Have you ever wondered what all the hype was about hashtags, those silly tic-tac-toe–looking things you see on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms? #dotheysometimesgetonyournerves? Watch this 3-minute video by media expert Amanda Vogel to help you understand how to use this strange but ubiquitous feature of social media.Read more…
ICA member Dana asked a question about coaching 20-minute field tests in the comments section of the ICA master profile for field testing. Because it’s a question I get a lot, and I believe all instructors can benefit from the reply, I am posting it here as an Ask the Expert: Is teaching this profile once a month too much?Read more…
Due to some behind-the-scenes remodeling at ICA, some of our posts may be temporarily unavailable, especially the older ones. Apologies if you encounter one; please know it won’t be for long. Here is a description of the exciting things going on behind the curtain at ICA!Read more…
If you haven’t seen Simon Sinek’s TED Talk yet, it’s a must-watch. Sinek’s central message, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it,” holds profound implications for those of us in the fitness industry. This principle encourages us to reflect on our motivations and infuse our teaching with a deeper purpose.Read more…
The haunting, almost unearthly voice will help drive you to the summit. A plateau (false flat) midway through the song gives you a false sense of hope, but you can’t rest for long; it continues to drive upward!Read more…
This article by Bicycling magazine about incorporating a “buddy system” into a century ride to encourage the riders struggling at the back of the pack got me thinking of ways to utilize this in our own challenging rides. Read the article and let me know your ideas!Read more…
Here are a handful of fun photos from Halloween theme rides from around the globe. If you taught a Halloween ride and want to share it with us, please post your photos to our Facebook page. We’d love to see how much fun you all had in your classes. Halloween is without a doubt one of the most fun theme rides you can do!Read more…
Last week I gave you numerous tips (28 in total!) on how to create a non-intimidating beginner class where new students will feel comfortable their first time on an indoor bicycle. I asked for input from members who teach beginner classes. One suggestion was so good that it warrants its own post! Read more…
There is rarely enough time to work with brand-new students in your regular classes. If you have the luxury of scheduling beginner classes at your studio or club, here is a list of what you should include in these first-timer classes that will help them master the movements and feel less intimidated about venturing into regular classes. This is one of the best ways to provide a continuous flow of new riders to your classes.Read more…
ICA member Tammar Berger, owner of Off Road Indoor Cycling in Washington, DC, created this amazing short trailer for their upcoming Halloween ride. She gave a few quick tips on how she did it, but it made me think…what would you think if we created a course on how to do this yourself? Video is incredibly powerful to promote your program—you might as well take advantage of it!Read more…