Welcome to the Indoor Cycling Association
From Indoor Cycling Instructor to Coach
This is the first part in a series by ICA contributor, Cori Parks. Indoor cycling began with Johnny G’s inspired quest to train better, both physically and mentally, long before it was ever about incinerating calories or vying for instructor or program popularity. Now that indoor cycling has made its name in the realm of cardio conditioning and proven its ongoing relevance in the fitness industry, the cycling instructor has a unique opportunity to reach a wide spectrum of participants.Read more…
Prepping for a Reset, Part 6: Speed Demon
Many folks mistake speed and pedal-stroke work as only beneficial for those who ride actual bikes outdoors. This is not the case. Although it is a popular understanding that higher leg speeds produce greater power (force X velocity = power), there are also mechanical and neuromuscular benefits for everyone.Read more…
Tabata ON or OFF the Bike?
Every instructor has their own style and preference for when to teach on or off the bike. We’ve published a number of articles to this effect with general guidelines and suggestions for effective approaches. A few members asked specifically about the effectiveness of teaching Tabata, and other high-intensity intervals, on and off the bike. Here is my approach.Read more…
Explosions, Rumblings, and Reinvigoration!
Due to some behind-the-scenes remodeling at ICA, some of our posts may be temporarily unavailable, especially the older ones. Apologies if you encounter one; please know it won’t be for long. Here is a description of the exciting things going on behind the curtain at ICA!Read more…
Unleashing the Power of “Why” in Indoor Cycling: A Simon Sinek Perspective
If you haven’t seen Simon Sinek’s TED Talk yet, it’s a must-watch. Sinek’s central message, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it,” holds profound implications for those of us in the fitness industry. This principle encourages us to reflect on our motivations and infuse our teaching with a deeper purpose.Read more…
Friday Favorites: An Ethereal, Mesmerizing Climb
The haunting, almost unearthly voice will help drive you to the summit. A plateau (false flat) midway through the song gives you a false sense of hope, but you can’t rest for long; it continues to drive upward!Read more…
Cori Parks, Educational Contributor
A self-described jack-of-all-trades, Cori wears many hats, not from a lack of focus, but from a wide range of enthusiastic interests. She is originally from North County, San Diego, where she first took to the coastal Highway 101 on her fat frame Cannondale in the early ’80s. Before she realizedRead more…
Ideas For Incorporating a “Buddy System” Into Your Rides
This article by Bicycling magazine about incorporating a “buddy system” into a century ride to encourage the riders struggling at the back of the pack got me thinking of ways to utilize this in our own challenging rides. Read the article and let me know your ideas!Read more…
Prepping for a Reset, Part 5: Legs a Pumping
In order to prepare for the lung-burning intervals our riders know and love, some conditioning is needed. In addition to aerobic conditioning, the muscles of the legs need to be ever ready and everlasting. Here is the first of two profile outlines on leg muscle conditioning—muscular endurance.Read more…
Halloween Cycling Classes From Around the World!
Here are a handful of fun photos from Halloween theme rides from around the globe. If you taught a Halloween ride and want to share it with us, please post your photos to our Facebook page. We’d love to see how much fun you all had in your classes. Halloween is without a doubt one of the most fun theme rides you can do!Read more…