Every instructor has their own style and preference for when to teach on or off the bike. We’ve published a number of articles to this effect with general guidelines and suggestions for effective approaches. A few members asked specifically about the effectiveness of teaching Tabata, and other high-intensity intervals, on and off the bike. Here is my approach.Read more…
A self-described jack-of-all-trades, Cori wears many hats, not from a lack of focus, but from a wide range of enthusiastic interests. She is originally from North County, San Diego, where she first took to the coastal Highway 101 on her fat frame Cannondale in the early ’80s. Before she realizedRead more…
In order to prepare for the lung-burning intervals our riders know and love, some conditioning is needed. In addition to aerobic conditioning, the muscles of the legs need to be ever ready and everlasting. Here is the first of two profile outlines on leg muscle conditioning—muscular endurance.Read more…
I hope you enjoyed the video of how I present the reset to my classes (I use the last example, of course). What I realize is I have the benefit of knowing exactly what this reset actually looks like in terms of profiles. In order to give you this benefit and resulting confidence, I’m going to provide an outline of five profiles I use during the first three months of the year. Here is the first profile outline: Aerobic Conditioning.Read more…
In part 1, we presented the value of doing a physical, mental, and energy reset in your classes as a new year begins. In part 2, we described the elements that make up a reset and refocus. In part 3, I thought it would be helpful to provide a video example of how to talk to your riders about this “reset” in a way that gets them excited about the classes to come. I even included two examples of what NOT to do.Read more…
We are not taking away training or barricading treadmills and indoor bikes; instead we are offering them a much needed change in how they work out. Honestly, the efforts are not easier, just different. In part 2, we will discuss one of the keys to getting your riders salivating over a reset—knowing what you are selling.Read more…
The workout is intense. High-intensity intervals run amok. Full out! All out! Everything you got! This is the mode we have been in over the summer months and early fall weeks. For many, this is known as peak fitness; earned after months and months of dedicated riding and training. When we achieve this level of fitness and the associated intensity, we don’t want it to stop. Herein lies the problem. Unless we dial it back and let the body fully recover, we not only fail to improve further, but eventually lose what we’ve gained…or worse. How do we transition our riders out of an intensity frenzy and prepare them to reset and rebuild their fitness at the start of another year? Read more…
In part 1 we discussed how to prepare our riders for a sub. In part 2 we threw out suggestions for finding an ideal sub for your class. Welcome to part 3—where you are the sub. It can be nerve-wracking to walk into a party not knowing anyone. My strategy in this case it to find someone who also appears uncomfortable and introduce myself. Eventually I build a posse that allows me to move freely about the cabin. This tactic doesn’t work when your goal is not to mingle, but command the room. I’m going to share my strategy to increase your chances of success and potentially keep the jitters down to a dull roar.Read more…
In part 1, we discussed the difficulty of using a substitute instructor your riders like (or won’t stone), the challenge when other instructors do not “keep it real,” and teaching your class to respect your subs. Part 2 will focus on moving past a potential negative impression of your class, valuing the riders’ workout, and how to prep your sub for success.Read more…
Many of the instructors I know give a ton back to our community. In addition to going above and beyond preparing our regular classes (even though the pay we receive often does not come close to compensating us for our effort), hundreds of instructors participate in charity rides and events to help organizations with their mission. Like many, I’ve had the honor of leading and participating in indoor cycling benefit rides. Although the cause and mission is serious, these events are some of the most fun and inspiring times I’ve spent on an indoor bike.Read more…