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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Form and Technique, Free Articles, New Instructors, Safety and Contraindications
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Suppose you hired a personal trainer. At your first session, your trainer, Jack, hands you 1 lb weights. You look at him doubtfully, but he smiles and says, “Trust me!” So you do dozens of biceps curls and shoulder presses and a few other exercises until your shoulder muscles areRead more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Form and Technique, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Ever notice how standing affects your heart rate? How long does it take to return to where it was prior to standing (if cadence and resistance/power are the same)? Many riders might not notice the effect on their heart rate, so this eye-opening climbing drill brings it to their attention and teaches them the tricks to bring it back down.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors, Programming and Management
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There is rarely enough time to work with brand-new students in your regular classes. If you have the luxury of scheduling beginner classes at your studio or club, here is a list of what you should include in these first-timer classes that will help them master the movements and feel less intimidated about venturing into regular classes. This is one of the best ways to provide a continuous flow of new riders to your classes.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Programming and Management
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Today I received an e-mail from ICA member Shayne who sent me an example of his club’s Group Fitness Class Conduct Guide for Spinning. It gave me an idea to get others to submit their facility’s instructor guidelines or a sample of what it contains. Or, if you don’t have one, let me know in the comments what you wish your club/studio would do to keep your team teaching a similar approach while still encouraging different styles. Next week, I’ll post these samples along with Shayne’s, so you can use them as a template to create your own or suggest to your group fitness director to create one.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Free Articles
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I was interviewed for an article in ACE Fitness magazine by Amanda Vogel called “Are Celebrity Trainers Making People Fat?” The tongue-in-cheek title of the article mimics the headline that appeared in Harper’s Bazaar magazine last fall called “Is Spinning Making You Fat?” Amanda asks whether fitness professionals stay silent or take a stand against the popular but misleading headlines propagated by the media.Read more…

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In: Ask the Expert, Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Form and Technique
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Often times (like during the Indoor Cycling Summit), people will ask, “What part of the pedal stroke does the calf muscle power?” This is a great question because it does not have a simple answer. My favorite kind. Now I could say that the calf does not power any part of the pedal stroke and this would be true. I can also say that the calf powers the entire pedal stroke, which can also be true. So which is it? Read more…