The language of Dutch indoor cycling instructors

Abstract

Sports, physical fitness and good health are important to most people across the world. For this reason, fitness centres are constantly growing and offering their customers a wide range of different activities (e. g., strength training, personal training or group classes). One of the most popular forms of fitness for years has been indoor cycling — a group class on stationary bikes to the rhythm of stimulating music. A charismatic trainer is of course a part of it. This article focuses on the specific language of Dutch indoor cycling instructors used in contact with their clients. The research is based on the participant observation of Spinning® classes in Dutch fitness centres between June 2019 and March 2020 and is supported with my own experience as an indoor cycling instructor. Already at first sight, some characteristics are noticeable that make this language special, such as specific pronunciations and intonations, vocabulary, certain morphosyntactic features or the use of affirmation and visualization. Language seems to be an important tool to ensure the balance between body and mind. Moreover, language is seen as part of the whole philosophy of Spinning®, which confirms the words of Johnny G., the creator of this programme: “Spinning® has always shone a bright light in the health and fitness community. Not because riding a stationary bike is such a trick, but because of its language”.