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In: Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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This is an updated version of last year’s Master Class on field testing. I now recommend the talk test for less fit or new students, or when you are introducing heart rate training to your students, and the 20-minute field test for your more fit students. In this article I explain why the 8-minute Carmichael field tests are probably not going to be as useful, unless you are a trained Carmichael coach. . . . Read more…

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In my periodized 12-week cycling clinic, today is the first day we intentionally went into Zone 5 (above threshold) for longer than a handful of seconds. Yup, HIT baby! I used an incredible cue that I learned from Gene Nacey to help my students understand the importance of balance. In fact, it’s also a teaser to an upcoming product you all may be interested in. . . . Read more…

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I have a RealRyder at home, but unfortunately there’s no clubs near me where I can teach on them. Tonight, I decided to try out another EpicRides DVD. Wow! The one I chose was perfect for the RealRyder, with turns, intensity, and excitement galore. You don’t HAVE to have a bike that leans, but it sure made that aspect of this virtual ride pretty fun! . . .Read more…

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Gene Nacey has been exploring the floor of the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association annual trade show and gives us an update. He says that what has transpired in the last two years is nothing less than astounding. It’s like everyone got their invitation to the technology party at the same time, but they all couldn’t decide if they wanted to go or not. Well, seems like this party is finally getting started. And Cycling Fusion has been leading the way!Read more…

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In: Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors, Programming and Management
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A comment on my ICA Facebook page got me thinking that perhaps the FREE articles on ICA aren’t as evident as they should be. So I would like to highlight these articles and their wide ranging topics so you can see what you might have missed. These articles and interviews are just as educational and insightful as the premium articles, and you are free to share them with all the instructors you know. And don’t forget that articles on the Sage Advice Blog are always available to anyone at anytime, many of them hitting on very important topics for indoor cycling instructors.Read more…

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My Field Test This Morning: Answering a Student's Question I conducted the second field test midway through a 12-week periodized cycling clinic this morning. One student came up with a HR that was slightly lower than the first test, but had big swings in her HR throughout the test. She was confused, as many students would be. Here is how I answered her question and gave her goals to work toward, helping her understand how she can improve the next time we do this field test in 5 weeks.Read more…

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Have you ever taken over a class from a popular instructor, or at a new gym, and you not only get the sense that they don’t like your style, but you’ve gotten complaints or negative comments from students? That’s what happened to ICA member Beth, and she’s pretty down about it. I’ve got some suggestions to help build your confidence and stand your ground, as well as how to make sure you learn from the situation.Read more…

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Guest Instructor Juliet Underill presents her epic ride The Guru in the Mountains. Per Juliet’s request, we are making this available to all instructors, as a free offering. This ride not only is a very special journey ride, but Juliet gives tips for instructors teaching a ride like this for the first time, how to overcome the jitters of stepping outside of your comfort zone…Read more…

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In: Ask the Expert, Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Form and Technique
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What is the difference between a seated and standing position on a bike in terms of how your body responds? This is a very educational discussion between myself and Dr. Jennifer Klau and Tom Scotto. We discuss everything that has to do with standing up on a bike: the physiological reaction of the body, technique, gearing/resistance, methods of keeping the heart rate under control, power output, and how long should you stand up in a class situation.Read more…