Darren Lee discusses why supporting instructors (not replacing them) is the key to the next indoor cycling evolution
Indoor cycling has reached a fascinating point in its evolution. On one side, we’re seeing an explosion of creativity. High-energy, immersive, non-traditional classes are bringing atmosphere, emotion and accessibility into studios like never before. These sessions are engaging, inclusive and – importantly – fun. They’ve opened the door for entirely new audiences to step into a cycling studio without fear or intimidation.
On the other side, indoor cycling still holds something incredibly powerful – something no other group X format quite matches. At its core, it remains a structured, performance-based training modality built around one of the most accurate and valuable metrics in fitness: power. Both of these worlds matter. Both deserve a place in the modern studio.
And yet, despite all of this potential, indoor cycling is facing a quiet but noticeable decline in some areas. Studios aren’t as full as they once were. Some operators are reducing timetable space; others are questioning whether cycling still deserves its position at the heart of group exercise. The reality is, indoor cycling isn’t broken. But the way we’re delivering it might be.
This isn’t an instructor problem
It’s important to start in the right place because, too often, the conversation goes in the wrong direction. Indoor cycling instructors are not the issue. In fact, they are the strongest asset the category has. They bring energy into the room, they create community and they give people a reason to come back week after week. Many are delivering exceptional experiences under increasingly demanding conditions.
The challenge is not capability: it’s expectation. Over time, the role of the indoor cycling instructor has quietly expanded into something far bigger than it was ever designed to be. Today, instructors are expected to coach, entertain, structure sessions, understand physiology, manage mixed-ability groups, deliver progression, navigate music and often troubleshoot technology – all within a single class.
That’s not just instruction; that’s multi-layered performance delivery.
And, while many instructors rise to the challenge, the reality is that this level of responsibility is difficult to sustain consistently across an entire timetable, across multiple instructors, in multiple studios.
So, when class quality varies or when sessions become unbalanced, it isn’t due to a lack of effort.
It’s a lack of support.
“The next evolution of indoor cycling isn’t about asking instructors to do more; it’s about giving them the tools to do less of the wrong things and more of the right ones.”
Two styles, one studio
The modern indoor cycling studio is no longer defined by a single format. Instead, it operates across two distinct styles, both of which bring real value. Non-traditional classes – often rhythm driven, choreographed and experience led – have grown rapidly in recent years. These sessions thrive on music, energy and atmosphere. They are highly accessible and create an emotional connection that keeps riders engaged. For many participants, this is their entry point into cycling.
At the same time, traditional power-based cycling remains one of the most effective training methods available in a group setting. Built around measurable output in watts, it allows riders of all abilities to train together while working at an intensity that is specific to them. It offers structure, progression and tangible results. The issue isn’t choosing between these styles; it’s trying to deliver both – without the infrastructure to support either properly.
A gentle reality check
Let’s address something with a touch of humour. Across the industry, there has been significant investment in premium indoor bikes. These bikes are capable of measuring power, tracking performance and delivering a fully data-driven experience. They are, in many ways, high-performance training tools.
And yet, in many studios, those same bikes are used purely for riding to music, following the beat and enjoying the atmosphere.
Which, to be clear, is a great experience.
But it does create a slightly awkward situation where one of the most advanced pieces of fitness equipment available is being used in exactly the same way as a basic, non-connected bike.
At that point, you do have to wonder whether we’re unlocking their full potential or simply enjoying a very premium version of something much simpler.
“Indoor cycling is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. Power-based training provides a level of accuracy and individualisation that few other group formats can match.”
Where software changes everything
This is where the conversation becomes more interesting – and more optimistic. The next evolution of indoor cycling isn’t about asking instructors to do more; it’s about giving them the tools to do less of the wrong things and more of the right ones. Modern software platforms are now capable of taking on many of the responsibilities that previously sat entirely with the instructor. In power-based classes, this means removing the need for complex onboarding processes such as formal FTP testing, automatically scaling intensity for each rider, and ensuring that sessions are structured within safe and effective physiological limits. It means tracking progression over time and integrating performance data seamlessly into the class experience.
In simple terms, the system handles the science, while the instructor focuses on coaching and delivery.
For non-traditional classes, software brings a different kind of enhancement. By controlling screen visuals, colour schemes and environmental effects, it adds a visual layer to complement the music and coaching. The class becomes more immersive, not through added complexity but through better integration of the tools already in the room.
What’s important here is that both styles benefit, without increasing the burden on the instructor.
Rebalancing responsibility
This shift represents a subtle but important change in how we think about indoor cycling. For years, the industry has placed increasing responsibility on instructors to deliver everything – experience, structure, progression and accuracy. But the reality is that consistency at scale doesn’t come from individuals alone. It comes from systems that support those individuals. When instructors are supported properly, something interesting happens. Confidence improves. Delivery becomes more consistent. The overall experience elevates – not because instructors are doing more but because they are freed to focus on what they do best.
The opportunity ahead
The broader fitness industry is moving rapidly towards personalisation and data-driven experiences. Consumers are becoming more aware of how they train, what they achieve and how they progress.
Indoor cycling is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. Power-based training provides a level of accuracy and individualisation that few other group formats can match.
At the same time, the demand for engaging, experience-led classes is stronger than ever. The studios that succeed will not choose one over the other. They will combine both, using intelligent systems to bridge the gap between experience and performance.
Final thought
Indoor cycling doesn’t need reinventing. It already has everything it needs – great instructors, powerful equipment and a format that works. What it needs is rebalancing: less pressure on instructors to do everything; more support from systems that handle complexity; and a clearer understanding of how different class styles can coexist and complement each other. Because, when you remove the weight from instructors, you don’t lose quality, you unlock it.
And, when that happens, indoor cycling doesn’t just survive. It leads again.
Read more in this blog about the fundamentals of indoor cycling
Darren Lee
Darren Lee is CEO of CicloZone. A former elite cyclist, Darren is internationally renowned as a specialist in cycle-based power concept training for athletes from all sports, working as a consultant to top cycle studios and strength and conditioning coaches all over Europe.
