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…
Most indoor cycling classes are 45–60 minutes long. Longer rides can serve as great training sessions and an accomplishment for riders to be proud of. You can teach them on their own or use longer classes as part of a progressive program to prepare participants for outdoor rides or multi-hour charity events. However, when you exceed a one-hour workout, you should alter how you design and deliver your class.
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I was asked if there is ever a reason for the instructor to turn someone’s resistance knob for them. While as a general rule I would say it’s not advised, I actually have three scenarios where I believe it can be helpful.Read more…
Laura asks the difference between a surge and an attack. This is an important distinction that all instructors should know. Included are some cues to help you describe them to your riders.Read more…
In a recent post of an aerobic-intensity profile called Ebb and Flow, I received a question about the Zone 3 level of intensity of the profile. This zone has been called a “no-man’s land” or a “dead zone” by some cycling coaches. Is this true, and if so, should we be worried about it?
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I received a great question recently in the ICA Facebook group from Sarah asking what the difference between a “spin-up” and a “surge” is. We had an Ask the Expert post from 2013 with a similar question from Angela asking, “How exactly do you teach a spin-up? Is it different from a sprint?” So, I have edited the previous article below and updated it with Sarah’s question to help you fully understand what a spin-up is and how to teach one, including referencing a full profile on these drills.Read more…
Jumps can be controversial. They are a big part of the curriculum of some indoor cycling programs; others avoid them or list them as contraindicated. What’s my take? I say “it depends!” Let’s look at three ways jumps should NOT be taught and four different ways to teach them in the most effective manner, from most to least cycling specific. Read more…
Learn how to “keep it real” in spite of being in an environment where other instructors tend to use techniques that are ineffective and possibly unsafe.Read more…
Tom gives us tips on how to fake your intensity, so your riders don’t know that you’re not pushing as hard. Because sometimes to be the best coach, they just don’t need to know.Read more…
While on location in Kauai filming for a virtual ride with Cycling Fusion, I had Tom Scotto at my beck and call, so I took advantage of this situation and filmed a couple of Ask the Expert videos. In this first one, we discuss when it is appropriate for an instructor to ride at the intensity required of the class and when it’s better to back off. Read more…