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In: Class Profiles, Teaching with Power
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Here is everything you need to perform two FTP tests with confidence: the ramp (MAP) test and the 20-minute test, including how to coach and motivate your riders to stay committed and how to add the most motivating and energetic music possible. You’ll learn not just the theory but also the practical skills to leading these two important functional assessments. If you have a bike, you can ride along with the two videos and test your own FTP. If you don’t have a bike, that’s OK; just imagine yourself at a conference session and view them with pen and paper in hand.Read more…

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This profile uses the concept of negative-split training to assist riders in developing aerobic and muscular endurance while targeting threshold training. The structure of this ride also gives fitness enthusiasts an opportunity to master body awareness skills and practice managing their efforts. It is an excellent way to teach new riders and those used to short intervals the concept of pacing. It also prepares riders for FTP testing in the future. Read more…

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing
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In part 4 of this series I gave you critical information about how to cue resistance so that students find the amount of load or gear they need to meet the goals you set for that segment of your profile. In part 5, we manipulate the variables of that vital equation. I also give you 7 drills that you can use to create your own awareness exercises, solidifying the concept in your riders’ minds.

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Coaching and Cueing
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In parts 1 and 2, I discussed two approaches to avoid when cueing resistance. In this and the following article, I provide tips on how to teach the concept of resistance and inspire your riders to add enough so that they achieve the adaptations your profile is targeting. This article describes the warm-up and provides cues for establishing that first touch of the resistance knob or gear level so riders can prepare the body at the proper intensity.Read more…

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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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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…