New instructors are faced with a dilemma: you cue the music to begin teaching your first indoor cycling class and realize there is so much information to cover within the first few minutes of class. Will you remember it all? Will you explain everything correctly? Will someone remove the butterflies from your stomach? Welcome to part 1 of a 3-part series to master your class intro. Read more…
Have you ever heard of a class conducted entirely out of the saddle? Would you ever consider it, or take part if you were a student in that class? Here is a synopsis of a discussion that happened in an online forum on the subject, with my input, plus an excellent article on the science of standing versus seated riding. I hereby challenge all instructors to take part in the STANDING CLIMB CHALLENGE so we can gather data as well as personal anecdotes. Read more…
Here are my photos and description of my experience at the IRHSA trade show last week in Los Angeles. I can tell you that I’m really excited for the indoor cycling industry—it is alive and well! A rising tide lifts all boats and I think this tide is continuing to rise!Read more…
When you learn how to read and interpret a workout file it is an amazing tool to aid in putting together profiles. You will better understand the possible impact your choices (cadence, resistance, power, etc.) will have on your riders. By looking at a file from a less fit rider who suffered in the class or was unable to do the prescribed workout, you will understand why some might struggle with your coaching. Or, maybe you might discover that some things you are doing might not be as effective as you thought. Read more…
Is there a program you can implement that will show your new riders how incredibly fun your cycling program can be, one that will make them eager to come back? How about a way to lure cyclists to stick around, and maybe even return in July? Hear me out here…I’ve got a great idea that might just solve both these problems! Read more…
With the increase in “non-traditional” indoor cycling classes rife with contraindications, and the increase in instructors learning new “moves” from YouTube, so many classes these days are filled with safety concerns. Many instructors who attend one of these classes are either too uncomfortable to approach the instructor or feel that if they contact the facility, no one will care. We’d like to share with you an example of an instructor who did step up and was able to make some positive changes at one club.Read more…
Bill had two new riders in his class recently. They had taken many other classes, just not his. After class, they asked him some excellent questions, which reminded him of the importance of being equipped with excellent answers before you are asked. Their questions—and his answers—will open your eyes.Read more…
Have you ever cued to turn up the resistance by giving a number of turns to your class? You may want to find a better way to cue resistance! Caesar filmed a brief video for his riders who have been used to being told the number of turns expected, so he wanted to show them why it’s not an effective cue. We hope this helps you so you can explain to your class why you don’t cue that way. Read more…
Izabella relays a cautionary tale about one experience she had with a woman who came to her classes, and seemed like she didn’t want to do any work. It is an example that became a revelation to her and highlights the importance of not judging riders and of giving one-on-one attention to them whenever possible.Read more…
The Buffalo Athletic Club has created a series of fun videos to educate their members about etiquette. The group fitness director has given me permission to share this video with you—hopefully, it will give you ideas to create some humorous videos of your own!Read more…