Fitness First Germany has introduced Bike and Beats classes at its clubs as the growing trend for group gym cycling gathers pace.

High-intensity classes seek to incorporate training, party and fun, using dimmed lighting and loud music. Party-oriented hip-hop, electronica and house tracks accompany the 45-minute endurance and strength training. With the motto “turn down the light – boost the music”, the instructor intensifies the workout to specifically target certain muscle groups.

“The party format distracts the students from how strenuous the training is," explains Alexander Richter, head of product and innovation at Fitness First Germany. "It's the perfect course for all those who want to combine fitness with more fun and push themselves in a group."

The course is an addition to the brand’s Bike Basics for beginners, Bike Intense for advanced riders, Bike and Climb for experienced climbers and Pro Cycling which uses a competition format.

Bike and Beats classes are being introduced at nine of the 78 Fitness First clubs in Germany before expanding to other sites.

The average number of cycling class participants at the company has increased from 13 in 2005 to 18 in 2017. In the same period, the number of classes per club has risen from 21 to 23 per week.