For this final edition of the high-intensity creative cueing series, you’ll learn very specific cues to direct your riders to execute a proper explosive sprint. Our bonus cue is a humorous analogy that will not only make your riders giggle, but will also serve as a light-bulb moment to help reinforce exactly what you mean by giving it your all, and recovering sufficiently.Read more…
Cynthia has a question about the perceived exertion for threshold intervals and the recovery in between the intervals. She also asks for motivational cues for threshold efforts. I’m sure she’s not alone with these questions, so I hope this helps many instructors.Read more…
In part 3 of this series, you’ll get the perceived exertion descriptions and creative cues to help your riders push themselves extra hard for up to 1 minute. But…these are not sprints! Sprints require their own set of cues because they rely on a completely different energy system. Stay tuned for part 4! Read more…
Super-intense, short efforts are an essential part of cycling fitness. They’re a great way to keep fit as long as they’re not overdone. Anaerobic intensity requires its own type of cueing since the physical sensations are different than at threshold.Read more…
Help your riders by providing them with the mental encouragement needed to maintain intense efforts. This is the first of three articles on creative cueing at high intensity: threshold efforts, anaerobic efforts of 1–3 minutes, and explosive efforts under a minute. You’ll never have to ask “what should I say” again!Read more…
HOW coaches communicate with their athletes is just as important as WHAT they communicate. Coaching is about developing relationships with your students, and helping them grow as athletes. When an athlete is coached properly, they are more likely to increase their effort, and perform at a higher level.Read more…
Christine teaches two-hour endurance classes during the winter in addition to her regular schedule. She doesn’t structure them the same as her other classes. Here are her tips for keeping her riders engaged and involved. Read more…
Do you like to be yelled at or do you like to be listened to? Will you perform better for someone yelling in your ear, or with gentle encouragement from someone you trust? I ask you to consider the idea of “gentle coaching” as you develop your own unique coaching style. Even if your natural style is more authoritative, you may find some ideas here that will help you personalize and expand your appeal to your students.Read more…
New instructors are often unsure how much they should be talking or what they should be saying in their classes. One of the litmus tests to discover if you are talking too much is to simply ask yourself, “Why am I talking?” The answer may surprise you. Caesar provides tips on examining the purpose of your cues and making sure your riders aren’t confused by what you say. Read more…
Suppose one of your riders began doing push-ups or picked up some weights in your class; what would you do? ICA member Melody asked this question in our Facebook group and several of us responded with advice. Next week I will give you some specific ways to address riders face-to-face.Read more…