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In: Class Profiles, Teaching with Power
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Here is everything you need to perform two FTP tests with confidence: the ramp (MAP) test and the 20-minute test, including how to coach and motivate your riders to stay committed and how to add the most motivating and energetic music possible. You’ll learn not just the theory but also the practical skills to leading these two important functional assessments. If you have a bike, you can ride along with the two videos and test your own FTP. If you don’t have a bike, that’s OK; just imagine yourself at a conference session and view them with pen and paper in hand.Read more…

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing
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In part 1, I described a popular but ineffective coaching method that fails to account for the difference in abilities and fitness of riders or the differences in the wear and tear on bikes. The second method of teaching resistance that instructors should steer clear of is to assign a 1–10 scale of resistance. This one is even worse than assigning a number of turns. It’s very confusing, it’s subjective, and it’s not anchored to anything. Read more…

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In: Music Resources
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Your warm-up song sets the tone for your class; your cool-down song closes the chapter on your ride. Both are every bit as important as your energetic and inspirational songs sandwiched between them. Here are some of the guidelines I use when selecting warm-up and cool-down songs and some of the exceptions. Included here are two ICA bucket playlists for warm-ups and cool-downs with over 1,300 songs to choose from.Read more…

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In: General Advice
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You might have found yourself with some extra time on your hands. Do you see a silver lining? I sure do! Now is the time to grow yourself and up-level your teaching. Here is what I plan on doing for ICA members. The list is long—get ready for some enhanced learning! I also plan on offering some great free content to non-members. All instructors are hurting and all instructors can use this time to grow. Stay tuned for more on that.Read more…

Profile Design Tips

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In: Class Profiles, New Instructors
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Part 1 of our new instructor series focused on providing numerous coaching tips to ease you into your first couple of classes. This article will focus on profile creation tips, one of the biggest hurdles for new instructors. We provide you with the four rules of profile design and include dozens of ideas for profile objectives.Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, New Instructors
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Some new instructors are more challenged than others with stage fright, especially if they do not come from a group fitness background. Most of these insecurities are easily quelled with practice, practice, practice. Allow yourself the time and space to make mistakes. Here are some tips for new instructors that will minimize your nervousness as you move beyond your certification. Read more…