where the energy was high, but the execution? Not so much. Instructors mumbling into the mic, exercises being demonstrated so quickly that half the room is lost, no real engagement beyond shouting out time intervals. It’s frustrating—not because I want to tear anyone down, but because I know how powerful a great group fitness experience can be.

I want more people to move. I want them to leave a class feeling unstoppable, not unsure if they did anything right. And I believe group fitness can be the best part of someone’s day when it’s done well.

So let’s start holding ourselves—and the industry—to a higher standard. Let’s invest in excellence, because every single time we lead a class, we have a chance to change someone’s relationship with movement. And that’s an opportunity we shouldn’t take lightly.