Take out a blank sheet of paper. Write down what you believe are your strongest attributes as an instructor. Got them? Now, what happens when you receive comments about them that aren’t exactly positive? How do you respond?Read more…
Jacque Wyatt is an instructor whose community is still reeling from a devastating hurricane less than three months ago in the panhandle of Florida. She recently shared a photo of herself teaching a class in her garage and reflected on the pain of their loss and the joy of being able to ride together again. I asked Jacque to share her story—it’s one of resiliency and community.Read more…
We’ve got a new contest here at ICA. Submit a quick profile using any one of our theme ride playlists (or one of your own) and win a full-year membership at ICA! Read more…
This is a story about a woman who had no idea what she could accomplish. A woman who reluctantly attended her very first cycling class with me six months ago on the advice of her personal trainer. A woman who feared the bike and was one of the most hesitant riders I’ve ever seen. She is now one of the strongest female riders I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Read more…
Laura’s small community is grieving over a recent tragedy. As she prepared for her Saturday ride she scoured the web to find information on how to teach grieving students. Today she shares her thought process as she prepared for her class and encourages a dialogue so that others will have information to draw upon if faced with a similar situation.Read more…
In their book, “The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact,” the Heath Brothers describe how certain experiences leave a lasting impact and change us. These can happen anywhere. Have you encountered such a moment as an instructor; an experience that changed you? How might you create these, either for yourself or for others?
Read more…
Today we lost Ed King, the guitarist for the iconic southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. He’s the one whose voice can be heard counting down at the very beginning of their most famous hit, “Sweet Home Alabama.” Here are a few tracks you can sprinkle into your playlists as a tribute to one of the more recognizable southern rock groups in the country.Read more…
As instructors, we become accustomed to being the center of attention. Even if we’re never totally comfortable with it, it becomes routine. We implicitly agree when we take the mic that we will be evaluated by our participants. But what goes through your head (and your heart) when you’re REALLY being evaluated on your ability to lead? Are you open to constructive feedback?Read more…
When you teach riders who are new to power consoles about riding with metrics and power, it will surely benefit their fitness journey. But when they experience an educational moment firsthand, it is particularly powerful and will stay with them forever.Read more…
“I sure hope my cycling class today is EFFECTIVE!”…said no participant, ever. Time to ask yourself this question: how effective are your classes?Read more…