Shelley shares her journey into Group Exercise Management, starting with her passion for fitness and her experience in photography. She discusses her experience of being bullied in school and how it has shaped her compassionate and inclusive approach to leadership. Shelley highlights the importance of effective communication and understanding different personalities in managing a team of 50 instructors. She also talks about her first role as a Group Exercise Manager in a holistic hotel, where she had to navigate the challenges of managing both the gym and group fitness offerings. In this part of the conversation, Shelley discusses her experiences in different fitness management roles and the importance of continuous learning. She talks about the different demographics and environments she encountered in various venues and how each experience helped her grow as a fitness manager. Shelley also highlights the importance of collaboration and support among fitness managers and instructors. She shares her insights on member retention strategies, such as building connections with members and implementing Bring A Friend for Free programs. Additionally, Shelley discusses decision-making processes for increasing attendance and canceling underperforming classes. In this conversation, Shelley and Tony discuss the challenges of managing group exercise classes and instructors. They emphasise the importance of finding the right fit for each class and instructor, acknowledging that trial and error is sometimes necessary. They also discuss the challenges of managing timetables and attracting different demographics. When conflicts arise, Shelley suggests understanding the instructor's perspective and communicating effectively. They also discuss the recruitment of new instructors and the need to think outside the box when searching for talent. Shelley emphasises the importance of valuing and communicating with both the team and the members. Tony concludes by highlighting the significance of effective communication in resolving issues and improving the group fitness department.  

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Takeaways  

• Bullying experiences can shape a person's character and teach them the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. 

• Group Exercise Managers need to have strong communication skills and the ability to understand and work with different personalities. 

• Effective leadership in Group Exercise Management involves constantly learning and adapting to different situations and challenges. 

• There is a need for more education and training programs specifically focused on Group Exercise Management. 

• Managing a team of instructors requires balancing the needs and expectations of both guests and members. Fitness managers need to have a variety of experiences and continuously learn on the job. 

• Collaboration and support among fitness managers and instructors are crucial for success. 

• Building connections with members and implementing Bring A Friend for Free programs can improve member retention. 

• Decision-making processes for increasing attendance and canceling underperforming classes require careful consideration of various factors.  

• Finding the right fit for each group fitness class and instructor may require trial and error. 

• Managing timetables can be challenging due to various factors, such as different demographics and club locations. 

• Effective communication is key in conflict resolution and maintaining a positive relationship with instructors. 

• Thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional recruitment strategies can help find new instructors. 

• Valuing and communicating with both the team and the members is crucial for a successful group fitness department.