Welcome to the Indoor Cycling Association
Quick Profile: Loop de Loop
This is a fun profile that has always been a big hit whenever I’ve used it. It is predominantly aerobic but brings riders to threshold on the second loop and briefly over threshold on the final loop.Read more…
Ask the Expert: How Much Time Should You Spend in the Red Zone?
Bill Pierce’s challenging profile “Strong Start or Fast Finish” is a series of intervals that either start off “very hard” and slightly back off to “hard,” or start off “hard” and build to “very hard.” We got a great question asking whether this was too much time spent in Zone 5. This article should clarify how much time a rider should be able to spend above threshold. Hint: The answer is it depends!Read more…
The Art of the Warm-Up, Part 6: Sample Warm-Ups for High-Intensity and Loop Profiles
Here are three more sample warm-ups for five more profiles. Two of the warm-ups can be used for challenging high-intensity VO2 max or anaerobic capacity training sessions. One is an example of how you might design your warm-up for a loop profile consisting of repeated laps of the same terrain. Read more…
Introduction to Body Alignment Concepts
As we begin to understand how posture and mechanics have on overall health and injury prevention, body alignment is becoming a more discussed topic in fitness. There are several different approaches to alignment so let’s begin by defining what proper alignment looks like. Later, we will explore deviations and ultimately expand on some things you, as the instructor, can do to help your riders.Read more…
Cycling Class Communication: It’s a Four-Lane Highway, Not a One-Way Street!
Our goal as instructors is to foster an environment of connection, motivation, and success. But it isn’t just a one-way street; there is actually much more going on. Let’s take a look at four pathways of communication and discuss some tools and strategies to foster clear and effective communication that keeps participants engaged and coming back for more.Read more…
The Art of the Warm-Up, Part 5: Sample Warm-Ups for Workouts at Threshold
Part 5 gives you four more warm-ups, this time for profiles that include threshold intervals of varying lengths, field tests, and time trials. Not all warm-ups are created equal—what you do to warm up depends on the intensity and makeup of your workout.Read more…
Facebook Live Mini Training: Why Cadence Matters, Part 2
In part 2 of my Facebook Live training series on “Why Cadence Matters,” I discuss whether rpm is a valid method of determining intensity. I then provide the pros and cons of dictating a specific cadence in your classes, providing many examples on both sides. I then get on the bike to demonstrate some cadence drills and coaching cues to go along with them.Read more…
Theme Ride Thursday: Woodstock 50th Anniversary
In honor of both Woodstock 1969 and 2019, we’ve compiled two playlists for your use. We’ve pared down our 1969 playlist since so much of it isn’t really “spinnable.” Our 2019 playlist includes all of the originally booked artists, although headliners like Jay-Z and John Fogerty have pulled out from the event.Read more…
Theme Ride Thursday: States and Cities in the US
It’s time for summer road trips and the kids in the back asking, “Are we there yet?”Read more…
Quick Profile: Strong Start or Fast Finish
On June 22, as the rain poured down and my outdoor ride was thwarted, I decided to take Bill Pierce’s most recent profile for a whirl on my bike at home. Let me tell you, it’s a winner!Read more…