Staci Alden shares a variety of Halloween-themed fitness class and event ideas to utilize in your schedule this year.
October will be here before we know it. If you’re considering doing any Halloween-themed fitness events and classes, now is the time to start thinking about it. Start by deciding what day you’d like to offer your special Halloween-themed events or workouts. I recommend offering a few themed classes and at least one event the week before the actual holiday, and then feel free to pick from the list of ideas I share in this column to offer your members.
Halloween-Themed Class Ideas
Here are some fun and spooky-themed class ideas and sample descriptions you could work on with your team to sprinkle throughout your schedule before Halloween.
Zombie Barre: Barre incorporates balance with core work. This special zombie class will get participants to challenge both by working on one limb at a time.
Scary Cycle: Make your indoor ride a frightening adventure as your instructor uses music and storytelling to set the scary scene. Experience a mix of intensity and suspense as you and your teammates ride to survive.
Pumpkin Strength: Carve muscle and build strength while having fun using a pumpkin for resistance. Take the pumpkin home after class to create your own custom jack-o’-lantern.
Glow Yoga: This gentle yoga class for all levels will help you experience poses in a new light. Be prepared to illuminate your practice with glow sticks, black lights and candles.
Virtual Halloween-Themed Class Ideas
The above classes can be offered online as well. If you have a virtual library of classes, film a few themed classes ahead of time to sprinkle in around the holiday. Film or livestream your in-person-themed classes and repurpose them for future marketing and content use. Here are some fun virtual class ideas specific to the virtual experience.
Run from a Zombie Interval Workout: If fear of the zombie apocalypse keeps you up at night, it is time to train. This workout will teach you the skills to outrun, evade and, if necessary, battle the walking dead. Press play and get ready to work on your speed, agility and strength. Train as if your life depends upon it.
Candlelight Yoga: Turn down the lights and enjoy a gentle yoga practice in the dark. No séance necessary, just you, a candle and a yoga mat.
Halloween-Themed Event Ideas
Take the experience beyond your regular schedule with some of these unique themed event ideas. You can even encourage friends and family to dress up and join in on the fun.
Halloween Pool Party: The whole family is invited to this Halloween-themed pool party. While the adults party in an aqua class, including floating pumpkins, project a family-friendly Halloween movie for the kids to enjoy while they float and play.
Trick or Treat 5k: Get out of your coffin to join other ghouls and goblins for a short run around the facility’s block. Unable to join the in-person event? Encourage participants to track their freakishly fast mileage using a treadmill on their own. I recommend offering a race shirt too.
Thriller Dance Party: Wear your Halloween best for a thriller of a good time and dance moves so good it’s scary. Mix formats like barre, Zumba, and Hip Hop together, ending the night with a group dance to the one and only “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.
Offering a few Halloween-themed fitness experiences is an excellent opportunity to provide something new and to entertain your members. If you offer the ability to bring friends and family, it can also be a perfect way for them to share the facility with others. Have fun with your team planning and preparing to make the spooky season special for your members.
