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In: Ask the Expert, General Coaching, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Teri asks if we could expand on what “breathless” means and how it’s different than gasping for air. This is important because at certain points in class we ask our riders to reach an exertion level where they are breathless—but could that mean different effort levels for each participant? Read on to find out.Read more…

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In: Continuing Education, Free Articles
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One of the most common questions we hear from instructors and participants alike is “How many calories did I burn in my cycling class?” In this article, we discuss the different ways calories are burned, some of the myths around measuring calorie burn, and the best ways to estimate caloric expenditure from your cycling session.Read more…

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In: Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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In the last article on understanding lactate threshold, we discussed the three different energy systems of the body and how ATP, the energy currency of the body, was produced in all three systems concurrently. Each system provides different amounts of energy to the working muscles at varying rates for distinct intensity demands. To further shore up this concept, it would be helpful to be somewhat familiar with where our bodies derive the energy to power our movement and basic body functions.Read more…

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In: Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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For years, lactate threshold (LT) has been referred to by athletes and coaches as one of the most useful metrics to determine the upper limits of sustaining power, endurance, and, ultimately, performance. It is useful to think of the lactate threshold as a glass ceiling—an invisible barrier that once raised will increase performance potential. Understanding what LT is and how it fits within your training plan, and knowing how to describe it in the context of an indoor cycling studio, will go a long way in helping your riders conceptualize what their bodies are experiencing.Read more…

Apprehensive to Inspirational-

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Free Articles, General Advice, General Coaching, Instructor Issues & growth
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This is a story about a woman who had no idea what she could accomplish. A woman who reluctantly attended her very first cycling class with me six months ago on the advice of her personal trainer. A woman who feared the bike and was one of the most hesitant riders I’ve ever seen. She is now one of the strongest female riders I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Uncategorized
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Cycling instructors face an interesting challenge. We have the task of putting together safe, effective, and fun workouts, while choosing music that will motivate and move the soul. Beyond that we must also clearly, concisely, and repeatedly convey meaning, feeling, and intention to a room full of very different people with diverse learning styles and potentially dissimilar fitness levels. This article addresses your road map to success by describing three specific methods of communication to convey the desired level of effort and intensity required by participants within each and every class you teach.Read more…