Starting Strong: Your Guide to Launching a Thriving Group Ex Class

As a group exercise instructor, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of launching your own class.

But between the initial spark of inspiration and your first “Let’s begin!” there’s a lot to plan and prepare for.

Whether you’re expanding your teaching portfolio or taking your first leap into running independent classes, this guide will help you transform your teaching dreams into a packed-out reality.

Keep your classes safe and stress-free—get access to our FREE risk assessment pack to confidently manage risks and ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Key Takeaways

• Choose Your Niche Wisely: Research your local market and align your class with both your expertise and community needs 

• Set Strong Foundations: Secure the right venue and complete any necessary risk assessment  

• Price for Success: Calculate your costs and value carefully to ensure profitability while remaining competitive 

• Market Strategically: Create a multi-channel marketing approach to build buzz and fill your class

From Idea to Identity: Choosing Your Class Superpower 

Let’s be honest – choosing what class to teach isn’t just about what you love (though that’s important!).

It’s about finding that sweet spot between your expertise, market demand, and what makes you stand out as an instructor. Start by asking yourself these key questions:

• What formats am I qualified to teach?

• Which classes energise me the most?

• What’s currently missing in my local area?

• Who is my target participant, and what do they want?

Don’t just guess – do your homework. Scope out local Facebook groups, chat with other instructors, and maybe even run a social media poll.

You might discover that while your area has plenty of HIIT classes, there’s a crying need for low-impact options or early morning sessions. Consider timing too. 

If you’re thinking about launching a pre-work class, is there actually demand for 6am workouts in your area? Sometimes, the perfect class format at the wrong time is still the wrong choice. 

Remember, your unique teaching style is your superpower. Maybe you’re fantastic at motivating beginners, or perhaps your strength lies in creating challenging, creative sequences. Let these natural talents guide your choice – authenticity is magnetic! 

Know Your Worth: Setting Your Price Point 

Pricing isn’t just about picking a number – it’s about valuing your expertise while staying competitive.

Too high, and you’ll struggle to fill spaces. Too low, and you might resent every burpee you coach!

Start with simple maths:

• Calculate your costs (venue hire, music licensing, insurance) 

• Factor in prep time and travel 

• Research local competitor prices 

• Consider your target audience’s budget

Pro tip: Don’t fall into the “bargain basement” trap. While intro offers are great for launching, your regular price should reflect your worth. Remember, you’re not just selling an hour of exercise – you’re offering expertise, motivation, and results. 

Location, Location, Location: Finding Your Perfect Teaching Space 

Your venue sets the tone for your entire class experience. The right space can elevate your offering, while the wrong one can create unnecessary challenges.  

Think beyond the basics of size and cost – consider the overall experience for your participants.

Visit potential venues during your planned class time. That perfect afternoon spot might be a noise nightmare during morning rush hour. 

Check out the parking situation, public transport links, and even the lighting at your proposed time slot. 

Consider practicalities: Is the ventilation good? Will music carry well? Is there space to store equipment? Are there toilets, and is the venue accessible—for instance, can pushchairs move in and out easily? For more tips, see our guide on venue accessibility for group exercise classes. 

These details might seem small now, but they’ll make a huge difference to your class experience. 

Safety First: Building Your Professional Foundation 

Creating a safe environment for your participants isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about building trust and professionalism from day one. 

A well-planned risk assessment gives you the confidence to focus on delivering amazing classes. 

Think through your class flow from start to finish. Consider how participants will enter and exit, where they’ll place their belongings, and how you’ll manage the space during different exercises.  

Plan for various scenarios – from minor mishaps to major emergencies to cover all bases. 

Build It and They Will Come: Marketing Magic for Group Ex Success 

Marketing your class doesn’t have to mean spending big – it’s about being smart and strategic with your approach. Start building buzz early, at least a month before your launch date.  

Create engaging social content that shows your personality and teaching style. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your preparation to build anticipation. 

You could also network with local businesses and complementary services. That local coffee shop might be perfect for posting your flyers, especially if you’re running early morning classes! 

Personal trainers might want to recommend your class to clients looking for group training options, so that’s definitely worth keeping in mind. 

Remember to focus on benefits rather than features. Instead of just describing your class, paint a picture of how it will make people feel and what problems it will solve for them. 

Tech & Admin: The Behind-the-Scenes Essentials 

Getting your systems right from the start will save you countless headaches later. Choose a booking system that’s easy for both you and your participants to use.  

Set up a simple way to collect health questionnaires, track attendance, and how you can handle payment, if that’s not part of your booking system. It’s also worth factoring in how you’ll handle last-minute cancellations and waiting lists. 

Considering how you’ll communicate with your participants outside of class time is also important. 

A dedicated class WhatsApp group or Facebook page can build community, but make sure you set clear boundaries around your availability.

Creating the Perfect Class Experience

Your class experience starts the moment someone books, and extends well beyond the workout itself.

Create a warm welcome process that helps new participants feel immediately at ease. Develop your signature coaching style that sets you apart from other instructors.

Music can make or break a class atmosphere – spend time perfecting your playlist and ensuring it flows with your class plan.

Consider how you’ll handle different fitness levels in the same class, making everyone feel challenged yet successful.

Final Thoughts: Your Success Story Starts Here 

Launching your own class is an exciting journey, and you’ve now got the roadmap to make it happen.  

Remember, every successful instructor started exactly where you are now. Take it one step at a time, stay organised, and let your passion shine through. 

Ready to take that first step? Start with safety first – download EMD UK’s free risk assessment pack and build your class on a rock-solid foundation. Your future participants are out there waiting for you!