Welcome to the Indoor Cycling Association
Do You Stretch On The Bike in Your Cycling Or Spinning Classes?
I posted this on the ICA Facebook page the other day, as well as in one of the indoor cycling forums on Facebook, and it caused a firestorm. I’d love your thoughts on the subject of stretching on the bike in your indoor cycling or Spinning class.Read more…
Power to the Masses, Part 4: Form
Over the past three weeks, we have provided three alternative methods of introducing and using power in your indoor cycling classes—Power CTW. We look forward to feedback on the methods you tried and how your riders responded. To keep track of all of those powerful efforts, we have created a form that your riders can use. Download it here. Two versions of the form are included: one using power-to-weight in pounds, and the other in kilograms.Read more…
The Hills and Dales of Ireland—Saint Paddy’s Day Profile From the Archives
Here is a simple rolling hills profile set to Irish music. You’re either going up or down on this ride through the bonny green hills of Eire, on narrow roads lined with low stone fences through green pastures dotted with sheep, on your way to meet friends at the Mystic Celt Pub. How’s that for a visual as you ride? Ride responsibly!Read more…
Is Indoor Cycling Bringing You to Your Knees?
A well-written article that sheds light on knee pain and injuries, while demonstrating the level of knowledge indoor cycling instructors need to balance out the focus on fun, community, and music.Read more…
St. Patrick’s Day Song List 2015 (and an Irish Joke To Tell Your Classes)!
Here is our new updated St. Patrick’s Day song list for 2015, with 121 fun songs to use in your profiles. I also included a really fun joke you can tell your class during your St. Paddy’s Day theme ride. Erin Go Bragh!Read more…
Saint Patrick’s Day Profile: If You’re Lucky Enough to be Irish, You’re Lucky Enough
From the archives…
Richard Mullins is an ICA member from Ireland whose passion for teaching is contagious! Who better to create an Irish-themed profile than a blue-blooded Irishman with passion? I know you’re going to enjoy this fun interval profile built around events that catapulted Ireland to the global stage, including many sporting references. Read more…
FREE Songs For Fast Introspective Flats
Announcing the release of Technologia, a new album by Chronos, with luscious downtempo soundscapes from Russia. The best news? You can get it legally for free! I’ve highlighted 3 of the tracks that are good for the cycling studio and how to use them.Read more…
Ask the Expert: What is RPM and How Does it Relate to BPM?
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…
Power to the Masses, Part 3
Using a power to weight ratio is an easy and effective way to determine the amount of watts to target during various efforts. It is a very simple approach that is easy for instructors to use in classes where bikes with power meters are available. With any simple approach, there will be factors to consider for those who desire to be the exception.Read more…
Ask The Expert: Heavy Quad-Dominant Pedal Stroke
“I have several triathletes and highly fit cyclists in some of my classes. A few of them seem to have really heavy, quad dominant downstrokes that results in what I “see” to be a highly inefficient circular pedal stroke. When in climbing position, these same “quad dominant” cyclists have a lot of hip rocking. (Not a ridiculous amount, but more than what a trained athlete should be doing if they are knowledgeable). I guess they are trying to really force the pedals down which, of course, leads to the inefficient stroke. My advice in class is to ”settle down” the hips. There should be some side to side, natural movement, but not overkill. If you settle down the hips a little, it forces a smoother stroke—especially the upward phase of pedal stroke. Am I right to say this?”Read more…