Last month Tom wrote a post asking whether we should educate our students. It was in response to an article on another website that suggested that the role of cycling instructors is less to educate and more to entertain and give the students what they want. We feel strongly that by teaching our students the reasons why we do what we do, they will be far more likely to instill fitness into their everyday lives than those who simply are “entertained” by a rah-rah instructor. By learning how their body adapts to training they will be more likely to eschew popular gimmicks and trends in favor of more science-based training. The best part: they’ll love you in the long run!Read more…

You have done your preparation; now you are ready for the interview. So how do you actually go about talking to the reporter? This is perhaps the most important segment of this series so far, but stay tuned for Part 5, in which we will tell you how to go out and find your own coverage in your local media for your class, studio, program, or event.Read more…

There is no denying that promoting your upcoming classes can remind students to attend and greatly increase your class size. It’s also a great way to keep your students focused on their goals and help them achieve them. A weekly reminder in their inbox may be the impetus that kicks them in the butt to fit your class(es) into their busy schedules. Few have done it better than ICA member Kelly Scymczyk. Here are 11 samples of her entertaining and educational e-mails to her students.Read more…

In Parts 1 and 2, we have discussed most of the necessary elements of building an engaging endurance ride, but there are two more elements, ACTION and YOU. This final edition of this series on teaching endurance or mind-body style classes helps you put it all together and understand howRead more…

Part two of this endurance coaching series focuses on using your voice and on your cueing, dialogue, and music as tools to engage your students and help facilitate their connection to their bike and to their breath. These coaching tips are not just for coaching an “endurance” ride, but anyRead more…

ICA members are in for a phenomenal coaching treat. Bryon Black is a master of an instructor (not an MI, but he should be!) who excels at endurance rides and engaging his students. He shares with you some amazing ways to keep your students focused and how to connect withRead more…