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In: Form and Technique, Free Articles
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I was interviewed for an article in ACE Fitness magazine by Amanda Vogel called “Are Celebrity Trainers Making People Fat?” The tongue-in-cheek title of the article mimics the headline that appeared in Harper’s Bazaar magazine last fall called “Is Spinning Making You Fat?” Amanda asks whether fitness professionals stay silent or take a stand against the popular but misleading headlines propagated by the media.Read more…

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In: Ask the Expert, Biomechanics, Cadence, Power, Form and Technique
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Often times (like during the Indoor Cycling Summit), people will ask, “What part of the pedal stroke does the calf muscle power?” This is a great question because it does not have a simple answer. My favorite kind. Now I could say that the calf does not power any part of the pedal stroke and this would be true. I can also say that the calf powers the entire pedal stroke, which can also be true. So which is it? Read more…

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In: Coaching and Cueing, Form and Technique, New Instructors
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Two weeks ago Robin Robertson provided an idea for a mini periodization plan in your schedule. During the first week you focus on Form and Foundation drills. Of course, you can do these any time, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a part of a periodized program. Here are six great drills for all new and longtime students, since every one can benefit from reminders about skill improvement. These are also great for new instructors to implement.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors, Programming and Management
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James Fell, my favorite irreverent fitness myth buster and journalist, has just posted an excellent article on silly techniques in indoor cycling classes. James was one of the first to publicly challenge some of the unsafe and ineffective techniques done at SoulCycle (and other similar programs) in his front-page feature in the LA Times two years ago. Both Tom Scotto and I were interviewed for that article. You’re going to want to share this one with every instructor, student, and group exercise director or studio owner you know.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Outdoor Cycling
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Despite how much I enjoy ranting about the craziness of our industry, this article focuses on standing. I’ve heard it said far too often that the only time cyclists come out of the saddle is to climb and sprint. There is a bit more to the story. In addition to the brief descriptions below, I’ve compiled a short video at the end to demonstrate application. Like they say, a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Instructor Insight Webinar Series, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE, protection
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Here is the recording of the webinar Breathing While Riding. There are many instructors who are inadvertently inhibiting their students’ potential performance, comfort and recovery by coaching them to “hold the abs in.” In this webinar, you’ll learn the reasons not to cue that way and replace it with cues to guide your students to breathe properly, using the same techniques that athletes of all endurance sports are taught.Read more…

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In: Free Articles, Physiology, Heart Rate & RPE, Training
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I’m beyond irritated. After watching a couple of online instructor videos and listening to others talk about how cycling is an amazing full-body workout that targets the core, I almost don’t know where to begin. Unfortunately, it demonstrates the lack of science, training, and knowledge that should be required to call oneself an indoor cycling instructor. Those of us who are keeping the indoor cycling industry effective and real have done it via our own determination and quest for knowledge.Read more…