LIFTS Episode 100 - Will Brereton of SH1FT on the Future of Group X, Instructors, and Hybrid Fitness
In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with Will Brereton: longtime group fitness leader, Les Mills presenter, and founder of SH1FT Fitness.
They dive deep into how group fitness has evolved over the decades, why hybrid community is the new frontier, and how instructors, technology, and member expectations have transformed.
Will shares powerful insights from the front lines of group exercise across NZ, the UK, Europe, and the U.S. This episode is essential listening for club operators, instructors, boutique owners, and anyone passionate about the future of fitness.
Key Topics Covered:
• The five historical eras of group fitness and the new hybrid community era.
• Why Gen Z treats the gym like a social hub, even replacing nightlife.
• How meaningful interaction drives 2-3x higher retention.
• Why instructors are harder to find and how tech is filling the gap.
• The changing role of certifications and what members actually want.
• Where Pilates, strength, and boutique programming are heading next.
• Why big 'rock-star' classes faded and which events replaced them.
• How digital fits into real‑world class experiences today.
👉 To learn more about Will Brereton click here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-brereton-991a0138/
👉 To learn more about SH1FT, click here:
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00:00 Introduction
00:38 Guest Intro: Will Brereton
02:07 History of Group Fitness
04:43 Pandemic: The Biggest Inflection Point
09:55 Gen Z and the Social Fitness Shift
11:22 Why Group Fitness Drives Retention
15:00 Technology in Group X: Does It Help or Hurt?
20:24 Instructor Pay and Industry Challenges
25:00 Competency vs. Perfection in Teaching
28:44 Belonging vs. Progression in Group Fitness
30:55 Are Big Rock‑Star Classes Coming Back?
34:58 Hybrid, Digital, and Tech Trends
43:25 Where Group Fitness Is Heading Next
47:06 Final Takeaways
48:00 Closing Thoughts
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