Although our indoor classes might be populated with many folks who do not ride outdoors, we should also be mindful of what our outdoor riders may be doing or are capable of during a given time of year. This will help us deliver safe, fun, and appropriate classes regardless of the season. Understanding this still has value for the non-outdoor rider. Why?Read more…
Welcome to ICA’s series on teaching with video. Our initial thoughts were to organize eight to ten articles covering various topics to help introduce those new to video and provide tips for those already living the video dream. As we put further thought into what this series would encompass, and combine that with the speed at which video is now being adopted, the series may very well transform into a regular column or topic.Read more…
Like many of us, I had gone through a number of life transitions, which can distract us from basic principles we all know well and usually practice, like RECOVERY. I’ve spoke about this to instructors at conferences and have given lengthy diatribes on the importance of adequate rest to those I’ve coached. Yet, here I am (again) finding myself fatigued.Read more…
Did you ever have someone walk out of your class after the first song or shortly after the class started? Not only can this be a distraction to your riders, it can be unnerving. We can start to ask questions of ourselves. “Am I off my game today?” “Did I just say something insulting?” “Does this person not like how I teach?” It can take a lot of mental strength and confidence to keep from losing our focus.Read more…
What do you do in that uncomfortable moment when the class’s attention is diverted away from you and to the late student coming in the door? What do your actions say about yourself in that moment?Read more…
All ICA members receive the free bonus e-book “How to Create Profiles” with 18 pages of tips and advice on conceptualizing, designing and then assembling your profiles. Here are several examples of what I do as I’m piecing together my profiles, including my recent “architectural sketch” of my Stage 3 Tour de France profile. How do you sketch out your profiles? On paper, on the computer, in your head, in Class Builder? Share with us here!Read more…
How confident and powerful are you? How are you perceived by your students, clients, bosses and peers? This stunning video from an inspirational Ted Talk shows you that just by making small changes in your body language, you can change how you are viewed for the better and drastically improve your self-confidence. The lessons are very applicable to what we do as instructors, coaches and trainers. I’d love your thoughts on this video. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think might benefit from this fantastic information.Read more…
You’ve been there. It was a hard day at work. You’re coming down with a cold. You’ve got other pressing issues on your mind. And, you have to go teach. Normally you love teaching. But today? Not so much. How do you deal? Here are 5 strategies to make sure you give a professional performance when you don’t feel up to it.Read more…
Shirin arrived to the studio and started getting ready for the 90-minute class, as students were beginning to file in. She turns on the stereo, and….nothing. No sound. No music. No mic. They did everything they could to try to figure it out. To no avail. Class was about to start and Shirin had to make a decision. What followed was a momentous experience that all of her students will remember for a long time. You want to hear about this, you might get some pointers on engaging your students when faced with an obstacle!Read more…
This is the final installment on the series by Bryon Black on Top Ten Tricks for Nailing Your Next Audition. This tip deserved its own article because of its impact. Get this one right and not only will you probably knock the socks off those in your audition, but it will establish your foundation as you progress as an indoor cycling coach. Incorporating this suggestion may change you; it will permeate how you create your profiles, how you coach your students, how you help them progress in their fitness, and how you grow as a person.Read more…