Lori Lowell, a Gold’s Gym franchisee and Group X expert, shares insights into the must-haves for any great indoor cycling studio.
The layout and design of your fitness floor or Group X studio is almost as important as the equipment within your gym’s four walls.
Your indoor cycling studio is no exception. In fact, according to Gold’s Gym franchisee Lori Lowell, must-haves for a well-designed cycling studio include:
- Great acoustics
- Adjustable lighting
- Proper ventilation
- Soundproofing
- Strong WiFi
- A dedicated space for the instructor
“There should be spotlights on the instructor and a computer screen where the instructor can see what’s being displayed to participants on the main screen,” added Lowell. “In addition, the instructor should have easy access by hand to the entire sound system.”
In fact, Lowell explained it’s vitally important for an indoor cycling studio to have proper acoustics and a great sound system. Club operators should take great care in their selection of a microphone set-up for the instructor, and ensure music and volume can be easily adjusted.
“The acoustics need to be fantastic,” said Lowell. “Do not go cheap on stereo or microphones. Music is the driving force for indoor cycling.”
Lowell is also in favor of a tiered, theater-style indoor cycling room, to ensure all participants can easily view the instructor.
“The room should be semi-circle in shape and no smaller than 800 square feet for room,” explained Lowell. “The stage needs to be set for the instructor and should be large enough for a huge stereo cabinet and two bikes, for the opportunity to offer team teaching classes. Research you bike selection and read all the specs on the bikes to ensure proper selection for your club.”
Lastly, Lowell stressed the importance of proper and adjustable lighting to ensure the ambience is just-right for your indoor cycling classes. “Sconces and ceiling lighting need to go in the electrical specs and designed during the design stage,” she added.
Although there is a lot to consider when redesigning or building an indoor cycling studio from scratch, the ultimate result will be worth it, in the form of the perfect space for members to cycle.
Here, Lowell lists a few additional factors club operators should take into consideration:
• Consider incorporating a tracking system like Myzone for heart rate training.
• If your bike monitors don’t have built-in lights, affix long-stem book lights on the bikes to ensure riders can see their monitors throughout class in a dimly-lit room.
• Offer towels and easy access to hand-sanitizer.
• Have bike-pads on hand for loan, for those who come to class without bike shorts and need seat padding.
• Ceiling fans are a must to ensure participants are comfortable.
• If adding programs like Les Mills The Trip, place an instructor bike elevated on a small stage in the front row exactly centered.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
