By:
On:
In: Form and Technique, Free Articles, Training Videos
With: 4 Comments

Two months ago, I wrote a post about the wisdom (or lack of it) of standing for very long periods out of the saddle. I challenged anyone in the indoor cycling world to perform my standing climb challenge. I still think it’s worth trying, but I recognize it’s not a very effective workout, so I have a much more attainable challenge; one which will also be eye-opening as you compare power, heart rate, and cadence with standing versus seated efforts. Will you do this challenge?Read more…

By:
On:
In: Weekly Music Archives
With: 1 Comment

While this track’s repetitive nature might seem monotonous, that very quality can become a powerful asset when tackling a challenging climb. Outdoor cyclists are familiar with the relentless rhythm of a long, steady ascent, and this song captures that perfectly. It helps riders embrace the repetitiveness of climbing as a strategy for staying committed to the effort. Read more…

By:
On:
In: Form and Technique, Free Articles
With: 20 Comments

Have you ever heard of a class conducted entirely out of the saddle? Would you ever consider it, or take part if you were a student in that class? Here is a synopsis of a discussion that happened in an online forum on the subject, with my input, plus an excellent article on the science of standing versus seated riding. I hereby challenge all instructors to take part in the STANDING CLIMB CHALLENGE so we can gather data as well as personal anecdotes. Read more…

By:
On:
In: Communication and Presentation Skills, New Instructors
With: 1 Comment

You’ve landed an audition for a great teaching gig, but they are only going to give you 3 minutes. What do you say? What do you do? When you have an audition this short, it’s important to optimize every second. Here is a sample 3-minute audition template (which you can extend to a longer audition), along with 8 other tips to help you land any teaching job you want!Read more…

By:
On:
In: Class Profiles
With: 8 Comments

This challenging mind-body profile (from my presentation at the 24-hour indoor cycling marathon) includes three long climbs with powerful and motivational cueing. Each climb is devoted to a different focus or emotion that cyclists feel when riding. The first climb is love; the second, soul or spirit; the third, feeling free. Each of the songs used in the climbs reflect these emotions.Read more…

By:
On:
In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
With: 1 Comment

When you learn how to read and interpret a workout file it is an amazing tool to aid in putting together profiles. You will better understand the possible impact your choices (cadence, resistance, power, etc.) will have on your riders. By looking at a file from a less fit rider who suffered in the class or was unable to do the prescribed workout, you will understand why some might struggle with your coaching. Or, maybe you might discover that some things you are doing might not be as effective as you thought. Read more…

By:
On:
In: Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, Programming and Management
With: 4 Comments

With the increase in “non-traditional” indoor cycling classes rife with contraindications, and the increase in instructors learning new “moves” from YouTube, so many classes these days are filled with safety concerns. Many instructors who attend one of these classes are either too uncomfortable to approach the instructor or feel that if they contact the facility, no one will care. We’d like to share with you an example of an instructor who did step up and was able to make some positive changes at one club.Read more…