How Workout Bristol saved 88% on group fitness — and reinvested every penny
We were prepared for a huge backlash from the change. It just didn't come.Alex West · Owner, Workout Bristol
Four problems. One solution.
Workout Bristol needed to replace their existing licensed group fitness classes in a way that solved four challenges at once:
- Reduce costs — without cutting class numbers or quality
- Support instructors financially and with better tools
- Offer both live and digital classes to members
- Attract more male participants to group fitness
A loyal following and a difficult decision
Workout Bristol had built their timetable around a globally recognised licensed programme with a loyal member base and strong attendance. The economics, however, weren't working. Licence fees were eating into margins, and Alex wanted to do more for his instructors — pay them better and make teaching less of a grind.
The biggest concern wasn't the switch itself. It was the members. Would they follow?
Full switch to SH1FT — live and digital
Workout Bristol replaced their entire group fitness offering with SH1FT formats across both live and digital. SH1FT was chosen for its price point, quality of programming, instructor support, flexibility, and appeal to both male and female audiences — including the freedom to choose their own music.
Experienced instructors cross-certified onto SH1FT formats for free. The app-guided delivery meant no memorisation, minimal prep time, and a significantly easier teaching experience.
Better outcomes across every metric
Hear it from Alex
Yes. The programme we'd been running is a global brand with a loyal following — our club was no exception. We knew members would miss certain elements, but the opportunities SH1FT offered in terms of instructor support, flexibility, and the freedom to choose your own music were simply a better fit for our studio.
For the most part, instructors who'd only taught for our gym were comfortable moving across. We had a few who were hesitant — already teaching elsewhere and didn't want another programme to learn. But once they saw how easy it is and how little prep time is involved, they were happy to add SH1FT to their repertoire.
Honestly, we were prepared for a huge backlash. It just didn't come. We've had an increase in male participation, and a few comments about missing 'moving to the beat' — but once members understood they absolutely can move to the beat if they want to, everyone was happy.
Absolutely. SH1FT is so much more cost-effective, and it empowers instructors to make the class their own while giving them back precious time. The classes are modern and appeal to a wider range of participants. It's a great choice whether you want to launch a brand new timetable or simply offer more variety to your existing one.
Former Les Mills & Beachbody
I started SH1FT because I was tired of watching this industry force gyms to choose between quality and affordability. Alex's story is exactly why we built this — the savings are real, the results are real, and the members don't miss a beat.
See if SH1FT is right
for your gym
No licence fees. No long commitments. Try all six formats free for 30 days and see how your members respond.