Beyond Cardio

Walk into a modern cycling studio today and it feels different than it did a decade ago. The lights are immersive, the music syncs with the ride, and the energy is electric, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned triathlete. 

Indoor cycling has outgrown its reputation as “just cardio.” It has become a cornerstone of group training strategy. Think of indoor cycling as more of a platform that combines science, personalization, and community engagement in ways few other modalities can match. For operators, that shift carries major implications: cycling is no longer a “nice-to-have” class on the schedule, it’s a strategic anchor for member retention, revenue optimization, and brand differentiation. 

“At TOPfit Gesundheitszentrum in Nuremberg, we run more than 30 cycling classes a week. What makes it work so well is the emotional connection we build through personal engagement, powerful music, and group dynamics. It has enormous potential for team building and significantly strengthens the member’s sense of belonging. Our themed cycling events, often featuring live DJs, not only create buzz but also drive additional revenue, as our members are used to — and happy to — pay extra for unique and memorable experiences.” - Tim Sander, Operator at TOPfit Gesundheitszentrum 

Here’s what facility managers should know, do now, and plan for as cycling continues to redefine group fitness. 

1. What Facility Managers Should Know Today 

Cycling’s staying power lies in its unique ability to satisfy three converging member demands: 

• Inclusivity – joint-friendly, accessible for all ages, scalable intensity. 
• Trackable progress – live feedback, personal zones, and post-class metrics. 
• Community – riders feel part of a collective effort, not isolated on the floor. 

These qualities make cycling more than a class format; it is a cultural touchpoint within the facility. Studios with thriving cycling programs consistently outperform peers on both member engagement and retention metrics. 

“We focus heavily on making our cycling program inclusive from day one,” says Tim. “We offer intro workshops and mixed-level classes where coaches provide optional variations for every fitness level. Tools like Coach by Color give riders real-time feedback, boosting both safety and effectiveness. 

When members can track their progress, their motivation skyrockets. Nothing inspires more than seeing tangible results. And as for community, it's simple: when people train together in a supportive atmosphere, they achieve more. That’s true in life, and it’s true in fitness. 

2. What Facility Managers Should Do Now 

Audit Studio Utilization 

Cycling rooms are often under-leveraged assets. Map your daily schedule: How many hours per day is the studio dark? Introducing virtual programming (like the ICG® Virtual App) allows members to access structured rides outside of peak times, converting idle square footage into an all-day engagement hub. 

“To maximize usage during off-peak hours, we’ve introduced virtual cycling and extended our cardio floor with on-demand options,” says Tim from TOPfit Gesundheitszentrum. “This way, our cycling studio stays active and valuable throughout the day and not just during live class times.”  

Invest in Instructor Excellence 

Even the most advanced bikes underperform without strong leadership at the front of the room. Prioritize continuous education and certification for instructors. The difference between a technically skilled rider and a trained coach is retention: instructors drive emotional connection. 

“Our instructors go through regular training updates and peer feedback sessions within the team,” Tim explains. “It keeps the coaching quality high and the energy fresh. Members comment to us that they really notice the difference.”  

Standardize Member Onboarding 

A structured onboarding protocol reduces intimidation and accelerates confidence. Best practice includes: 

• A pre-class bike set up tutorial to eliminate barriers for first-time riders. 

• A Coach by Color® introduction, so members immediately understand their personal zones. 
• A progression plan communicated at signup: start with beginner-friendly rides, then gradually layer in performance challenges. 

By making onboarding consistent, facilities reduce attrition from first timers who might otherwise never return. 

“We’ve built onboarding into our overall member journey,” Tim shares. “Our coaches often recommend indoor cycling during initial cardio consultations, and we offer test classes plus beginner workshops. That early, guided exposure makes new members feel more confident and supported.”  

3. Preparing for the Future 

Hybrid Engagement Models 

Tomorrow’s members expect their indoor cycling data to travel with them from the studio to the gym floor to their smartwatch. Ensure your cycling ecosystem integrates seamlessly with wearables and third-party apps. Members who see their progress in multiple environments are far more likely to stay engaged long-term. 

Studio as Brand Beacon 

Cycling studios are increasingly becoming flagship experiences. It’s now the space members bring their friends to, the class they post about on social media, the event they remember. Facilities should invest in lighting, sound, and studio design that reinforces brand identity and makes the cycling room a signature space. 

“Eventization” and Community Expansion 

Think beyond the weekly schedule. Quarterly challenges, themed rides, and large-scale festivals expand community engagement beyond the four walls of your facility. ICG events in Europe regularly attract hundreds of participants; facilities can replicate this model locally to elevate member pride and deepen loyalty. 

4. The Playbook for Facility Leaders 

• Today: Audit underused cycling rooms, standardize onboarding, and prioritize instructor education. 
• Next 12 months: Integrate hybrid solutions, maximize ROI per square foot, and enhance studio immersion. 
• Future: Position cycling as a brand-defining experience and expand engagement through large-scale events and digital ecosystems. 

The Takeaway for Operators 

Indoor cycling has shifted from a cardio option to a strategic anchor. Facilities that focus on maximizing utilization, elevating onboarding, and future-proofing their ecosystems will reap the rewards of stickier communities, higher retention, and stronger ROI. 

As Sebastian Pfund of ICG® notes, “Cycling is where data, connection, and emotion meet. That’s why the most successful operators build from it, not around it.” 

Learn more about why the world's best indoor cycling isn't just about the bike.