Supporting Cycle Instructors in a Global Pandemic
A lot of North America is facing a second lockdown. Once again, many of us are unable to attend group indoor cycle classes until government restrictions are
lifted.
Some people are lucky enough to have an at-home bike and can take live or on-demand classes from apps or large online platforms like Peloton, Echelon, or Nordictrack. However, where does that leave your favorite cycle instructors who were such a big part of your pre-pandemic life?
Gyms have been hit hard.
Along with restaurants and the performing arts, The fitness industry is one of the hardest hit by Covid-19. That means it’s likely the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the instructors with which you used to take class. They have taken financial hits, their mental health has suffered and many feel fearful about the future of indoor cycling.
However, as much as they have struggled, fitness instructors are very resilient and adaptable. They practice what they preach and are strong enough to overcome tough obstacles. So much so that many have pivoted and are offering virtual cycle classes. Some are offering pre-recorded rides on demand, some are on Instagram live, and others are on Zoom. No matter what the platform, these instructors feel passionate enough about continuing to teach indoor cycling that they’re still spending time and energy curating fantastic rides.
Show up for your instructors
What is the point of the above? Think of all of the times your instructor has shown up for you with a smile even when it was 6am and you were in a crabby mood. Think of the times where you absolutely did NOT want to come to class but within minutes, your instructor put you in a good mood and you were so grateful that they never gave up on you.
If you have a bike at home, rather than always taking on demand classes from an app, take class from your former cycle instructor. If you take class live with them, they can offer real time encouragement and call you by name. Many classes are free/donation based so if money is an issue, you can pay on a sliding scale. For many instructors, it was never about the money. It was about having a class to lead and motivate. You going out of your way to log on to their class will mean the world to them after what they’ve endured. If you’re going to ride at home anyway, it doesn’t take that much extra effort to reach out to your instructor and ask them when they’re teaching and how to sign up.
Support small businesses
2020 has shifted our perspective in several ways and one of those ways is to direct our support to small businesses. If you choose a class with your former instructor over a class from an app provided by a larger online platform, you’re supporting a small business!
Conclusion
A lot of your former cycle instructors are still putting themselves out there. This is a perfect time to let them help you renew your commitment to wellness, even though things look different with being virtual. They have shown up for you with unwavering support. Now it’s time to show up for them!
About the Author: Alicia Miller is a Canadian indoor cycling instructor living in Seattle, WA. She has over 10 years of experience instructing, 7 years of experience training instructors, and is a former Flywheel Master Instructor and Trainer. Teaching online classes since May of 2020, you can find her on tru community, an online platform founded by Ruth Zukerman.
