How long do you spend putting together your profiles and playlists? Depending on my mood, I can spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, sometimes more (especially for ones like the photo at left). Often the actual profile itself has been brewing in my head for a while; sometimes I come up with the concept while out riding my bike. Once I have the profile idea, most of that time is devoted to the playlist so that I can match the message with my music. The night before I teach, my husband knows I need to sequester myself in my office or sit at the dinner table undisturbed with my headphones and laptop to prepare my class.
This past Tuesday, the night before I posted Shari Miranda’s audio profile called Climb, Climb Again, I was texting back and forth with her to thank her for the awesome profile. I had all the music and was going to teach it early the next morning (I only changed one song). This text image below was part of our conversation.
Using her profile and music saved me so much time—I definitely reap the benefits of ICA! When I am really busy (which is often), and/or don’t have the energy or creativity to come up with a new profile or to even revamp an old profile, I relax because I’ve got access to some of the most amazing profiles at my disposal here at ICA. Profiles like Shari’s that are different from my own, but ones that I know are solid and professional. Profiles that have an objective, where the techniques, terrain, and intensity all are designed to meet that objective. Profiles that are based on science and proven training techniques. Profiles that are fun, with music that has been carefully selected to perfectly match the ride. Profiles created by Tom Scotto, Leslie Mueller, Robert Baldi, Jennifer Lynn, Bryon Black, Christine Nielsen, Juliet Underill, and now Shari.
When I use one of Tom’s or Robert’s rides, or any other of these profiles, they have always been a hit with my students. And I’m happy because I saved me some brain cells and didn’t have to stay up so late (since I wake up at 4:45 on the mornings I teach)! 😉
So yeah, Shari is right, I too reap the benefits of ICA by having access to these other profiles. While I have a fairly large collection of my profiles, ones that I have been saving and updating over the past 10–16 years, I still get tired of my own! Don’t you?
If you are not a member of ICA yet, just ask yourself, how much do you value your own time? How many hours do you spend on profiles and music? Let us help you! We’ve got 54 profiles so far (all of them vetted) and it continues to grow. So many of our members tell me over and over again that since using ICA profiles, their classes have grown, their knowledge has exploded, and their confidence has soared.
Not only that, when you join we give you a valuable bonus e-book called How To Create Profiles, so you can become even better and more efficient at creating your own.
And this doesn’t even count the number of other amazing benefits for ICA members. For some instructors, the time savings just from eliminating the struggle of creating their own profiles is enough to warrant the handful of pennies a day to be a member of the Indoor Cycling Association.
With the indoor cycling season about to be in full swing, what are you waiting for?
Jennifer:
Thanks for the response, and I will definitely keep my eyes out for the article! And yes, I always have notes to refer to, especially where (at this point) nothing is “second nature” just yet. It’s tough to put my finger on it, but it’s more of an issue of the notes feeling like a good reference point for the profiles I “own” and almost a (necessary) distraction for the ones I don’t. I’m not even sure the class knows the difference, but I find that getting into the right mindset allows me to devote more mental energy/space to other aspects of the class, rather than being slightly preoccupied about what comes next.
At any rate, can’t wait to see the full post.
Thanks!
Tony
Anthony,
this is such a great question Anthony, that I’m going to answer it more fully in its own post on ICA. In short, yes, you need to “own” the profile, and add your own style so it flows from within. Still, having a few notes to refer to is fine. When you create your own profiles (however long that takes) don’t you have some notes the first time or two? I know I do.
But I’ve got a few suggestions for how to put your own mark on other people’s profiles and teach them seamlessly. Keep your eyes open for an article!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer:
I am new instructor at a local gym and have been avidly reading and learning from this website for several months now. Thanks for all that you, Tom, Kala, Byron and everyone else does to keep it real.
One issue I personally have had with using other people’s profiles: I find I have a very difficult time “internalizing” the profile, compared to profiles I create myself (using the incredibly helpful rubric you outlined in the e-book, btw). For example, for preset profiles, I find myself looking down at my notes more often to remind me what comes next, and I have trouble getting myself into the right mental space to “feel” the ride.
Is this an issue you have ever had? Any tips on how I might be able to get through that mental block? Is it just a matter of going through the preset profile once on a bike on my own before using it in class?
Thanks!
Tony