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…

Charleston RIDE, a licensed Spinning® facility in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, turns two years old this week! To celebrate the anniversary of this amazing facility, I spoke with co-owners Luciana Marcial-Vincion and Rebecca Young about what they feel are the keys to their success. I urge all instructors, studio owners and program directors to listen to this interview and watch the videos for ideas on how to raise the bar at your facility! Read more…

If you don’t follow Joe Friel’s Blog, you should—there’s some really great information in it on a consistent basis. It will expand your own understanding of cycling training principles that you can apply to your classes. This morning was this gem in my in-box. Short and sweet, Joe tells us once again why using maximum heart rate as an anchor for training zones is not very valid.Read more…

OK, so maybe only those who have studied and are passionate the Krebs cycle will love this, but if you are an indoor cycling instructor, I hope you have more than just a cursory interest in metabolic processes. As Dr. Jennifer Klau says, “If geek and cool made a movie, this would be the soundtrack.” Or, as they say in the song, this is freaking awesome!Read more…

Welcome to ICA’s series on teaching with video. Our initial thoughts were to organize eight to ten articles covering various topics to help introduce those new to video and provide tips for those already living the video dream. As we put further thought into what this series would encompass, and combine that with the speed at which video is now being adopted, the series may very well transform into a regular column or topic.Read more…

The two recent tragic losses in the indoor cycling community has given many of us pause to reflect on our own lives. One of the comments on the post about Jim Karanas’ passing by one of his students so beautifully expressed the impact he had on her life. It makes one wonder, “what would my students say about me and the effect I had on them if I were to die?” Are you willing to ask that question, and take the steps necessary to make sure you knew the answer?Read more…