Spin Instructor: Job Description, Income & Salary, & How To Become

Do you ever find yourself yearning to switch places with your Spin Instructor?

Would you like to get paid to help people reach their fitness goals?

Since bursting onto the global fitness scene in the mid-80s, Spinning has gained a massive following of loyal indoor cyclists.

It has not disappeared like many other fitness fads and continues to have tremendous staying power.

Whether you’re ready to make a career change or just want to turn a hobby into income, you could discover a new lease on life as a certified Spin Instructor.

What is a Spin Instructor?

Spin Instructors are also called indoor cycling instructors.

These fitness professionals oversee and execute Spinning courses for a living, riding at the head of a Spin class.

They ride at the head to lead their classes through indoor cycling workouts on stationary bikes. Spin Instructors must plan and oversee several groups every week.

What Does a Spin Instructor Do?

Spin Instructors teach fitness groups that use stationary bikes to exercise.

They oversee group cycling sessions and ensure students use the proper form to achieve the best results.

Successful instructors will have plenty of strategies to keep their classes motivated and energized.

They pick all the music playlists to accommodate different tastes and choreograph routines for different skill levels.

What Does a Spin Instructor Usually Focus On?

Once Spin Instructors have completed their training certification, they can officially aid students in their fitness goals through stationary biking.

A Spin Instructor is also a part-time DJ.

They find the perfect music to motivate their students and keep them pumped about Spinning.

Spin Instructor Job Description

Aside from giving instruction, leading, and motivating their classes, Spin Instructors have many other duties and responsibilities.

Good instructors help students with more than just stationary biking.

They also provide helpful stretching exercises, warm-ups, and cool-down periods as needed.

Instructors must plan several different curriculums for each class and prepare appropriate playlists.

It is sometimes also expected to set up equipment and take it down after class.

A successful instructor is available to their students to answer questions, provide feedback, and cultivate a positive experience.

Top Spin Instructor Jobs and Careers

Plentiful job opportunities are available for people who want to turn their passion for Spinning into a fulfilling and successful career.

Read on to learn about different types of Spin Instructors and where to find the perfect Spinning Instructor job for you.

Endurance Based Cycling Instructors

Endurance-based cycling is a type of Spinning class that involves low-intensity workouts for significantly extended periods.

These Spin Instructors teach students how to build their abilities for a prolonged period.

HIIT Cycling Instructors

HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training.

This cardiovascular-focused Spinning technique burns calories very quickly, much faster than a long run or a regular bike ride.

HIIT Spin Instructors tend to have shorter, more intense classes that help students burn fat without losing muscle tone.

Beat Based Cycling Instructors

Beat-based cycling takes the musicality of Spin class and kicks it up a notch.

While music in a traditional Spin class is in the background, beat-based cycling puts the music in the foreground.

The music is crucial because beat-based Spin instructors use it to drum up a super intense class that feels more like a dance party than an exercise regimen.

Where Can a Spin Instructor Work?

Wherever a Spin Instructor works, there has to be at least one stationary bike.

Usually, instructors lead classes in gyms, community health centers, public parks, and country clubs.

They can even make house calls for private Spin sessions or teach classes and training programs online with virtual lessons.

What It’s Like to be a Spin Instructor

Whether you want to go all in and teach Spinning full-time or plan to treat it as a side hustle, it’s essential to know what it’s like to live and work as a Spin Instructor.

Not only do you have to provide lots of motivation and encouragement for your students every class, but you will also need to learn how to curate long playlists you will only use a handful of times.

It is a physically demanding job, and you need lots of endurance and conditioning to make the cut.

Also, cultivate a social element with your classes by keeping the energy high and using your people skills to make genuine human connections.

Is Being a Spin Instructor Hard?

Spin Instructors can enjoy a rewarding career, but it can also be somewhat demanding.

Schedules will differ from job to job, but most Spin Instructors have to preside over early morning classes, so they have to be up before dawn most days.

For every hour of class time, Spin Instructors will have to spend two to three hours preparing and planning.

They provide excitement for returning students and plenty of great music to impress newbies.

Spinning teachers must stay in great shape to be effective instructors, which means lots of off-the-clock conditioning and mindful cross-training to offset all the cardio.

Is a Spin Instructor’s Job Stressful?

Like most other jobs, there will be stressful moments for any Spin Instructor, no matter how much potential this career path holds.

It can be overwhelming to remember all the intricate mechanics of stationary bikes you might need to teach your students.

You should also understand human anatomy and at least some group psychology to keep them focused and motivated.

There’s always loud music blaring, and you must talk loud enough that your students can still hear you despite the din.

Common Spin Instructor Work Day

Most Spin Instructors start their day early because that’s when most clients have time and motivation to take Spinning classes.

It’s usually the busiest and most lucrative time of day.

Once classes begin, most of the morning is dedicated to Spinning, both with individual clients and group sessions.

After the morning rush passes, it’s a good idea to get your conditioning and workout routine in before the afternoon clients arrive.

At midday, there are probably plenty of students who want to work out on their lunch breaks.

Once that rush passes, there are usually a few hours for downtime during the slowest time of the day.

Once the early evening rolls around, people getting off work will probably arrive for later classes.

By about 7-7:30 PM, things should start winding down for the day.

Spin Instructor Tasks & Duties

We have already touched on many things expected of Spin Instructors.

There are lots of other duties and tasks that a good instructor must attend to as well.

Ensuring your student’s safety is paramount, and you’ll need to be mindful of any injuries or physical limitations when planning your workout routines.

You also have to keep track of attendance throughout all your classes.

To attract new students and keep current ones interested, you must organize new and exciting classes. You also have to maintain a safe, clean exercise space.  

Spin Instructor Work Hours & Schedule

Every Spin Instructor’s schedule will look different.

Some instructors like a more traditional schedule, while others prefer teaching classes in the evening or at night.

Different days of the week might have scheduling changes too.

Earlier in the week tends to be the busiest time, while the end of the week and the weekend might see business slow down.

When you are first starting, it’s best to be flexible, but as you solidify yourself as a Spin Instructor you should plan your unique schedule around local markets when demand is highest.

Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?

Being a Spin Instructor can provide a great work-life balance.

There are lots of flexible work hours involved and many would say the exercise helps cut both personal and professional stress.

Spin Instructor Salary & Income

Between 2021 and 2031, the employment of fitness instructors is expected to grow by 19 percent.

That’s much faster than the average growth rate of most occupations.

One of the reasons for this impressive growth?

It’s because Spin Instructors can make great money and that draws in lots of hard workers looking for a lucrative career.

How Much Do Spin Instructors Make?

You won’t find cut-and-dry salary numbers for Spin Instructors in America, but the average salary for fitness instructors in the USA is $62,978 per year.

Salaries will vary based on various factors like qualifications, experience, and location, and the employer will dictate how much money you can make as a Spin Instructor.

Smaller boutique wellness centers and studios tend to pay higher than big brand gyms, fitness clubs, or local community centers.

Do Spin Instructors Make Good Money?

If the yearly average for a fitness trainer is $62,978 a year, then a Spin Instructor could potentially make $32 an hour.

That would be $1,285 a week at 49 weeks a year and $1,211 a week at 52 weeks a year. It would also add up to $5,248 per month.

How Do Spin Instructors Get Paid?

Each gym or fitness studio will have different pay-out models for their Spin Instructors so this will vary.

There are flat-rate payment models with a set hourly wage and flat-rate models that pay the Instructor per class.

Hourly wages usually apply to employees while independent contractors tend to go for the price-per-class option.

There is also the pay-per-head model where an instructor is paid an agreed-upon sum for every student that takes the class.

Requirements, Skills, and Education Required for Spin Instructors

Like most types of freelance jobs, there are certain skills and requirements needed to succeed as a Spin Instructor today.

The following section should give you a good idea of what you need to know and do before you can become a Spin Instructor.

Who Should Consider a Spin Instructor Career Path?

People who are cheerful, friendly, like to dance, and have a lot of confidence.

Spin Instructors need to be go-getters and should have the ability to take charge of a class and motivate them.

Potential Spin Instructors with great people skills and a desire to teach and help others get healthy will go far in this field.

If you have a loud, distinct voice and are great at giving verbal directions then being a Spin instructor could suit you.

Who Should NOT Consider a Spin Instructor Career Path?

If you are a stubborn person with rigid beliefs and ideas, then Spin Instructing is probably the wrong move for you.

Likewise, if you are unmotivated, stagnant, or unable to adapt.

Negative people who are often grumpy will not do well in this field, nor will those who are shy or anti-social.

If you can’t speak to large crowds without issue, you should rethink this career choice.

What Do I Need to Become a Spin Instructor?

• Indoor cycling shoes
• High-quality workout clothes and athletic wear
• A dedicated personal fitness routine
• A unique, authentic teaching style

Requirements for Becoming a Spin Instructor

• Lots of endurance and a base fitness level
• A loud voice and the ability to give verbal directions
• Indoor Spin Instructor Insurance
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Is it Hard to Become a Spin Instructor?

To become a Spin Instructor, you’ll need to take a class and take a test to get a certification.

Here are some of the more popular organizations that offer certification.

• Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
• American Sports and Fitness Association (ASFA)
• International Sports Science Association (ISSA)
• National Trainers Exercise Association (NETA)

What Skills Does a Spin Instructor Need?

• Work Ethic
• Communication Skills
• Adaptability
• Interpersonal skills
• Physical fitness
• Public speaking
• Organization
• Planning skills
• Leadership
• Creativity

What Education Does a Spin Instructor Need?

Most Spin Instructors will only need a high school diploma to land a job teaching Spin classes.

Some employers might want experienced applicants with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in healthcare or fitness-related studies.

What Experience Does a Spin Instructor Need?

It will take some time to get your foot in the door and cultivate a successful Spinning Instructor career.

You may need to be patient at first and prove yourself to land better gigs and teach the classes you prefer.

The studio or gym you want might not hire you immediately, but with time and perseverance, you can get hired wherever you set your mind to.

How to Become a Spin Instructor

If you think that teaching Spinning sounds like a good idea for your lifestyle, here’s how you can become one.

Where to Find Spin Instructor Opportunities

These are some of the most popular brands offering Spin classes and hiring Spin Instructors.

• SoulCycle
• CycleBar
• Studio SWEAT OnDemand
• Cardio Cast
• Peloton Cycle

People sign up for online fitness subscriptions like ClassPass from the comfort of their homes and want to find dynamic, exciting spin instructors.

There are many alternatives to ClassPass too, so there are even more opportunities.

Applying for the Gig

You will likely have to apply in person or online.

When you submit your application, you should try to talk with a manager to set up an audition.

You don’t always need teaching experience, so you shouldn’t be afraid to apply, even if you lack experience.

Interviewing for the Gig

Most studios use a full-class audition as the interview, and that is usually a 45-minute workout.

You should choose music that you love and are familiar with, then design your routine and memorize it to the letter.

Make sure you are confident, authentic, friendly, and in control.

Focus on your routine, clear your mind, and you will be sure to impress.

How Do I Prepare For Spin Instructor Gigs?

• Incorporate unique exercises for inspired classroom plans
• Set a strict sleep schedule and follow it to stay rested
• Consider vocal training to protect your voice
• Let your personality shine through
• Make a selection of motivational music

Similar Careers to Check Out

There are plenty of jobs in the gig economy you could look into instead, and some of them are very similar to working as a spin instructor.

• Personal Trainer: Trainers lead group and individual training sessions while monitoring the fitness levels and health conditions of their clients.
• Fitness Instructor: These instructors organize fitness classes for groups of students. They tend to teach a variety of exercise regimens and have to be familiar with various formats and styles.
• Freelance Massage Therapist: Massage therapists provide therapeutic massages for their clients that help them relax, improve circulation, relieve stress, and recover from injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Just in case you still have any questions about becoming a Spin Instructor, here are some of the most frequently asked questions from the most popular search engines.

Wrapping Up

Certified Spinning instructors can find ample job opportunities because the demand for instructors is very high.

While the opportunities are plenty, you can’t expect to simply stumble into one.

Well-rounded, charismatic professionals with great people skills and a demanding fitness routine will fare far better than introverted, unmotivated instructors.

If you are passionate about Spinning and want to take your beloved hobby to new heights, becoming a Spin Instructor could be the first step in changing your life for the better.