Even though it seems like ages ago, the pandemic was a pivotal time for our industry and we’re still feeling a ripple effect half a decade later. Despite the obvious challenges, there have been some significant silver linings to come out of a very trying time, specifically when it comes to health, wellness, and fitness.
We saw a renewed interest in working out and getting healthy. Research has suggested that health and wellness interest increased during COVID; Gen Z and Millennial populations in particular started to focus more intently on their fitness routine. We also saw a surge in digital fitness adaptations — an option that continues to be popular.
And, of course, we were introduced to hybrid formats that allowed us to stay afloat during the ebbs and flows of lockdown restrictions. What started as a pandemic-centered workaround turned into something that continues to thrive in a post-COVID world.
From live-streamed bootcamps to on-demand yoga libraries, hybrid programming is now often expected by consumers. No matter what type of club or business you run, the message from clients is loud and clear: they want to choose how, when, and where they show up.
So what does that mean for your business?
Let’s break it down.
Hybrid Is the New Standard
While some aspects of the pandemic have come and gone, in other ways, we’ve adapted to new standards, new routines, and new habits. But what was born from necessity in 2020 has become a business advantage in 2025.
And for many clients who’ve gotten used to a new type of routine, hybrid fitness formatting is now a non-negotiable.
Consider this: your clients are juggling work, travel (and, perhaps, work travel), childcare, the stresses of daily life, and constantly changing schedules.
How does a workout routine fit into what can sometimes feel like chaos? Three main ingredients: accessibility, autonomy, and options. Hybrid programming delivers exactly that.
You can probably envision a name or face when you consider these archetypes:
- The ultra-busy member who loves being a part of the community, but can’t always make it to class.
- The early riser who wants a 6AM strength session, but your club opens at 7AM.
- Your favorite client who moved to a new city, but still wants to train with you.
If you’re concerned about diluting your brand or weakening engagement through partly digital formatting, consider it the link that keeps members connected, even when they can’t make it in person. From this point of view, hybrid formatting actually deepens your connection with these members. At a minimum, you maintain the connection where it could’ve otherwise been lost.
Different members of your community have different needs — your programming should be able to match and deliver. Not only does hybrid formatting help maintain the connection between your club and your clients, but it helps them stay consistent, too.
What a Great Hybrid Program Looks Like
You don’t need a cutting-edge, custom-designed app or home gym system to create a powerful at-home or digital offering. But, there are ways you can step it up from the “Instagram and Zoom link” starter pack. Here are some suggestions for efficient, effective hybrid programming, no matter your budget:
1. Live-streamed classes
One of the easiest access points for hybrid formatting is offering a live-streamed class. You’re already doing the work — why not broadcast it? Through this medium, you can try to replicate the studio experience virtually, using Zoom, YouTube Live, or even private Instagram Lives for quick classes. Tip: record these sessions and save them for future use, especially if you want to build a content library.
2. On-demand libraries
Taking a page out of the Peloton playbook, consider curating a growing repertoire of workouts clients can access anytime. This can be as simple (and inexpensive) as a private YouTube playlist, or as polished and professionally-produced as a branded app or LMS site.
3. Hybrid membership offerings
Blend the in-person and virtual experiences through different membership tiers. In addition to an in-person only membership, you could add a “digital only” as well as a combo membership. This way, your community can choose the rhythm that suits them, and (if your terms allow for it) switch easily when their life circumstances shift. Allowing members to switch from in-person one month to digital the following month could be the key to retention, particularly in the summer vacation months.
4. Integrated tech
We’ve talked at length about the power of wearables, and this is a prime example of how to integrate them into your business model (we have a complete guide on how to ethically add wearable technology and client data into your programming here). When it comes to hybrid programming and virtual offerings, you can sync wearable data, offer workout tracking, or create challenges using tools like Trainerize, MyZone, or your own branded app. The more connected the experience, the more clients stick around.
5. Personal touches
We can’t underscore enough how much personal communication and connection matters. While virtual programming can feel cold and detached — especially in this AI era — your human “touch” goes an extra mile in this circumstance. You can add value for your clients through community forums, live Q&As, personalized voice notes, and custom check-ins. Don’t let the digitized, remote experience of your club lose the warmth of your in-gym experience.
How to Start (or Optimize) Your Programming
If you’re new to hybrid or want to tighten up what you already offer, start by auditing your offering. What are you working with now? Do a quick inventory check: what content, tech, or systems are already in place that could be repurposed, adapted, or better utilized?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew in the first phase — give yourself (and your members) time to adjust and figure out what works. You could begin with one live-streamed class per week and a handful of solid on-demand videos, and see what the response is like. Gather feedback, check in and ask your community what they like and want more of. The more data you have, the better decisions you can make. Don’t overcomplicate things. Make it easy to sign up, log in, and stay engaged. Confusion = cancellation.
Finally, keep your branding consistent — your digital presence, brand, and experience should mirror the energy and experience each client gets in person. This cohesion not only builds trust, but allows your clientele to feel like they aren’t neglected or losing out on the days, weeks, or months they can’t make it into your physical space.
Hybrid Format: Good for Clients, Good for Business
Hybrid programming has the potential to be a powerful growth driver and retention tool for your business. You can maintain connections with clients who have less consistent schedules (hello, retention!), and reach beyond your zip code and expand into new cities around the world, building your community even further.
Consider that this can also boost recurring revenue with subscriptions, digital add-ons, and tiered memberships that could give you more predictable income. And with certain tools (like recording live streamed videos of classes that are already happening), you can maximize your time and resources.
Final Thoughts
This approach to programming is one of the few good things we gained from a particularly difficult era. Whether your clients are in your studio, on your app, or tuning in from another time zone, we can make sure they feel seen, supported, and empowered.
As fitness professionals, we’re in the business of helping people show up consistently. This hybrid offering delivers the flexibility they need to do so. And in return, it might just help your business thrive.
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Industry Happenings:
Upcoming Events:
- The Fit Expo, August 2-3, 2025, Anaheim, California
- canfitpro, August 13-16, 2025, Toronto, Canada
- Perform Better 3-Day Functional Training Summit, August 14-16, 2025, Providence, Rhode Island
- Annual Wellness Summit, August 18-21, 2025, Austin, Texas
- SCW Dallas MANIA®, August 22-24, 2025, Dallas, Texas
- AMTA 2025 National Convention, August 21-23, 2025, Dallas, Texas
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Upcoming Workshops in July & August:
- 20+ workshops from Peak Pilates
- 20+ workshops from Spinning®
- 20+ workshops from TRX®
- 5 workshops from Exos
- 4 workshops from Oxygen Advantage
- 4 workshops from U-Jam Fitness
- 2 workshops from CFSC
- 2 workshops from Gray Institute
- 2 workshops from Nordic Flow Academy
- 1 workshop from Eleiko
- 1 workshop from Power Plate
- 1 workshop from Strive Life
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Industry News:
- Five-year study of 1.3M Withings users found sleep loss greatly affects cardiometabolic disease outcomes.
- CrossFit partners with Levels for metabolic nutrition coaching.
- Life Time Opens Eighth California Club at historic Arden Hills property in Sacramento.
- Apple announced a fitness experience with AI Workout Buddy.
- Insights on Gen Z & Millennials from Deloitte’s latest research.
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Thanks for Reading!
This newsletter was brought to you by Kathie Davis, Peter Davis, Ravi Sharma, Dominique Astorino, and the Inspire360 team.
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A Note from Peter & Kathie
The industry is changing rapidly and we are here to help you sift through all the noise and get to the good stuff. Every month, we'll bring you trending topics and the inside scoop that we believe is paramount for fitness professionals to know.
Keep Inspiring,
Peter & Kathie Davis
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