So far in the Coaching Series, we have looked at the concept of coaching in an indoor cycling class and we’ve examined ways to shift from being a technically adequate instructor toward being a more intuitive and inspirational coach. Now we look at the rider, who is, in a rider-centered environment, the single most important aspect of the class.Read more…
In part 1 of the Coaching Series, we considered the various uses of the word “coach” in different professions. A common thread through corporate, life, financial, athletic, etc. coaching is an alliance between the coach and coachee for enhanced performance. At the heart of the coaching relationship is an understanding that the person who is being coached is responsible for the bulk of the work. The role of the coach is to clarify, explore options with the client and provide accountability.Read more…
This is the first part in a series by ICA contributor, Cori Parks. Indoor cycling began with Johnny G’s inspired quest to train better, both physically and mentally, long before it was ever about incinerating calories or vying for instructor or program popularity. Now that indoor cycling has made its name in the realm of cardio conditioning and proven its ongoing relevance in the fitness industry, the cycling instructor has a unique opportunity to reach a wide spectrum of participants.Read more…
This article by Bicycling magazine about incorporating a “buddy system” into a century ride to encourage the riders struggling at the back of the pack got me thinking of ways to utilize this in our own challenging rides. Read the article and let me know your ideas!Read more…
In part 1 we discussed how to prepare our riders for a sub. In part 2 we threw out suggestions for finding an ideal sub for your class. Welcome to part 3—where you are the sub. It can be nerve-wracking to walk into a party not knowing anyone. My strategy in this case it to find someone who also appears uncomfortable and introduce myself. Eventually I build a posse that allows me to move freely about the cabin. This tactic doesn’t work when your goal is not to mingle, but command the room. I’m going to share my strategy to increase your chances of success and potentially keep the jitters down to a dull roar.Read more…
Some instructors motivate their students to reach the top of that hill because of the way it will make them feel, for the confidence it will build in them, for the realization that if they can do that, they can do anything they set their minds to. Others yell at riders to push to the top of the mountain so they can fit into a certain dress for the summer, or because they’ll look good when they go out at night. Which one are you?Read more…
There comes a time during a workout when we inevitably sneak a peak at the person beside us and engage in one of the strongest motivators of all—competition. Dr. Haley Perlus proposes leveraging the power of competition in a healthy and supportive manner to empower your riders.Read more…
On one of the Friday Favorite song suggestions for a flat road at 90 rpm, an ICA member was unsure how much to stand and how to invite students to take breaks on long songs like that. He asked, “How do I invite students to take a break while on a flat road? Are we talking about standing breaks? If so, they would need more resistance to stand, right?”
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Following on the heels of my last post, “Are you comfortable with silence?”, here are some short motivational cues to deliver in the middle of longer periods of silence. These short phrases help you reconnect with your students and make sure they’re on target, but release you from the need to say a lot. Read more…
Do you talk too much when you are teaching your classes? Do you have this internal dialogue when you see your students looking back at you after you’ve given them a cue? “They’re staring at me. I better say something! I know they’re bored, I can tell! Look, someone just stood up…Oh no! They hate me!”
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