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In part 1 of the Coaching Series, we considered the various uses of the word “coach” in different professions. A common thread through corporate, life, financial, athletic, etc. coaching is an alliance between the coach and coachee for enhanced performance. At the heart of the coaching relationship is an understanding that the person who is being coached is responsible for the bulk of the work. The role of the coach is to clarify, explore options with the client and provide accountability.Read more…

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This is the first part in a series by ICA contributor, Cori Parks. Indoor cycling began with Johnny G’s inspired quest to train better, both physically and mentally, long before it was ever about incinerating calories or vying for instructor or program popularity. Now that indoor cycling has made its name in the realm of cardio conditioning and proven its ongoing relevance in the fitness industry, the cycling instructor has a unique opportunity to reach a wide spectrum of participants.Read more…

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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…

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Some instructors motivate their students to reach the top of that hill because of the way it will make them feel, for the confidence it will build in them, for the realization that if they can do that, they can do anything they set their minds to. Others yell at riders to push to the top of the mountain so they can fit into a certain dress for the summer, or because they’ll look good when they go out at night. Which one are you?Read more…

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On one of the Friday Favorite song suggestions for a flat road at 90 rpm, an ICA member was unsure how much to stand and how to invite students to take breaks on long songs like that. He asked, “How do I invite students to take a break while on a flat road? Are we talking about standing breaks? If so, they would need more resistance to stand, right?”
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Do you talk too much when you are teaching your classes? Do you have this internal dialogue when you see your students looking back at you after you’ve given them a cue? “They’re staring at me. I better say something! I know they’re bored, I can tell! Look, someone just stood up…Oh no! They hate me!”
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I came up with a unique way to describe effort using a dog on a leash. I wouldn’t use this if you haven’t already set the stage for understanding perceived exertion at each level of intensity. It may confuse students. But once they already can identify the sensations of effort, fun and creative analogies like this add some humor and variety to your coaching.Read more…