This is a question from a fairly new instructor about understanding rpm and its relationship to bpm. I originally posted this in 2012, but I am reposting it with an updated response. This question came up recently in the ICA Member Facebook group, so I thought I’d resurrect this post.Read more…
There was an interesting discussion this week on one of the Facebook indoor cycling forums about teaching without music. I thought it could be fun to have a discussion here about teaching without music. Have you ever had a music emergency in which you had to teach your class with no music at all? How did you initially react? How did your riders respond?Read more…
If you haven’t seen Simon Sinek’s TED Talk yet, it’s a must-watch. Sinek’s central message, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it,” holds profound implications for those of us in the fitness industry. This principle encourages us to reflect on our motivations and infuse our teaching with a deeper purpose.Read more…
Last week I gave you numerous tips (28 in total!) on how to create a non-intimidating beginner class where new students will feel comfortable their first time on an indoor bicycle. I asked for input from members who teach beginner classes. One suggestion was so good that it warrants its own post! Read more…
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…
Mentoring new instructors is a valuable tool in helping them navigate the often overwhelming flood of information they receive in their certification and the weeks that follow. Listen to this audio interview with Melinda Massie of Lexington, KY, as she describes how she loves to take new instructors under her wing. If you’ve ever thought about mentoring (or if you’re a facility looking to develop a mentoring program) don’t miss this interview!Read more…
There’s a funny fable about a chicken and a pig who wanted to make a bacon-and-egg sandwich for the farmer they liked so much. The chicken said, “I could provide some eggs.” The pig replied, “that’s fine, but while you’re making a contribution, I’m making a real commitment!”Read more…
In my e-book “Ten Ways to Stay Motivated as an Indoor Cycling Instructor,” one of the things I discuss is to always be prepared. In doing so, you reduce your potential stress level because you are confident that should something happen, you have a way to address the problem and not skip a beat in your instruction of your class. In this post, I give you a Plan B so you can avoid the challenge I dealt with!Read more…
Some instructors motivate their students to reach the top of that hill because of the way it will make them feel, for the confidence it will build in them, for the realization that if they can do that, they can do anything they set their minds to. Others yell at riders to push to the top of the mountain so they can fit into a certain dress for the summer, or because they’ll look good when they go out at night. Which one are you?Read more…
Have you encountered a challenge when trying to respond to people’s comments, critiques, or attacks about cycling-specific techniques or the Keep it Real philosophy? Would you like a template to answer the naysayers using non-confrontational, heart-centered means of responding, without putting down the individual? Then help me compile the most challenging questions, and I’ll create a template for you!Read more…