Kick start 2026 with confidence and clarity

January is an important and exciting time of year in the group exercise calendar. While operators work hard to bring in new members, group exercise is often a big draw, giving you an opportunity to shine.

January is an important and exciting time of year in the group exercise calendar. While operators work hard to bring in new members, group exercise is often a big draw, giving you an opportunity to shine. You might see an initial spike in class numbers as members return with new intentions, lapsed participants rediscover their motivation and many people walk into a studio for the first time.

For instructors, this is the time to focus on making a good impression. A strong start to the year can lift your confidence, increase retention, strengthen your business and set the pace for the months ahead.

Preparing early is essential. The challenges instructors commonly face throughout the year, such as time poverty, fluctuating class numbers and business overwhelm, can intensify at the start of the year. Being ready before the rush puts you in control from day one.

Preparing your class material for the New Year

Your class content is at the heart of what you do. Many participants expect for your class to have new content at the beginning of the year and so taking time to refresh your content now will make January smoother and far more enjoyable.

Many instructors find it useful to plan January in themes. A technique refresher series, a strength reset or a simple back to basics month gives structure and helps returning members settle back in. These themes also resonate well with beginners who may feel nervous about joining a class for the first time.

You may also want to consider how your class themes could appeal to a new audience. As covered in this blog by Will Brereton on men in group exercise, you might want to consider how to draw in more male members, and this could apply to any demographic, such as younger members, or members from a particular race or ethnic background.

Community remains one of the strongest motivators in early year participation, so weaving this into your programming can help members feel connected from the start.

Some helpful preparations include:
• Refreshing progressions and regressions so you can support mixed ability groups.
• Updating playlists and cueing notes.
• Preparing simple variations to use if class numbers spike or space becomes tight.
• Creating two or three ready made warm up or finisher options to rotate through busy weeks.

These small steps help you begin 2026 with confidence and ease.

Strengthening your processes behind the scenes

If you’re ever felt overstretched in January, it may well have stemmed from a lack of process, or less efficient processes. A few improvements can prevent stress and streamline your workload.

Start by reviewing your booking platform. Make sure your timetable is correct, your cancellation window is fair and your automated messages sound warm and welcoming. For many participants, your first message is their first impression of you. Clarity helps people feel safe and informed.

You might also prepare short comms templates to send on email or through WhatsApp, depending on what platform you use, such as:
• A welcome message for new joiners.
• A reminder of what to bring.
• A short note about how to prepare for a particular session or programme.

These templates remove the need for last minute typing between classes and keep your communication consistent. 

Preparing your fitness business for a successful year

A thriving class relies on more than strong delivery. Good business planning gives you stability and protects your wellbeing. This is the perfect time to review your insurance, check your qualifications and ensure your compliance is fully up to date. 

Hot tip: You can get up to 65% off a range of CPD recognised courses here until March 2026.

This is also a great time to look at pricing, costs and income goals. You might be surprised to see how much costs have risen, and if your prices haven’t risen to match, your income can quickly become unsustainable. A New Year is a natural moment to adjust.

Marketing is another area that benefits from early planning. Decide what you want members to know in January. Availability posts, member stories, familiar faces and clear signposting of what your classes offer can perform well at this time of year.

A simple weekly plan might include a class reminder, a behind the scenes moment, a member testimonial and a useful tip. Consistency is far more important than perfection.

Supporting your mindset and emotional wellbeing as an instructor

Your mindset is a major part of your professional success. January can feel fast paced and emotionally demanding. Taking time to reflect before the year begins helps you step into 2026 grounded and prepared.

You may want to ask yourself a few questions. What worked well last year? What drained you? What boundaries do you need to protect your wellbeing? What do you want to stop doing? These reflections help you identify patterns early so you can avoid burnout later.

It is also helpful to connect with peers. Instructor isolation is a common challenge, yet peer support is one of the strongest protective factors for confidence and resilience. Whether online or in person, finding a space where you can share wins and worries makes a noticeable difference. 

Sorting the logistics that make everything easier

Logistics might be simple but they can transform the feel of your classes. Check your microphone batteries, refresh worn resistance bands, tidy your music folders and ensure your set up routine still works for you. Arriving calm and organised gives your participants confidence in you and creates a positive atmosphere from the moment they walk in.

Even practical things like travel time matter. Winter traffic and busy car parks can increase stress, so giving yourself extra minutes helps you begin each session feeling steady.

Why a strong start to 2026 matters for instructors

A solid January gives you more than a busy timetable. It shapes how you feel about your work, how members respond to you and how your business performs across the year. When you begin with clarity and intention, you tend to see better retention, more committed members and a calmer, more enjoyable teaching rhythm.

Similarly if you start the year without a plan, you might find yourself reacting rather than leading, feeling rushed or not on top of things. This can knock your confidence and create a ripple effect that lasts longer than expected. It might become harder to keep communication consistent, and your class members will start to sense it too. 

How to start strong as a group exercise instructor in 2026

Starting the year well is about more than new playlists or refreshed routines. It is about creating the foundations that allow you to deliver your best work. With thoughtful preparation, clear processes and a supportive mindset, you can step into 2026 feeling organised, energised and ready to help your community move more.

Remember that EMD UK is here to support you with trusted resources, expert guidance and community centred content, whether you need inspiration for class planning, clarity on compliance or encouragement when class numbers fluctuate, members can access over 250 resources for free. 

Kick Start 2026: Instructor Preparation Checklist