In part 1, I provided six general tips for teaching switchbacks, including how many, how often, how long, and how to use the music. In part 2, you will find five different scenarios for designing and cueing your switchbacks to make your classes more exciting and engaging, increasing your coaching repertoire and improving your visualization and motivation skills.
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Ten tips that you can do while teaching to make newbies feel comfortable and reduce any intimidation they may feel when coming to your cycling class for the first time so that they return again and again.Read more…
Some new instructors are more challenged than others with stage fright, especially if they do not come from a group fitness background. Most of these insecurities are easily quelled with practice, practice, practice. Allow yourself the time and space to make mistakes. Here are some tips for new instructors that will minimize your nervousness as you move beyond your certification. Read more…
Have you ever subbed a class where the riders didn’t know what to do with the console? Have you had a mixed class with some who understand watts and others who have no idea? Izabela inspires you to use the great tools you have at your disposal and provides you with some of her favorite ways for dealing with these scenarios, including a great way to help riders to understand watts even if they’ve never done an FTP test.Read more…
Laura asks the difference between a surge and an attack. This is an important distinction that all instructors should know. Included are some cues to help you describe them to your riders.Read more…
Climbing big mountains is a rite of passage for cyclists. Getting you and your bicycle up that hill in defiance of gravity is one of the most difficult aspects of riding a bicycle, but it is also one of the great attractions to cycling. Overcoming the mountain challenges you—it bares your soul; it asks you to perform beyond what you thought was even possible. Over the next few weeks, Tom and I will be giving you our favorite strategies—both physical and mental—to get you and your students over that hump. We’ll be drawing from our own experience climbing long, hard mountains.Read more…
Learn how to “keep it real” in spite of being in an environment where other instructors tend to use techniques that are ineffective and possibly unsafe.Read more…
HOW coaches communicate with their athletes is just as important as WHAT they communicate. Coaching is about developing relationships with your students, and helping them grow as athletes. When an athlete is coached properly, they are more likely to increase their effort, and perform at a higher level.Read more…
The second round of advice coming from master instructors. This is pure gold for all indoor cycling instructors from all programs. Read more…
Suppose one of your riders began doing push-ups or picked up some weights in your class; what would you do? ICA member Melody asked this question in our Facebook group and several of us responded with advice. Next week I will give you some specific ways to address riders face-to-face.Read more…