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In: Ask the Expert, General Coaching, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE
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Teri asks if we could expand on what “breathless” means and how it’s different than gasping for air. This is important because at certain points in class we ask our riders to reach an exertion level where they are breathless—but could that mean different effort levels for each participant? Read on to find out.Read more…

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In: Class Profiles
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This profile by Bill Pierce is an excellent way to begin building endurance, either as part of the base-building phase in a periodized training program or as a challenging workout for people returning to exercise after taking some time off. At the time of this posting in May 2020, this is going to be one of the profiles instructors will want to turn to as they resume teaching following global gym closures and cancellation of classes. Read more…

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing
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In part 1, I described a popular but ineffective coaching method that fails to account for the difference in abilities and fitness of riders or the differences in the wear and tear on bikes. The second method of teaching resistance that instructors should steer clear of is to assign a 1–10 scale of resistance. This one is even worse than assigning a number of turns. It’s very confusing, it’s subjective, and it’s not anchored to anything. Read more…

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing
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Coaching resistance is one of the more challenging aspects of being an indoor cycling instructor. In this series, you will learn the two most common yet ineffective methods of teaching resistance. We will then provide you with a technique of encouraging your riders to add load in a way that will help them experience what your profile is calling for so they can be more successful. We will end with dozens of creative coaching cues for adding resistance. You will emerge a better, more informed instructor. Read more…

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In: Music Resources
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Your warm-up song sets the tone for your class; your cool-down song closes the chapter on your ride. Both are every bit as important as your energetic and inspirational songs sandwiched between them. Here are some of the guidelines I use when selecting warm-up and cool-down songs and some of the exceptions. Included here are two ICA bucket playlists for warm-ups and cool-downs with over 700 songs to choose from.Read more…