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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Continuing Education, General Coaching, Instructor Issues & growth, Teaching with Power
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The benefits of utilizing FTP to create individualized training zones for indoor riders are increasingly becoming understood by instructors who teach with power. This, and the tests to determine FTP, have been discussed in other articles on ICA. But is just knowing “how to” put your riders through an FTP test enough? Is there really a need to perform one on yourself in order to teach it?
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In: Class Profiles
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New to our New Year’s profiles as an entry in our profile contest is the Aspire to Inspire quick profile by Susan Lafond! As a theme ride, this inspirational profile can be used as an extended ride for a special event, a fundraiser, a New Year’s ride, or any time you want to inspire your riders to overcome challenges. It is written as a 90-minute ride but can be shortened to 60 minutes.Read more…

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This profile is a guided tour of power training zones, from the lowest to the highest. It is one that I hope will become a foundational ride in your quiver. The objective of this profile is to spend time in each zone, allowing riders to become acquainted with what that intensity feels like and to be more in tune with their bodies. It is a great way to introduce them to the concept that you can achieve the same wattage at a wide variety of cadences. Don’t teach with power? I’ve got another profile suggestion for you.Read more…

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In: Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Instructor Issues & growth
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Your facility has just gotten new bikes—this time with power meters—but your riders have no idea how to use them. What do you do? Pam Benchley, master trainer for Stages Cycling, gives some tips on how to brief your riders about the bikes and the new technology without blinding them with too much science. Keep it simple!Read more…

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In: Class Profiles
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The “sweet spot” in cycling is between 88% and 93% of functional threshold power. This profile is a relatively steady-state profile where riders aim to ride in their sweet spot. Riders will sustain a high Zone 3/low Zone 4 effort with a perceived exertion that lies somewhere between 6 (moderately hard) and 7 (hard) on a 1–10 scale. Read more…