We have 12 ways to make sure that you enjoy the process of teaching off the bike and engage your riders so well that they hang on every word (or moments of silence). These tips are for when you have to be off the bike for an entire class, whether it be due to injury, giving up your bike for a member, teaching a large number of classes during the week, or any other reason. The first 6 are here in part 2 of this series, and the remainder in part 3.Read more…

Did you know the world will be ending September 28, 2015? When it doesn’t, you can use this profile anytime someone predicts the end of the world, or how about for Halloween! This profile is all about engaging the imagination and sense of humor of your class members, and using that energy to motivate them as you take them through a series of high-intensity efforts while they ride for their lives! Read more…

This highly educational series on teaching off the bike first appeared in 2011. It’s a very popular topic, so we are bringing this new and improved version back to the forefront. Part 1 discusses why teaching the entire class off the bike can be effective. Part 2 will provide 11 specific tips and tricks for doing so. Parts 3 and 4 will give advice on getting off the bike occasionally in the most effective manner to provide motivation and correction. This series, worthy of CECs, will help launch your coaching to the next level.Read more…

TBT (Throwback Thursday): We will be reaching into our archives for special articles to help you on your instructor journey. In 2011, Janet Toussaint inspired our members to take the steps necessary to transform from being an “instructor” to being a “coach”; one who seeks to get to know his or her students, inspiring them to discover and attain their potential. This article discusses your “coaching radar” and how to use it.Read more…

Here are two challenging mountain stages of past Vuelta a Espana stage races. The 2015 Vuelta is going on right now. You can use these profiles and modify them to simulate one of this year’s stages. However, your riders probably wouldn’t know the difference if you used profile from a past Vuelta! Also included is a link to my playlist of fun Spanish songs to use in your Vuelta stages. Add some of the cues in the Cuez app and you are guaranteed an exciting and engaging cycling class your riders will be talking about for a long time!Read more…

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Kraftwerk says it has used the sound of bikes, and the rhythmic breathing of cyclists in its music. Hütter says that cycling is also about silence and appreciating the sound of the world around you as you ride, something which is carried over to their music. Have you used their music for your cycling classes, especially a Tour de France stage?Read more…

class intro new instructor

Stage fright. Jitters. Butterflies in your belly. We’ve all been there. After weeks of training and hours putting together that perfect playlist, you’re about to clip in for your first class. A sweaty version of the dreaded “public speaking,” it can be nerve-wracking for even the most confident individual! But it doesn’t have to be. Here are seven tips to make that first class feel a little less intimidating.Read more…