Build a Stronger Instructor Team: What Today’s Talent Actually Wants

In today’s competitive studio landscape, your instructors can be your biggest growth asset if you understand what drives them.

The 2024 BFS Strength Sub-Report revealed clear patterns among profitable studios when it comes to instructor staffing and compensation. At the same time, Les Mills’ Instructor Recruitment Guide outlines exactly what motivates today’s instructor workforce. Together, these insights offer a tactical roadmap for studio owners who want to attract, retain, and empower stronger teams.

Here’s what the data tells us:

What the BFS Strength Report Reveals About Today’s Instructors

   Instructor Headcount

• City studios:

  1-25 instructors: 42%

• Suburban studios:

  10–25 instructors: 37%

   Employment Type

• Part-time instructors are the norm across most profitable strength studios

   Compensation

Most instructors earn between $26–$50/hour

   Class Load

Instructors teach...

• City: 5–10 classes per week: 36%

• Suburbs: More than 4 hours per week: 46%

What the Les Mills Data Tells Us About Instructor Motivation

Les Mills conducted a global survey better to understand the motivations and perceptions of fitness instructors. Here’s what drives today’s instructor talent:

   Top Motivators:

• Making a positive impact on people’s lives

• Passion for fitness

• Being part of a community

• Feeling confident and supported

   Why They Choose Brands or Studios to Work With:

• Strong values and mission alignment

• Access to ongoing education and upskilling

• A clear development pathway

• Supportive community and culture

Attracting Prospects Begins with Culture

Creating an environment where prospects feel inspired and supported. Studios should amplify their values, lead with community, and celebrate their culture while attracting new audiences through initiatives such as hosting taster sessions, running mini prospect surveys, or offering training information events, like “Ask Me Anything” workshops.

Clear communication is essential, especially for prospects who may lack confidence or motivation, and honesty and resilience should be consistently encouraged. Building a pipeline starts within the studio, as championing group training increases the likelihood of uncovering new talent, especially since 61% of non-prospects have yet to try group training and 42% of hot prospects are male.

By spotlighting the importance of group training and highlighting the value of instructors, studios show prospects that fitness can be a fulfilling long-term career. Recruitment strategies should ultimately tap into intrinsic motivations, showing prospects how they can inspire others while being inspired themselves

What Studio Owners Can Take Away

The data from both sources offers a clear opportunity: Today’s instructors aren’t just looking for a paycheck, they’re looking for purpose, community, and growth.

To stand out, studios should:

• Hire with structure: Most studios are hiring 10–25 part-time instructors. Define compensation and class loads that align with profitable studio benchmarks.

• Create a values-driven culture: Highlight how your studio makes a positive impact, and ensure your team feels connected to that mission.

• Support personal development: Offer training pathways and mentorship to help instructors build confidence and stay motivated.
• Foster community: Build a team culture where instructors feel they belong, not just show up to teach.

Looking to build a team that stays, grows, and drives member results?

👉 Les Mills is a featured partner in the BFS Marketplace.

Access their full Instructor Recruitment Guide to understand how to develop a talent pipeline that matches your studio’s values and goals. Access the Guide>>

Take the Next Step

The 2024 BFS Strength Report gives Strength studio owners a rare opportunity to compare themselves against a benchmark group of profitable peers. With data on revenue, margins, services, client behavior, team structures, and retention, plus case studies and expert recommendations, this report is designed to help you make smarter decisions and build a stronger business.

Don’t rely on guesswork. Download the 2024 BFS Strength Report today and discover the insights that can take your studio from surviving to thriving.