The December Pivot

December – that time of year when routines can get a little messy in many markets around the world. Clubs are decked out with tinsel, baubles, and holly, while conversations shift from personal bests to party planning. Between end-of-year work deadlines, gift buying, office parties, and the creeping mindset of “I’ll restart in January,” even your most consistent members may put classes on the back burner.

Here are 7 tips to make your December classes climactic, buzzing, and leaving your members ready for 2026.

1. Celebrate The Year That Was

The end of the year is a great time to highlight the progress individual members have made. The shy BODYCOMBAT™ January beginner? Now roundhouse kicking in the front row. The one who struggled with the BODYATTACK™ power track back in May? They’re now smashing through those burpees! The ‘cardio queen’ who felt BODYBALANCE™ ‘just wasn’t for them’? It’s now part of their weekly routine.

Members showed up despite the rain, the traffic, or long days at work. Use your coaching moments to reflect, celebrate, and build pride: They did this. They showed up. They got stronger. They grew.

2. Ride The End-of-Year Energy

December classes can be lighter and more creative – a time to bring the party atmosphere into the studio. Why not ask your members for requests or post an Instagram poll to collect their favorites? Double down on vocal encouragement, or split the room for a friendly competition between groups, if appropriate. 

If your club is willing to invest a little, consider disco lights, uplighters, or colored gels to enhance the festive atmosphere. For calmer classes, maybe a serene escape from the outside hustle and bustle with artificial candles, blue lighting, or seasonal scents from a diffuser. All kit can be reused for later launches. 

Low-cost touches can also make a big difference and are highly social-media friendly (which your club will love!). A props box with hats and silly glasses, or a loot box where members draw a number for a star prize (with smaller gifts for the rest, donated by your club), can add extra fun and engagement.

For more ideas, check out “Level Up Your Launches”.

3. Plant Seeds For January

December is the perfect month to build excitement for what’s coming next. Tease fresh music, new choreography, and upcoming challenges. Check with your club for what January joining specials they are planning, and encourage members to spread the word over the break.

Highlight other classes taught by you or your fellow club Instructors. Members looking to build strength without the cost of personal training? BODYPUMP HEAVY™ could be ideal. Returning to a time-strapped work schedule after a week of sofa-bound boxset binging? A 30-minute LES MILLS GRIT™ will jumpstart their cardio engine. And for those planning to focus on mindfulness in the new year, LES MILLS YOGA™ could be a perfect choice.

Since January is often when people are ready to try something new – either complementing their favorite programs or stepping outside their comfort zone – your suggestions can really inspire them to take the plunge and embark on a new adventure.

4. A Time To Be More Self-Forgiving

Many members feel guilty about missing workouts. With social events, work parties, shopping, and deadlines, keeping up can be tough. Remind them that rest and social connection are part of progress – and they should never feel guilty about taking some time out. During the short break when the club is closed, we’re all resetting together, which is great for motivation, consistency, and helps prevent burnout. Encourage movement when it feels good and a break when it doesn’t, so they come back refreshed and ready to commit.

5. Build Connection And Community
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Group training is all about connection. For some, this time of year can be lonely. Your class might be their main source of social interaction, so fostering a sense of togetherness is crucial.

Small gestures can help members feel included. Consider taking a fun group photo after class – post it on social media or turn it into a Polaroid-style keepsake. Post-class snacks or drinks at a local café or bar are also a great way to celebrate achievements.

Set aside five minutes for a “get-to-know-you” moment. For the more outgoing members, invite them to share something surprising, a hidden skill, or a 2025 class highlight. Encourage everyone to introduce themselves – this is not just useful for new members; many members chat weekly without ever learning names, and this gives everyone a fresh start. For quieter members, a gratitude wall with sticky notes works well.

This is a great way to end the year, and your members may appreciate heading into January knowing a little more about each other.

6. Take Time For Yourself
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The stronger you are, the stronger your members will be. Teaching a 7am BODYCOMBAT class after a late night isn’t ideal, so it’s okay to skip some social gatherings, but when you do, prep for your next class like a holiday: kit ready, playlist cued, snacks packed – you’ll breeze through it.

Saying no is a power move, not a failure. Consider an “Instructor-Friendly” get-together, like a relaxed lunch with your team. Reward yourself in January, when getting cover is easier and the discounts are higher!

7. Make a Difference

December is a great time to extend your impact beyond the studio. Tap into the season’s spirit of generosity by hosting a “Workout for Good” day or week, where donations, food, or clothing go to a local charity. Many clubs already have charity partnerships or initiatives, so it’s worth speaking with your team to explore how everyone can work together. 

It’s a simple way to strengthen community ties and make members feel part of something bigger.

And finally...

December doesn’t have to be a month of chaos or diminished motivation. For Instructors, it’s a chance to celebrate individual progress, energize classes, nurture community, and set the stage for the New Year. Whether you’re encouraging rest, creativity, or giving back, your influence shapes how members finish the year – and start the next one.