Does Group Indoor Cycling Really Boost Enjoyment?

Indoor cycling has long been praised for its high-energy atmosphere, community spirit, and motivational coaching. But do these factors truly make a difference in how much we enjoy a class? A recent study set out to compare group vs. solo indoor cycling sessions and whether the presence of others significantly impacts enjoyment.

Group vs. Solo Indoor Cycling: What the Research Says
A study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Beck et al., 2025) examined the impact of group dynamics on the enjoyment of indoor cycling. Twenty recreationally active participants took part in two identical 44-minute spin sessions—one in a group setting and one solo, each led by the same instructor.

Key Findings:

• Group sessions were rated slightly more enjoyable – Participants scored their enjoyment 1.4 points higher (on a 56-point scale) in a group setting compared to cycling alone (p = 0.005).
• No difference in performance metrics – Power output, heart rate, and cadence remained the same in both conditions.
• Instructor presence was constant, but instructor quality was not assessed – This means the difference in enjoyment was due to the group setting alone, not variations in coaching quality.

What This Means for Indoor Cycling Classes
Although the study found group sessions to be slightly more enjoyable, the difference was too small to be considered meaningful in real-world application. People enjoyed both group and solo cycling—suggesting that group dynamics are not the primary driver of enjoyment.
However, this study did not examine the impact of instructor quality or session design, both of which are potentially have a greater effect on rider enjoyment and performance.

Beyond Group Dynamics: What Really Drives Enjoyment?
The study raises important questions for indoor cycling instructors and programme designers:

1. Instructor Quality could have a Larger Impact than Group Size
While the presence of an instructor was controlled for in the study, the actual quality of instruction wasn’t assessed.
A high-quality instructor can transform a session—bringing energy, motivation, and expertise to guide riders through an engaging workout. A poorly delivered session, on the other hand, can leave participants disengaged and confused or even discouraged if the pitch is unrealistic, even if they’re in a room full of people. It’s not just about having an instructor—it’s about having a great one.

2. Virtual Sessions: The Psychological Factor
One interesting angle not explored in this study is how virtual cycling sessions compare to in-person classes.
With virtual classes (whether live-streamed or pre-recorded), riders know that the instructor isn’t actually responding to them in real time. So does this essentially artificial setup affect their engagement and motivation?
Possible considerations for virtual classes:

• Pre-recorded sessions lack direct interaction – Does this make them feel less personal and less engaging?
• Riders may still feel encouraged by the structure and guidance – Even if it’s not tailored to them in the moment, a well-designed virtual session can still be motivating.
• Live-streamed sessions might bridge the gap – Some platforms now offer real-time feedback, creating a more immersive experience.

For those designing virtual indoor cycling classes, these psychological factors are significant. Creating engaging, dynamic content is about more than just recording a workout—it’s about how you make the rider feel connected to the experience and how effective the session is for the riders.

3. Session Design: A Critical Factor in Enjoyment & Performance
Another aspect overlooked in the study is session structure. Enjoyment is not just about whether you ride alone or in a group—it’s about what you do in the session.
A well-structured class should include:

• Aim-based session design – The right mix of effort and recovery is crucial to achieve different outcomes. Riders who know why they're doing what they're doing and what they'll get out of it can be another factor in rider experience
• Music selection – Can dramatically influence motivation for some riders.
• Progressive overload and adaptation – Riders should feel a sense of achievement and improvement.

More importantly, session design directly impacts physical performance (e.g., power output, heart rate response). A poorly structured session may not stimulate the necessary effort levels, leading to a less engaging and less effective workout.
This highlights the importance of instructor training in not only delivering sessions but also designing them effectively.

4. New or less confident riders may have different needs
New or less confident riders may have different needs—ones that can be better addressed by an empathetic and knowledgeable instructor. If someone is new to indoor cycling or physical activity in general, they may feel intimidated in a group setting or unsure about technique, resistance levels, and pacing. Unlike the experienced riders in this study, beginners often benefit from personalised guidance, reassurance, and a focus on building confidence rather than just following the group dynamic. A well-trained instructor can spot signs of discomfort, adjust coaching cues, build rider confidence and rapport and create a welcoming environment that supports new riders at their own pace. This highlights the importance of instructor training—not just in delivering a session but in understanding and adapting to the varied needs of different riders.

What This Means for Indoor Cycling Instructors & Studios
The research suggests that while group dynamics can boost enjoyment slightly, other factors - like coaching quality, session design, and even virtual engagement—may be far more influential in shaping the rider experience.

Key Takeaways for Instructors & Studios:

• The 'group' aspect is not the magic sauce; other factors are likely to have a significant effect on enjoyment and outcome.
• Instructor effectiveness – Riders may enjoy sessions more when led by a highly trained and engaging instructor, rather than simply having an instructor present.
• Session design is a significant part of any session – A well-structured class focused on achieving an aim, is more likely to drive higher power output, greater effort, and better overall experience, regardless of setting.
• Virtual cycling needs more research – Does a lack of real-time interaction affect motivation? Studios offering online options should consider ways to enhance personalisation and engagement.
• Flexible offerings are valuable – Since enjoyment was high in both settings, offering a mix of group, solo, and virtual options could cater to different rider preferences
• New or less confident riders may have different needs - these can be better addressed by an empathetic and knowledgeable instructor. If they are new to indoor cycling or to physical activity in general, their needs will be different from the cohort of regular riders employed in this research.

Do You Need a Group to Enjoy Indoor Cycling?
The short answer? No, not necessarily.
The study suggests that most riders will enjoy an indoor cycling session whether they’re in a group or alone—as long as the session is well-structured and delivered effectively. For indoor cycling instructors, this means  adding value by focusing on quality coaching, intelligent session design, and innovative engagement strategies is far more important than simply filling a room with riders.

Reference: Beck, K. T., Lowater, K. S., Rafn, J., & Hansen, E. A. (2025). Enjoyment of spinning exercise performed in a group session as compared to an individual session. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1501862. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1501862

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