Welcome to the Indoor Cycling Association
OCD: The Olympic Rings Pedal Stroke Drill
I’ve been teaching this pedal stroke drill for almost as long as I’ve been teaching (20 years). I first introduced it at a conference in my session called The Anatomy of the Pedal Stroke at WSSC in 2002. It’s a fabulous visual to help riders connect with their pedal strokes.Read more…
Educating Your Students, Part 2: Using Humor, Metaphors, and Analogies
Everyone had a class with a fun and wacky science teacher in high school, right? I’m not advocating that we start developing quirks or acting wacky in our indoor cycling classes, but the point is, making education fun using humor and wit is a great way to learn AND and a fun way to teach. Hopefully our dating, bagels, poultry, and pasta analogies will spark some ideas to create some of your own wacky ways to explain something on the bike.Read more…
Ask the Expert: Is Zone 3 a “No-Man’s Land”?
In a recent post of an aerobic-intensity profile called Ebb and Flow, I received a question about the Zone 3 level of intensity of the profile. This zone has been called a “no-man’s land” or a “dead zone” by some cycling coaches. Is this true, and if so, should we be worried about it?
Read more…
“Break Glass in Case of Emergency”: How to Manage Defiant Students
You know those red boxes where you break the glass to throw the emergency alarm? You need one of those in your instructor toolbox. The reason you need one is the defiant student.Read more…
Should Indoor Cycling Instructors Educate Our Riders? Part 1
At first I was confused by this question. As indoor cycling instructors, why would we not educate our riders? As a rider, why would I not want to know more about how a class, drill, or movement was going to impact me? It seems silly. There are times when we need to educate a rider to help them make corrections in their form. Education can also provide great motivation to try or persist, knowing the ultimate short- and long-term benefits. Read more…
Magic Coaching Minute: Bouncing in the Saddle
How can you help riders quiet their form and eliminate bouncing? Jennifer Sage and Tom Scotto discuss why this happens and provide a few solutions.Read more…
RIP Dolores O’Riordan, Lead Singer of The Cranberries
On January 15, the world suddenly lost Dolores O’Riordan, the lead singer of The Cranberries, at the age of 46. So today we celebrate her life and share with you our favorite songs by The Cranberries. Until we meet again, the Daffodils Lament. Read more…
Instructor Keeps Cool in High-Stress Situation
What is the most stressful situation you’ve ever experienced during one of your cycling classes? I bet this story will top anyone else’s! Imagine being in Hawaii yesterday as you are beginning your warm-up. Betsy takes us through this surreal moment from the instructor bike. Read more…
How to Handle a Difficult Student
Sometimes students are just plain difficult. They don’t want to listen. They might even set up a power struggle with you in class. Would a mental checklist help you in these situations?Read more…
Magic Coaching Minute: Standing Flats
What is the best advice for standing up when you describe a “flat road” to your riders? Since balance and fitness can affect how well a rider can stand up, these tips will help you improve your riders’ performance, and ultimately their fitness, in your classes. Read more…