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Grab your helmets and your sense of humor—because it’s the end of the world…again. Or not. May 21 is End of the World Day! Whether you’re escaping an asteroid or doing your final sprint through the gates of Valhalla, this is a theme ride idea that lets you mix humor, storytelling, and music with just enough existential dread to keep things spicy. Use our bucket playlist of 235 songs and these creative coaching ideas to help you create your last class on Earth. Make it legendary and ride like there’s no tomorrow…again! 🚴‍♀️🌍🔥Read more…

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This song is an iconic piece from the mid-’80s, known for its slow, steady build in both energy and emotion. Starting off soft and ambient, it gradually intensifies, making it perfect for a progressive 3-2-1 drill at 100 rpm. As the track reaches its peak, you’ll feel the power surge, giving your riders the perfect opportunity to push their limits and finish strong.Read more…

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In part 1 of this series on coaching resistance in cycling classes, I described a popular but ineffective coaching method: assigning a specific number of “turns” on the resistance knob. Now I want to address another flawed method: using a 1–10 resistance scale. Honestly, this one might be even worse—because it’s not tied to anything meaningful. It’s arbitrary, inconsistent, and ultimately unhelpful. Here are four reasons why this method leads to confusion.Read more…

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In: Class Profiles, Theme Ride Thursday
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The Force is strong with this one! National Space Day (May 2) and Star Wars Day (May the 4th Be With You) align for an epic intergalactic theme ride. Choose from four stellar bucket playlists with over 560 spacey, sci-fi, and celestial songs, plus three out-of-this-world profiles to launch your class into orbit. Read more…

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Coaching resistance is one of the more challenging aspects of being an indoor cycling instructor. In this series, you will learn the two most common yet ineffective methods of teaching resistance. We will then provide you with a technique of encouraging your riders to add load in a way that will help them experience what your profile is calling for so they can be more successful. We will end with dozens of creative coaching cues for adding resistance. You will emerge a better, more informed instructor. Read more…

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Some songs are more than music—they’re an invitation to let go. This week’s Timeless Classic brings a soulful, calming energy that helps riders transition from the intensity of class to a peaceful, refreshed state of mind. It’s a track that’s stood the test of time, offering the perfect backdrop to lower heart rates, ease breathing, and send everyone off the bike feeling grounded and renewed.Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Free Articles, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Much like a fine wine, a well-crafted indoor cycling class is the result of expertise, experimentation, and careful refinement. The consumer—in this case, the student in cycling class—may or may not understand the science behind it—they only know this is their favorite instructor, the one who consistently delivers an incredible experience.Read more…

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Progressive dueling intervals has been a staple profile template here at ICA for nearly a decade—and for good reason. It’s dynamic, versatile, and delivers a powerful workout that keeps riders engaged from start to finish. Now, I’m throwing it back with a brand-new take, packed with indie and alternative rock hits from the decade that gave us grunge, garage rock, and some seriously unforgettable anthems.Read more…

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We’ve given you a ton of 1980s bucket playlists and class profiles, but now it’s time to crank up the dial on the next decade—the 1990s. I’ve pulled together hundreds of ’90s songs you can sprinkle into your cycling classes, whether you’re planning a full-blown decades ride or just want to drop in a nostalgic banger or two.Read more…