The spin class has taken the fitness world by storm. More and more people are hopping on the cycle class bandwagon and more and more fitness centres are offering it as one of their main classes.
Aside from its significant calorie-burning potential, the main reason a spin class is so popular is because it is a highly enjoyable experience that makes people forget they are working out.
In order to stay competitive, it is therefore important that cycle studio owners maximise their members’ workout experiences. This involves hiring and training rockstar Spin Instructors, installing fun, dynamic and colour-changing lights, and setting up a banging sound system.
In this article, we will focus on the sound system component of your spin studio. We will outline what features you should look for in order to create a vibrant, stand-out audio environment.
Easy-To-Use
Having a sound system that is easy to use is key. Spin Instructors should be able to focus on teaching their class rather than mucking around with audio controls, so investing in sound equipment that is simple and straight-forward is a must.
Built to be Tough
An ideal spin studio sound system should also be able to handle the elements. Highly-durable audio equipment that is resistant to sweat and isn’t fragile is an important feature that gym owners should look for. This is particularly important when it comes to fitness mics, as they have the highest exposure to moisture and movement.
Our Fitness Audio Cyclemic is designed specifically for Spin Instructors. They are built in a J-shape formation that reduces exposure to sweat and ensures the mic sits comfortably on the head and won’t fall off.
Crystal-Clear Audio
A cycle studio sound system needs to be very versatile. Not only does it need to have clear music, but also clear vocal audio so that students can hear the instructional guidance of the Fitness Instructor with ease.
Music plays a huge role in spin classes, so ensuring your sound system is able to deliver high quality sound that maximises the intensity of your music is a must. The music should not, however, interfere with the Spin Instructor’s directions. So investing in fitness mics and audio mixers is also paramount.
The best way of getting the most out of your studio’s audio is to get a custom sound system installed. Fitness Audio offers custom sound system design and installation services that will guarantee stand-out audio in your studio. Our Audio Experts will work with the natural acoustics and features of your space to create a loud, clear, and invigorating sound environment.
Contact Fitness Audio now for more information!
We’ve all heard about different exercise fads that combine some form of workouts and entertainment. From cinema cycling to musical-based exercise classes, there are plenty of opportunities to combine a form of entertainment with a form of exercise in today’s world, whether you are working out at a gym or in the comfort of your own home.
While some people might find this to be a little gimmicky, there are actually plenty of reasons why it makes so much sense for exercise and entertainment to mix. Read on to find out more!
Exercise should be enjoyable
First of all, if you want to get into a continuous exercise routine, it is incredibly helpful to find a way to make exercise something that is fun, instead of a chore. One way to do this is to find a type of physical activity that you find to be particularly fun.
However, this isn’t always easy to do, especially if you are looking to make it part of a routine. Mixing exercise and entertainment adds an additional layer of enjoyment to simple cardio exercises.
You can push your body further
When you are able to take your mind off your exercise, you’ll find that you are able to keep at it for longer. When using entertainment while you exercise, it enables you to stimulate your mind, which makes your workout seem shorter and feel more invigorating.
Typically, this works better for simpler workouts, such as running or cycling, due to the fact that you want to make sure that you are maintaining safe exercise practices.
Audio and visual stimulation can improve performance
Not only can entertainment benefit your workout in taking your mind off the exercise, but the type of entertainment that you are consuming can actually make you focus even harder on your workout, if you are looking to push yourself through an intense session. Studies have shown that listening to music has an impact on the speed and stamina of athletes.
For example, a man named Leonard Ayes discovered in 1911 that cyclists would pedal faster if they were listening to a band that was playing at a high bpm. In addition, certain types of entertainment can get you in a mindset that makes it easier to focus on adrenaline, which can make it easier to push your body further.
If you run a fitness studio or gym, you can use the exercise and entertainment combination to your advantage. Providing your members with a captivating exercise environment will help them achieve a more effective workout, reach their goals, and keep coming back for more!
Contact Fitness Audio for more information on how to achieve this.
Whether you’re new to teaching outdoor fitness classes or you’ve been doing it for sometime, you’ll know that they can take a bit more time and work than traditional indoor fitness classes.
Fortunately, Fitness Audio is here to help with our top 5 tips for executing a seamless outdoor fitness class.
1. Set Up Equipment for Your Students Ahead of Time
Setting up your student’s equipment ahead of time will ensure that you can jump straight into the workout as soon as they arrive. It will also help you ensure that each student is sufficiently spread apart so they won’t interfere with one another’s workouts.
2. Maximise Portable Equipment Usage
When it comes to exercise equipment, you’ll want to ensure that the equipment you use in your class isn’t too heavy and can easily be moved around. Think kettlebells, dumbbells, jump ropes, and resistance bands.
Also, encourage your members to bring their own equipment such as yoga mats and towels. This will help you save time, save space in your car, and ensure your exercise class is as hygienic as possible.
3. If Possible, Find a Shady Area
Exercising in the heat is never fun, especially if you are in direct sunlight. Because of this, you should try to find somewhere shady where you can carry out your outdoor fitness class.
In addition, try and find somewhere close to shelter or close to an indoor space that you can rent in case it rains. This way you won’t have to cancel your classes if the weather is bad.
4. Take Advantage of the Space
One great advantage of outdoor fitness classes is that you are not confined to one room. Because of this, you should aim to take advantage of the space! Incorporate drills such as running laps and sprints into your class. This will not only get your student’s working hard, but will also help differentiate your class from others.
5. Set Up a Motivating Atmosphere
Just because you’re outside, doesn’t mean you should skimp out on music. You still want to set a pumping and motivating atmosphere that gets you clients results!
Because of this, you should invest in a portable sound system that you can take to your outdoor exercise classes. We also recommend you get a fitness microphone too so you don’t have to strain your voice and so you can ensure all your students can hear you clearly.
If you’re unsure about how to best go about getting a portable sound system for your outdoor group fitness class, talk to Fitness Audio! We will be able to inform you on what audio equipment is best for your class.
When it comes to teaching group fitness classes, there are numerous things that can go wrong. Although a lot of the time these things are out of the Fitness Instructor’s control, there are some things the Instructor can do to prevent their class from going astray.
Here are Fitness Audio’s 3 most common mistakes Group Exercise Instructors make and how to avoid them.
1. Not Building a Solid Foundation
It is of the utmost importance that Fitness Instructors ensure their students understand the basics of their class and have them mastered before progressing. Moving on too quickly or starting your classes with exercises that have a high-level of difficulty is a big no no as it will increase the likelihood of incorrect form and injury, and will discourage your students.
To prevent this, plan each class carefully to ensure you are starting with the easiest exercises and slowly increasing the difficulty level. During your class, pay close attention to each student so you can individually guide them if they need assistance.
2. Not Varying Your Classes
Not adding variation to each class is a huge mistake many Fitness Instructors make. Most people opt for group fitness classes as they find typical forms of exercise, such as running or weight training, boring and monotonous. It is therefore critical that you prevent your class from being perceived as boring and monotonous to keep your students coming back.
One of the best ways to do this is to add variation to your classes. Rather than following a similar routine or structure each class, mix it up as much as you can. Demonstrate different exercises if possible and use different types of music.
3. Not Having the Right AV Equipment
The last mistake Group Exercise Instructors make is not having the right AV equipment. This includes lights, mics, and speakers.
It is easy to prioritise exercise equipment in group fitness classes; however, this doesn’t mean AV equipment should be forgotten about.
Having a good quality sound system that ensures your voice is heard in conjunction with the music makes a significant difference in the overall quality of your class. In addition, installing fun, colour-changing lights into your studio will further boost motivation levels in your class and provide your students with a highly enjoyable workout experience.
If you’re wanting to level-up your classes' AV equipment, get in touch with Fitness Audio today. We can recommend and install state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that will compliment your space and motivate your students!
Level-up your results this year, with these three cutting-edge fitness workouts.
1. AI Science And Advanced Fitness Wearables
The world of AI technology is predicted to double from $40.74 billion in 2020 to $99.94 billion in 2023, and developments in the health and fitness industry will play a massive part in this. The rapid acceleration of AI technology means personalised training is about to go up a notch. Fusing together your biometric data, activity levels, and goals, AI-based training programs will soon be serving up highly personalised exercise regimes. Individualised workout recommendations are just the beginning; savvy exercisers will soon be able to experience bespoke workouts – with an AI-informed Personal Trainer prescribing moves tailored to suit your body, and intensity levels that peak to match your fitness. Add to this the use of smartphone sensors, computer vision, and wearable devices and the coaching can be delivered in real time.
2. Going Green With Biophilia Training
With the trend towards more holistic exercise experiences remaining strong, green activity is set to flourish. Biophilia training sessions (nature-based workouts) deliver a holistic sensory experience – giving you the chance to take in the scenery, move in the breeze, feel the earth underfoot, and smell the grass and flowers. There are numerous benefits of exercise in nature and purposeful outdoor activity has been shown to significantly improve wellbeing.
Moving forward we can expect medical professionals to increasingly prescribe outdoor activity to help improve physical fitness and wellbeing. While outdoor workouts are ideal as they combine the calming qualities of nature with the benefits of exercise, activities such as spending time simply sitting in nature are also growing in popularity. The practice of forest bathing is gaining momentum, with participants lowering stress levels and boosting their mood in as little as 20 minutes.
3. Gamification At The Gym (Or At Home)
Tech-based workouts have been on the scene for some time, but innovation in this space is accelerating, with a raft of gamified training options and technologically-inspired exercise on the horizon. Gaming authorities report that two out of three Americans are now playing video games at least once a week – doing so to unwind, relieve stress, and have fun. These psychological and physical benefits can peak when the gaming is fused with physical activity.
No longer is it just tech companies dabbling in the fitness space, now highly-effective science-backed training programs are leveraging virtual reality and being adopted by the masses. Researchers have identified the ability to score exercise points, leader boards, unlockable content, levels, badges, and challenges and quests as the most popular ways to bolster workout motivation, so we can expect more of this in the future. Combine this with connected trackers, and thriving online fitness communities, and you’ll have increasing opportunities to enjoy the motivation of a group while you get your fitness fix at home.
Group exercise studios are starting to serve up a new generation of immersive workouts where music, visuals, wearables, and Fitness Instructors combine in an exhilarating exercise experience. Down the track, virtual reality machines could soon become more prevalent on gym floors and clubs could offer high-tech cycles and treadmills that push your limits with racing games.
“The cultural convergence between fitness and gaming is sparking exciting collaborations and innovative products. You can now be transported into the middle of the most popular martial arts workout on the planet.” Rachael Newsham, Les Mills Program Director.
There are many exciting new fitness trends on the horizon and getting in early to introduce them into your group exercise class is a great way to stay competitive and attract new members!
Just remember that whatever new trend you integrate into your fitness club, it will always go better with music. So make sure you have high-quality sound equipment in your gym!
Article courtesy of Les Mills Asia Pacific.
You may have seen or heard about Silent Sound Systems on TV or online. If you haven’t, a Silent Sound System gives Fitness Instructors the ability to hold classes just about anywhere: parks, parking lots, huge auditoriums, and any other areas that don’t allow loud sound that have previously been off-limits to group fitness classes!
What is a Silent Sound System?
A Silent Sound System is a completely wireless PA system that operates through noise-cancelling headphones worn by each participant, all wirelessly connected to the same sound source.
What that means is that the Group Fitness Instructor teaches through a wireless headset microphone and all the class members follow along while listening through their own set of wireless noise-cancelling headphones.
The Set Up
The whole system can be housed in an easy to move rolling rack (you do need an outlet to power it though). The Fitness Instructor can use their smart device to play their music through the sound system and participants listen through their own set of headphones.
The Transmitter and Headphones
Depending on the transmitter, you have a range of between 180 to over 5200 metres, so you don’t need to worry about social distancing or being heard. In addition, your headphones should have a battery life of around 11 hours.
The Experience
The Silent Fitness Class experience is seamless for your members. Using state-of-the-art technology, there is no lag time from the Instructor giving directions to the participants hearing them, resulting in a one-of-a-kind immersive group event. In addition, the headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and adjustable, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.
If you have any questions, Fitness Audio can help you decide which set up is best for your budget and needs.
Contact us here!
At Fitness Audio, we think that Fitness Instructors should be able to focus on delivering excellent classes instead of getting distracted by complex and temperamental audio equipment. It is for this reason that we design and manufacture gym and fitness centre sound systems that are very easy to set up, use, and pack up.
We do believe, however, that all Fitness Instructors should know the basics of how their microphone systems work. This way they are more readily equipped to tackle any issues in the rare chance that a complication does arise. Because of this, we have put together this simple guide on how wireless microphone systems work.
The Basics
Wireless mic systems have been a game changer for the fitness industry. They provide Fitness Instructors with greater freedom to move around so that they can demonstrate all exercises without being restricted by wires and cables.
The basic principle behind a wireless microphone system involves converting the audio input at the microphone into a radio signal that can be transmitted to a receiver and turned into an audio signal that can be played out by the speakers.
To do this, you need three pieces of equipment: a microphone, a transmitter, and a receiver.
The Microphone
Most Fitness Instructors are already aware of what a microphone is. The important thing to note, however, is that there are three types you can choose between in a wireless mic system. These include a handheld mic, a lapel mic, or a head worn mic.
If you’re looking for a microphone to teach a fitness class, you definitely want to go for a head worn mic. This will give you the greatest freedom to move around and prevent microphone feedback.
The Transmitter
Transmitters are the main point of difference between wireless and corded microphone systems. They work by capturing the audio input from your microphone and converting them into radio signals that can be detected by the receiver.
Like microphones, there are three main types of transmitters:
- Bodypack transmitters. These are worn on the body somewhere (usually in a mic belt).
- Headset transmitters. These attach directly onto the frame of your head worn microphone.
- Handheld transmitters. These are held in your hand or placed in your pocket (not recommended for Group Fitness Instructors).
The Receiver
Once the transmitter releases the radio signal, it will be picked up by your receiver where the carrier frequency will be decoded and recovered into audio. The receiver will then release this audio out through your speakers.
You should always look for a receiver that has two antennas. This allows your receiver to pick up the strongest signal possible from your transmitter to ensure good-quality, clear audio.
For any additional questions on wireless mic systems or to find one that suits your gym, get in contact with Fitness Audio today!
Installing a quality sound system in your gym can be costly, however it is a worthwhile investment that we believe all fitness centres should make.
Having crystal-clear audio in all parts of your gym is one of the best ways to improve member retention and attract new customers. This is because it provides a much more positive workout experience for not only your members, but also your staff. Your members will be able to workout to pumping, high-quality music while your Fitness Instructors will be able to deliver clear and concise instructions, without straining their voices.
The best way to maximise audio quality in your gym is to get a custom sound solution installed. This involves having an audio professional inspect your space, and design a custom sound install that will suit your studio and make use of its natural acoustics to produce an unforgettable audio environment.
The audio professional will advise you on what equipment you do and do not need, where to position it to get the most bang for your buck, and complete all installations so you don’t have to! They can also help troubleshoot any problems you may encounter post-installation.
For more information on our Fitness Audio custom sound solutions, contact our team today.
If we told you, “good music boosts your workout,” you surely wouldn’t be surprised. We’ve all experienced the extra oomph that can come when a perfect song comes onto our playlist while we’re out running. The right rhythm can coordinate your steps and help you pick up the pace. It can encourage you to push yourself when you don’t want to. It’s especially effective in classes since the music provides an external cue for rhythmic coordination.
Music is such a powerful aid that athletic competitions restrict the use of personal music, just in case it creates an unfair advantage. But how does it work? And how can you get the most out of it? Read on to find out.
Pain Relief
One of the primary ways that music aids a workout is by providing natural pain relief. This is especially applicable when you’re listening to your own favourite jam. Hearing a beloved tune naturally releases feel-good chemicals in the body, which have a powerful ability to counter signals of pain and fatigue. Some studies have found that music can have as powerful an effect on stress and negativity as medication - and it’s side-effect free!
Keeps You Motivated
Music keeps us going for longer than we would otherwise for a few reasons. First, as mentioned above, it boosts your mood, which helps you power past the walls that would otherwise block you. Secondly, it acts as a distraction, so that your brain listens to the words and melody, rather than the body’s complaints that it’s tired. Thirdly, the act of listening to music makes the experience more enjoyable, which means that you’ll want to keep on exercising for longer.
In a study of seniors, individuals were told to work out a certain amount per week; some were told to exercise without music, others were told to play their own music, and a third group was given a playlist specifically tailored to the workout. The group with a specially tailored mix worked out over 200 minutes more per week than the first group, showing that the simple addition of music can have significant positive effects on your lifestyle.
Matching the Rhythm
One of the reasons that aerobics and spin instructors love to use music is that it helps the whole room become more in sync. Did you know that this synchronising effect can even help you be more efficient with your oxygen use?
An external cue coordinating your movements means less missteps, and better consistency with your movement’s rhythm. Several studies have found that cyclists listening to music used 7% less oxygen than someone not listening to music during the same workout.
Scientists have found that at rest, our body’s natural system tends to fall into a rhythm of about 120 bpm (or two beats per second.) However, our motivation increases as we listen to faster beats, levelling out around 145 bpm. In numerous surveys, it was found that for cardio workouts, people prefer music that measures about 160 bpm.
Some Tips to Make it Work for You
Whether you’re putting together a playlist for your own workout, or helping to motivate others as an Instructor, matching your song choices with the ideal paces below can make music a more effective aid.
- Cycling: 130-170 bpm
- Running 150-175 bpm
- Walking 135-140 bpm
- Swimming 140-160 bpm.
Another important thing to note is that whatever the rhythm or inherent qualities of the music, people respond best to music that they like and are familiar with. So, even if someone isn’t usually a fan of jazz, they’ll get more out of it when it’s familiar to them than if it’s their first time listening. So remember to use popular songs that will be familiar to your class, and don’t be afraid to use some of your own favourite songs a few times over again.
One more thing: people are found to respond with coordination and increased motivation even more when the beat is strong and the music-listening experience is immersive. So, make sure that you have the right sound system working for you in order to help people come away with the best workout experience ever!
To find the perfect sound system for your studio, contact the Fitness Audio team today.
Having the right audio visual equipment plays an important role in differentiating your fitness centre from the rest. It will increase member retention, bring new customers in, and make your gym a more enjoyable place to work.
There are a few things you need to consider before purchasing any AV equipment, however. Here are Fitness Audio’s top 4.
1. Placement and Accessibility
The placement of your audio visual equipment can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your gym. Properly positioning your speakers around your studio with consideration of room size, ceiling height, and many other factors will maximise the audio potential of your sound system and create a high-quality, clear, and vibrant sound environment that will motivate your members. Because of this, Fitness Audio always recommends you get a professional to set up your audio equipment for you.
You also want to ensure that any wires coming from your speakers are hidden to maximise aesthetics and reduce any tripping hazards.
Lastly, the placement of your sound/lighting controls should also be considered. Ensuring they are positioned somewhere where your Instructors can easily access them will ensure a much smoother group fitness class experience for both your Instructors and your members.
2. Group and Individual Use
If your fitness centre offers group exercise classes as well as a gym floor where members can workout individually, you’ll need to think about having different types of sound systems for each room.
While you can get away with having a simple sound system for your gym floor, you’ll likely need a more complex system that allows for the use of fitness mics in your group exercise rooms.
3. Ease of Use
It’s easy to forget that your Fitness Instructors are fitness experts - not necessarily AV experts. Because of this, you need to ensure that your lighting and sound systems are easy to control and the control panels are easy to use. This way, they can spend more time focussing on delivering an amazing fitness class and less time messing around with the sound and lighting.
4. Member Expectations
Fitness centre expectations are as high as ever these days. Most customers will expect you to have a high-quality sound system, an extensive range of workout equipment, and fun, flashy lights in your group fitness studios. Because of this, you need to ensure all components of your gym meet and exceed these expectations.
When it comes to AV equipment in particular, some things you should think about are the quality of your sound and lighting systems, the distribution of sound and light around your gym, the acoustics of your studio, the soundproofing of separate rooms, and the availability and positioning of screens around your gym to keep your members entertained while they workout.
It can be daunting thinking about all the things you need to consider prior to purchasing your gym’s AV equipment. Fortunately, Fitness Audio is here to help.
Our team of fitness centre AV Professionals will advise you on what you do and do not need in your gym and how you should best go about setting up your sound and lighting systems.
For more information, call us today!
Barre is very much an up-and-coming fitness class. More and more Barre studios are starting to open up and more and more gyms are starting to implement it as a regular class.
This is great news for Barre students, but not necessarily good news for Barre Instructors and Studio Owners. More competition means more chance of losing members to other Barre studios.
In order to avoid this, you need to keep your Barre class competitive so you can maximise member retention and stay in business! Here are some of Fitness Audio’s top tips for levelling-up your Barre class.
Learn to Count Music
Barre is a form of choreography. This means it is all about the music. In order to instruct an effective Barre class, it is therefore important that you learn how to count music. To do this, you need to be able to listen to the beat of the music, match the tempo of your class to the beat, and talk in time to the beat of the music.
This can be tricky at first, but remember that practice makes perfect!
Curate Your Playlist
When it comes to putting together your Barre class playlist, you’ll need to think about whether you want to mix up your tempo or keep it consistent throughout your class. This is entirely up to you and the type of class you want to deliver. Keeping BPM consistent may be a good idea for beginners, but mixing it up can add more variation to your class.
Like most group fitness classes, well-known, popular songs are most effective at boosting motivation in Barre classes.
Get the Most Out of Your Sound
When it comes to group exercise classes, your music is nothing if you don’t have a solid sound system. In order to pump clear, loud, and quality-sounding music in your studio, you need quality speakers spread out throughout your room.
You’ll also want to ensure you can deliver crystal-clear instructions to your class without being overpowered by your music. In order to achieve this, it is beyond worthwhile investing in a fitness microphone and an audio mixer.
Sound equipment can be complicated, especially if your specialty is fitness, not audio. If you need any help with your sound system and microphones, we recommend you give Fitness Audio a call. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you on what audio products you do and do not need.
Music is a powerful tool for an effective workout, a fact that scientists have studied since 1911, when it was found that cyclists pedalled faster with the musical accompaniment of a band. A (much) more recent study found that treadmill runners had 15% more endurance with motivational music, versus running in silence. In fitness classes, race events, and personal workouts, most of us utilise the motivational power of music to keep a consistent pace, coordinate with others, and have a more enjoyable exercise experience.
According to a review published in International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, the motivational power of music lies in four important factors: rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact, and association. Since three of these categories can be highly subjective, this article will focus on the one that’s relatively simple to calculate: rhythm response.
Choosing the Ideal BPM
Rhythm response refers to the pacing of the beat, which has a direct correlation to heart rate when it comes to helping athletes keep pace and stay motivated. 60-100 beats per minute (BPM) is the average resting rate for healthy adults. While working out, individuals experience heart rates that can go as high as 200 BPM.
That being said, it’s important to note that heart rate can differ greatly from one person to another, and determining your ideal heart rate for a warm-up, fat-burning workout, or endurance-building drills is a matter of individual calculation. However, general estimates place a “moderate” exercise level (ideal for aerobic fitness and burning fat) at 130-150 BPM. What’s fascinating is that the majority of popular songs fall within that range, since people gravitate towards beats that pump them up.
Playlists in Group Fitness Classes
When it comes to putting together a motivating playlist for a group exercise class, it’s important to consider popularity as well as BPM. Familiarity with the music that’s being played is just as important in boosting motivation as BPM. Because of this, you should opt for music that is well-known and popular.
If you do run a group fitness class, you’ll also want to ensure you have a quality sound system that compliments your playlist and allows you to instruct your class over the music.
You can view Fitness Audio’s full range of gym sound systems here or contact us for more information!
Online fitness classes are becoming more and more popular. They allow for greater flexibility for both Instructors and attendants and give Group Fitness Instructors a platform to teach without having to splurge on a studio and equipment or work for another gym.
They do, however, present a number of challenges not seen in in-person classes. In order to face these challenges front-on and run a successful online fitness class, here are Fitness Audio’s top tips.
1. Have the Right Lighting
Having the right lighting is paramount when it comes to any type of group fitness class. You need to ensure that your lighting is the right level of brightness so that your class can see you sufficiently. Try to use natural light to the best of your ability. If you are holding your class in the evening or don’t get a lot of natural light in your room, it is worthwhile investing in lighting equipment, such as a ring light.
2. Ensure Your Camera Positioning is Optimal
Where you position your camera makes a huge difference in teaching virtual fitness classes. You need to position it far enough so that your audience can see your full body, however not so far that it will impact the visibility of your workout routine.
The best thing to do is to experiment before your class and mark out the position where you think visibility is optimal. Don’t be afraid to ask your students for feedback on how well they can see you during your class too.
3. Think About Your Audio Setup
Whether you’re teaching an in-person or online group fitness class, having a quality audio setup is of the utmost importance. You need to ensure that your class can hear you clearly and that your music does not overpower your instructions. Because of this, we always recommend Fitness Instructors invest in a wireless headmic and a mixer. This will guarantee crystal-clear audio and give you control over your voice-to-music balance.
4. Consider Your Music Options
Unfortunately, playing music in online fitness classes is not as easy as in face-to-face fitness classes. Your music can sound crackly and low-quality over streaming services, particularly if your attendants don’t have the best speakers on their devices. Because of this, many online Fitness Instructors tell their students to play their own music, or even share playlists with them.
Like with your camera positioning, the best thing to do to tackle this issue is to experiment. Play music over a practice call and see how it sounds when you stream the call from various devices.
5. Keep Your Background Simple
It is particularly important that you keep your background as simple as possible for virtual classes. If someone looks away and then back at the device, you want to be the focal point that catches their eye. Performing in front of a plain wall with minimal furniture/decorations in the background is the way to go.
You also want to minimise external distractions. To do this, avoid teaching in front of or next to any windows and keep pets and children away!
6. Connect with Your Audience
One of the biggest challenges of any type of online class is that it’s not as easy for teachers to connect with their audience. It is important to still try, however. Always greet your students at the start of the class and ask about their days. Also consider giving them an opportunity at the end of the class where they can unmute and talk to you and other attendees. Making the effort to form relationships with your students will improve loyalty to your class and maximise student retention.
7. Smile
Last but not least, smile! It’s the easiest way to win over your audience and set a friendly and positive vibe to your class.
If you need assistance with getting the right sound equipment for your online exercise class, get in touch with Fitness Audio today. We will be able to advise you on what products are worthwhile and which ones you won’t need.
Storing your fitness microphone properly is critical in preventing damages and avoiding equipment loss - particularly when you're on the move.
With many Exercise Instructors choosing to use their own headmic to teach their classes, having a good storage container where you can put your microphone when travelling to and from the gym is a must!
Because of this, Fitness Audio has designed a Microphone Case specifically for this purpose. With a hard and durable outer-case, a zipper and plenty of space inside, you can store your fitness mic, spare windscreens and Aeromic Pouchbelt safely.
With 8 ventilation holes, the Fitness Audio Mic Case can store and dry-out your mic simultaneously while you move around. This prevents moisture build-up that can result from storing sweaty headmics insufficiently and reduces the likelihood of sweat-related microphone damages from occurring.
The Mic Case is designed to hold any of our microphones - the Aeromic, Cyclemic, EMic and Fitness Mic, as well as other types of headmics.
Don't let your microphone get around sweaty and unprotected - get your Fitness Audio Headmic Case today!
Great sound and lighting are critical to the indoor cycling experience, yet the devil is in the detail – and those details can sometimes be overlooked. John Penhallow of Fitness Audio shares five tips to maximise the impact of the AV in your cycling studio.
1. Do a ‘Clap Test’
Go into the space you’re planning to use for your cycling studio and simply clap your hands together. The objective here is to listen to what comes back; if you hear too much sound bouncing back, you’ll need to reduce the room’s r everb time, which will mean looking at ways to deaden or dry out the sound.
Start with the floor: you can get great rubber tiles made from recycled tyres these days, which not only absorb sound but are easy to clean. On the walls, while mirrors can be us ed behind the Spin Instructor’s position, resist the urge to put them all the way down the wall: they reflect sound and therefore increase the risk of mic feedback. Consider using sound - absorbing panels mounted on the walls or hung from high ceilings, too, to further ‘dry out’ the reverb time.
2. Loudspeaker Etiquette
Out of consideration for any neighbours, your loudspeakers should be hung where the sound – and especially bass frequencies – don’t travel up - or downstairs through structural supports or solid outer walls.
If you’re lucky enough to have a hung ceiling, ask the Installer to provide hanging horizontal brackets that can be tilted down, so the sound can be directed straight at your class participants.
Two x 25cm two - way powered or passive speakers should be enough to cover 20 bikes in a squash court - sized room. Go to four speakers if the room is big enough for 40 bikes, but hang the second pair halfway down the room, facing the back, rather than in the rear corners. Putting speakers in all four corners of the studio, all firing sound at the Fitness Instructor, reduces the maximum voice level (volume) the mic can operate at before feedback starts – and we all know how awful that sounds!
3. Get the Right Mic For the Job
Instructing a cycling class is one of the sweatiest jobs around, and sweat is a mortal enemy for many microphones. Cheap, poor - quality microphones will not last more than a couple of months in a spin studio environment.
Meanwhile, the right mic makes for a happy Instructor , which makes for a happy class, which makes for a happy business!
Our Cyclemic was created specifically with Cycle Instructors in mind. Its unique J - curve design drains the sweat away from the frame and the mic’s important features. Because of this, we o ffer a two - year warranty against ‘death by sweat’ for our Cyclemics!
Our wireless mic systems are also all equipped with our exclusive sweat - protected circuit board. This will prevent sweat from entering your mic system’s electronics and damaging them.
4. One Stream of Sound
The role of an audio mixer is to blend the Spin Instructor’s voice over the music they are playing. This ensures that all spin class attendees can hear the Instructor clearly and follow all instructions with ease.
A problem many F itness Studios experience is purchasing an old hi - fi system that has no dedicated microphone inputs or volume control. This makes it impossible to control the voice - to - music audio ratio and as a result, many Instructors find themselves needing to scream ov er the music to be heard.
Another mistake is buying a modern system that connects various speakers via Bluetooth. While there is an “Aux Input” available for a wireless mic system and you can mix it with the music, there is an unfortunate delay applied t o the mic input too. This is because the main speaker has to send the mix to the slave speakers wirelessly. These audio delays can be very disruptive for Fitness Instructors and class attendees alike.
The solution to both these problems is to build your own sound system. Start with a mixer, and then get your speakers, fitness microphones, receiver, and anything else you may need for your class. It’s important you invest in a good - quality mixer, such as our Aeromix 2+2SR or our brand new Aeromix 3+5LS.
R egardless of which mixer you go for, you should make sure that it has separate Bass and Treble Controls for both the Mic Input and the Music or Line Inputs. Any mixer that has only one set of tone controls will produce uneven and poorly - sounding audio.
O ur Aeromix Mixers have separate tone controls and the Master Volume control is hidden away on the back. This way, Instructors can set and forget the sound system and focus on delivering an A+ spin class. Our new 3+5LS Mixer also has 3 additional features. A digital output for live streaming classes, a built in Limiter to hold the sound at a pre - set level, and a special input for Virtual Cycling Class soundtracks. This ensures that your clients can’t alter the volume of your sound without consulting a staff member first.
5. LED Lighting - Creates the Atmosphere
So, you have great sound in your studio, but something is missing. The atmosphere isn’t quite right.
It’s time to take a look at your lighting: cold white fluorescent strip lights across the ceil ing are guaranteed to kill the mood!
Instead, you should opt for dynamic, colour - changing LED strip lighting. If possible, get a lighting system that is programmable, and allows you to play pre - set light shows that move with the rhythm of your music.
Th is will create an engaging, motivational atmosphere that will leave your customers wanting more and looking forward to their next visit!
For more information on enhancing the AV in your spin studio, get in touch with Fitness Audio today!
