You need to hold a current Level 2 qualification in Gym Instruction, Exercise to Music or Group Training — but you don't need a background in competitive or road cycling. A basic level of fitness and a genuine enthusiasm for the format is all that's required on the physical side. The course is about teaching, not racing.

Yes. The Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling is delivered and assessed in a single face-to-face training day. By the end of the day you'll have covered the theory, delivered your teaching assessment and — if successful — hold a nationally recognised qualification to teach. It's one of the most efficient qualifications available in the group exercise sector.

Yes. The Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling is endorsed by CIMSPA — the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity. CIMSPA endorsement confirms the qualification meets the professional standards required by employers and facilities across the UK fitness industry.

Yes. The Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling is recognised by professional insurance providers and is the qualification most venues and insurers require before you can teach cycling classes. Once qualified, you can add Studio Cycling to your existing fitness instructor insurance policy, typically at a low additional premium.

Pure Energy Music is a professional music streaming platform specifically designed for fitness instructors, providing legally licensed tracks curated for cycling, group exercise and fitness classes. Using unlicensed music in a class is a legal risk — Pure Energy removes that entirely. Your MFE qualification includes a free trial plus an exclusive ongoing discount, so you can start building your class playlists immediately after qualifying.

Absolutely. The Level 2 Studio Cycling Award is designed as an add-on to your existing fitness qualification — not a standalone route into fitness. Most instructors who complete this course are already teaching gym floor, group training or exercise to music sessions, and add Studio Cycling to diversify their timetable, earn more hours and attract a different client demographic.

Studio Cycling instructors are typically paid per class, with rates varying by venue and location. Boutique cycling studios tend to pay more than leisure centres, with rates commonly ranging from £20 to £60+ per class depending on your experience and the setting. Many instructors teach multiple classes per week alongside other formats — making Studio Cycling a valuable addition to an already active timetable.

Spinning® is a registered trademark owned by Mad Dogg Athletics — it refers specifically to their branded indoor cycling programme, which requires its own separate Spinning® certification provided by Mad Dogg Athletics. Studio Cycling (or Indoor Cycling) is the generic term for the same format, used across the rest of the industry.

The Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling qualifies you to teach Studio Cycling and Indoor Cycling sessions — but if a venue specifically runs official Spinning® branded classes, you will need to complete the Spinning® certification separately.

The good news is that the vast majority of UK gyms, leisure centres and studios run generic indoor cycling classes and the Level 2 Studio Cycling Award is exactly what they require.

MFE Studio Cycling courses are currently available in Glasgow, London and the Midlands, with dates added regularly at each location. We're also expanding soon to Manchester and Edinburgh — register your interest for either location and we'll notify you as soon as dates are confirmed. All courses are delivered in a single face-to-face training day at accessible venues, with full details provided at the time of booking.

To teach Studio Cycling or Indoor Cycling professionally in the UK, you need a recognised Level 2 qualification in the format — such as the Level 2 Award in Instructing Studio Cycling. Most gyms, leisure centres and boutique studios require this as a minimum before placing you on a timetable, and professional insurance providers require it to cover you for cycling instruction. You'll also need an existing Level 2 fitness qualification (in Gym Instruction, Exercise to Music or Group Training) as a prerequisite before taking the Studio Cycling Award.

You must be 16 or over to enrol. There is no upper age limit.