Your instructors ARE your product. A great instructor fills classes. A mediocre one empties them. Here is how to find and keep the good ones.
Where to find them
- Other studios (yes, poaching happens — offer better conditions, not just more money)
- Certification programs (connect with local training providers for fresh graduates)
- Your own member base (your most dedicated members might want to teach)
- Instagram (search location-tagged fitness content in your area)
What to look for
- Energy and presence — can they command a room? Do a trial class and watch how members respond.
- Reliability — the best coach who cancels 20% of their classes is worse than a good coach who shows up every time.
- Coachability — do they accept feedback? Will they adapt to your studio's style?
How to retain them
- Pay fairly — per-class rates that reward experience and class fill rate
- Give them schedule consistency — same time slots each week
- Celebrate them — social media features, member feedback sharing
- Tools that respect their time — KOLLABO OS staff app shows their schedule, earnings, and clock-in from their phone