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In: Ask the Expert, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors
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While on location in Kauai filming for a virtual ride with Cycling Fusion, I had Tom Scotto at my beck and call, so I took advantage of this situation and filmed a couple of Ask the Expert videos. In this first one, we discuss when it is appropriate for an instructor to ride at the intensity required of the class and when it’s better to back off. Read more…

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In: General Fitness
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I got a chance to take the second signature class of the Equinox Pursuit brand, a threshold-based format of longer intervals. This type of ride is so up my alley! Here is my review of the class I took a few weeks ago at the La Costa Equinox just north of San Diego, California.Read more…

sweating bike

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In: Ask the Expert, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Josephine has a rider who loves to sit right in front of the fan, but she never sweats. Is this good or bad? She also wonders if sweating plays a role in weight loss. We turn to the ultimate expert, Dr. Jennifer Klau, who did her master’s thesis on sweat. Dr. Klau’s answer goes way beyond this question and will help you understand the physiology of sweating at a much deeper level so you can inform your riders correctly about what it means…and even more importantly, what it doesn’t mean. Read more…

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In: Class Profiles
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Grimpeur (gram-peurr), or the feminine grimpeuse (gram-peuhz), is a French term, literally translated as “climber.” To be a true grimpeur, one must be strong-willed and physically tough, able to suffer more than the next rider to get to the top first. True heart. In the women’s peloton, American Mara Abbott is the epitome of a grimpeuse. This all-climbing profile was created in honor of this amazing female athlete. If you have concerns about one long climb, rest-assured, we provide modifications and motivations to keep your class engaged. Read more…

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In: Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth
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While instructors most often lead adults in group exercise classes, we also share many parallels with teachers of children. Check out Rita Pierson’s TED Talk, “Every Kid Needs a Champion,” to see how she prioritizes personal connection or relationship over all else when helping children succeed. You’ll find some great ideas to bring into the cycling studio.Read more…

doesn't like you FB

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In: My Cycling Class Today
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Have you ever had a rider who you assumed just did not like you or your class, but they still came regularly? They don’t interact, they don’t listen to your cues, they don’t smile, they don’t stay and chat, but there they are, week after week. Could your perception be wrong? Could it be something entirely different? Izabela recounts a not-so-uncommon story that revealed the truth about one of her regulars. Read how she turned it around.Read more…

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In: Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth
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All instructors are entitled to deference and respect, but in the absence of a ‘superhero cape,’ unfortunately respect is not as common as it should be. Instructors, do you get the respect you should? If not, consider weaving your own “don’t-mess-with-me” cape, and perhaps you can also wield the seven special “superhero” powers that Christine’s gives her. Read more…