Fitness

CLUB SOLUTIONS MAGAZINE: ASK THE EXPERT

This month we spoke with Aida Johnson-Rapp, the director of group exercise at East Bank Club about indoor cycling.

Describe your indoor cycling studio and program — what are the highlights? 

AJR: We undertook a major renovation and reprogramming of our indoor cycling facility and offerings, which launched in November. The new studio features a 23- by 14-foot, high-resolution, LED video wall; multi-color lighting programmable to match ride intensities; customized sound design with nightclub-grade acoustics; and much more. The studio also has all-new Stages SC Series bikes. These best-in-class bikes offer a smooth ride with a feeling of inertia that simulates an outdoor ride unlike any other bike on the market. The bikes have an adjustment system for quick and easy position adjustments, and a shifting system that enables instantaneous macro-level resistance changes to add or drop resistance quickly. The bikes are compatible with both SPD and Delta clips, as well as standard athletic shoes.

What tips can you share for creating a great indoor cycling offering? 

AJR: Provide extensive training to instructors to enable them to wow members. Create class formats that have broad appeal for a varied member demographic, such as rhythm/music choreographed rides; metrics/data-driven performance rides; fusion rides with core and mobility work; quick rides (30 minutes); entertainment-based rides with music videos; and themed rides, such as 80s, holidays, or a live DJ. Lastly, create an environment that is aesthetically appealing and user friendly.

Say I’m building an indoor cycling studio from scratch. What should I keep in mind? 

AJR: In our new studio, we decided to tier the bikes stadium style, and in doing so created a theater-like environment. We decided to remove the instructor stage element since the bikes are raised and place the instructor bike in the center. This also gives us the option to be able to move the instructor bike to the side if we have video content, or we can add another instructor on either side of the screen. We also have no mirrors in the studio, because the bikes are stationary, and the focus is on endurance as opposed to strength.

When it comes to indoor cycling programming, what are keys to success? 

AJR: I would say the key to success is to create programming where members can measure their progress. Sometimes the metrics on a console can become too repetitive. Offering programming with gamification aspects, such as Myzone, Stages Flight and more, will keep participants coming back because they have engaging measurement tools. 

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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Exciting Things this Summer

Pilates in the Park

For two Saturdays I am teaching Pilates Mat for the Millennium Park free workouts on the Great Lawn. Please come out for a wonderful time.
 

July 13 & July 20
9:00 am – 9:45 am 
Millenium Park Grand Lawn
201 E Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
 

Join Blue Star Families Community Engagement Volunteer, Aida Johnson-Rapp as she teaches pilates on the Grand Lawn!

Come by to see Chicago Chapter Director Sarita Connelly at the BSF Chicago table for your swag bag.

JUL 18 7-9pm

Yoga Rave: Summer Celebration

Celebrate summer in style at this fun class on the East Bank Club Sun Deck that will free your mind and move your body. Through a sequence of movement, yoga and meditation – with a soundtrack from a live DJ – we’ll nurture a strong mind and body connection. After the class, we’ll take in the Chicago skyline with complimentary refreshments and a cash bar.

Public · Hosted by East Bank Club and East Bank Club Mind Body Programs

MANIA® is where fitness pros break barriers and take their careers to the next level.
Westin O’Hare
Rosemont, IL

Friday, October 4, 10am FR2P – CREATING YOUR FITNESS PRO GAME PLAN with Aida Johnson-Rapp

Regardless of whether you are teaching and training full-time or part-time along with another profession, once you commit to a class/client and step into the studio you are a fitness professional. In this session get insights on how to make the most of your life as a fitness professional. (LECTURE)

Friday, October 4, 2:15pm FR4Q – ENGAGE YOUR INNER MOTIVATOR with Aida Johnson-Rapp

This workshops utilizes the tools of improvisation and storytelling to develop the skills to become a better communicator and more engaging instructor. Learn how to create a “Wow” factor that is authentically you. (LECTURE)

AIDA JOHNSON-RAPP

Aida Johnson-Rapp’s classes have been highlighted in the New York Post, Essence, the Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, CNN, Windy City Live and more. Aida has danced professionally; served in the U.S. Military; worked on the Chicago Mayor’s Fitness Council. Currently she is Director of Group Exercise at East Bank Club in Chicago, Illinois overseeing 200 plus hours of weekly classes. She holds numerous industry certifications including: AFAA, Pilates, TRX, Zumba, Yoga/Meditation