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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing, Form and Technique, Free Articles
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In part 1 of this series on coaching resistance in cycling classes, I described a popular but ineffective coaching method: assigning a specific number of “turns” on the resistance knob. Now I want to address another flawed method: using a 1–10 resistance scale. Honestly, this one might be even worse—because it’s not tied to anything meaningful. It’s arbitrary, inconsistent, and ultimately unhelpful. Here are four reasons why this method leads to confusion.Read more…

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Coaching resistance is one of the more challenging aspects of being an indoor cycling instructor. In this series, you will learn the two most common yet ineffective methods of teaching resistance. We will then provide you with a technique of encouraging your riders to add load in a way that will help them experience what your profile is calling for so they can be more successful. We will end with dozens of creative coaching cues for adding resistance. You will emerge a better, more informed instructor. Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Free Articles, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Much like a fine wine, a well-crafted indoor cycling class is the result of expertise, experimentation, and careful refinement. The consumer—in this case, the student in cycling class—may or may not understand the science behind it—they only know this is their favorite instructor, the one who consistently delivers an incredible experience.Read more…

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In: Ask the Expert, Coaching and Cueing, New Instructors
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Aisha asked me, how much cueing is too much? No one likes an instructor who talks non-stop, but we’ve also been in classes where not enough good cueing is given and the class seems to be at a loss on what to do or how hard to go. Here are 9 things to consider when doing a self-analysis on whether you are talking too much (or enough) in your classes.Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Instructor Issues & growth
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Incorporating longer intervals of 5 to 20 minutes into your cycling classes can unlock a higher level of fitness, but many instructors are reluctant to introduce them. In part 1 of this four-part series, we’ll address why longer intervals are crucial for building endurance, strength, and mental toughness. Plus, we’ll explore how to overcome the common resistance and help your riders love these powerful training efforts.Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Communication and Presentation Skills, Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors
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This year, I want to challenge you to reach new heights in your coaching. This may mean moving out of your own comfort zone. It’s something we ask of our riders all the time; how about ourselves? What can we do to push ourselves, to take risks, to put ourselves out there in front of our students and announce to the world that we aren’t afraid of growth?Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing
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We’ve all heard the adage “No Pain, No Gain,” and the reasons it’s a myth. But we also hear that it’s not possible to really succeed or improve performance unless you learn to suffer at your chosen sport. So what is it? Where is the line drawn? And how should indoor cycling instructors coach? Should we never use words like “suffering” in our coaching?Read more…

creative visulalization

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Mental Training, Mind-Body
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Using visualization and imagery coaching techniques to inspire your students allows you to connect with your students on a much deeper level. Part 1 discusses the immense power of using visualization. Part 2 will provide colorful examples of expanding your coaching language. Parts 3–7 will give specific cues for flats, climbs, high-intensity efforts, and warm-up and cool-down. You will never run out of things to say again!Read more…

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One of our more popular series on ICA is a set of articles with various strategies for inspiring your students up long climbs. The series was called Strategy for Strength, and is one of the favorites we’ve done on ICA. One of the strategies was to inspire students to come up with a mantra that they repeat over and over to themselves as they climb. Of course, mantras aren’t just for climbing. I was inspired recently to come up with some for sustained tempo pace.Read more…