This email I received brings up an immensely important issue—how to work with obese and/or very unfit students. There are many things you can do to make these students more comfortable and increase the chances they will return, but it takes some hand-holding. Are you willing to do what it takes?Read more…
This popular profile was first posted in 2014—it’s time to bring it back to the forefront! It is a fun progressive interval ride using a wide variety of terrain. The term “meritage” comes from the world of wine and means a “quality blend.” That’s exactly what these intervals are…a quality blend!Read more…
This versatile song can play many roles. I love to use it as a warm-up, but it also works well in the middle of your ride as a gentle climb, a slight headwind, or a moderate-energy flat road.Read more…
You’ve coached your riders to understand the benefits of establishing a benchmark metric known as functional threshold power, or FTP, a number around which they can set their intensity. You’ve used one of the recommended methods to determine FTP. Now what do you do? How do you provide each rider with their zones?Read more…
I was asked about riding with one arm held out to the side to ostensibly work the core. This, and all versions of one-arm riding, is one of those techniques I call #FakeMoves. Yup, that’s a new hashtag I want you all to start using when the technique is nothing but fluff and has no benefit! Read more…
Without question, music is an essential component of what makes indoor cycling so successful and fun. FTP field tests have a unique requirement and require high-energy, rhythmic tempos that help you turn the pedals in the range of the mid-80s to mid-90s rpm. We’ve got two Spotify playlists with over 200 songs—one with electronic genres and the other with rock, alternative, indie, and hip-hop tracks. There is a playlist with high-energy songs for shorter 3-minute FTP tests. Plus, we provide three full Spotify playlists for your FTP tests. We’ve got you covered!Read more…
A hypnotic, rhythmic climb built for steady, focused work, ideal for building sustained muscular endurance. No dramatic lifts or choruses—just a pulsing drive that draws you in and holds you there. The same track was performed live in front of the pyramids of Giza for a millennium celebration, a moment where ancient history met futuristic sound in an unforgettable spectacle.Read more…
Training with power is the best way to set benchmarks, determine workout intensities, and measure improvement. When you are ready to start leading 20-minute FTP tests, we’ve got everything you need in this Coaching Play by Play. It contains information on how to prepare your riders for FTP tests, what elements you should control during the test so it is reliably repeatable, the protocol to follow, and minute-by-minute motivational cues to coach your riders through this challenging event. Read more…
This course/profile consists of early rolling hills, followed by a fast flat segment with a paceline. Then, riders greet a big climb—and that’s only the first half! The second half is three circuits over another big climb before you get to pull on the World Championship rainbow jersey.Read more…
In this chapter, I provide a sample time table of six to eight weeks with programming ideas for gradually increasing the length of the intervals and teaching riders to understand pacing. By the final week, your class should be ready for their first FTP test!Read more…