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.
The use of video has taken many forms and all are acceptable when used properly. I would like to open this topic up to ALL uses of video, including slide shows, music videos, and virtual rides. There are many ways to use video as a visual aid to inspire our classes, keep riders engaged, and introduce another level of fun and energy. As I’ve traveled the country, I’ve seen some instructors who were intimidated to attempt a video ride because they assumed it had to be outdoor racing footage. Since they were not familiar with the competitive aspect of cycling, they felt unprepared and lacking the “inside” knowledge to pull off the ride with authenticity. Just like there are many correct (and not so correct) ways to lead an indoor cycling class, so it is with the world of teaching with video. We are going to explore it all.
A Community Effort
I’ve continued to be pleasantly surprised at the numerous variations I’ve witnessed from instructors as they explain how they use video in their classes. There are the seemingly endless studio configurations and technology options. Our goal is to open this topic up to learn from as many of our valued members as possible. First, let us know some of the challenges you face either trying to introduce video to your club (such as getting the club to adopt the technology) and logistics or coaching issues you would like us to address. If you or an instructor you know really shines in the video cycling world (oh come on, don’t be shy!), let us know and we’ll contact you to tell us more about your approach and tips to help the rest of our community. Feel free to leave a comment on this post, or contact me directly via .
Some of the Topics We Plan to Cover:
- Is Teaching with Video Just Limited to Virtual Rides?
- Why Teach with Video?
- Product Reviews and Interviews
- Bloody Technology!
- Success Stories & Cutting-Edge Instructors
- Video Teaching/Cueing Techniques
- Making it Work for Your Club or Studio
- Do’s and Don’ts
- Video/Virtual Ride Profiles
- Editing Your Own Video
hey, we started using Video about a year ago, purchasing from Cycling Fusion and Epic Planet and I teach 4 video classes each week.
Since May we’ve been travelling UK and Europe capturing our own footage (my husband comes to my classes and between us we film forward motion and side shots on our travels.) We also take a Garmin 800 along with us so we have accurate info to refer back to for location and gradient info as it looks so much less steep once on film.
My first project took me weeks and weeks as I had to learn how to use the software and all the finer aspects I wanted to include, but now it takes me about 10 – 12 days from pulling footage off the hard drive to a finalised ride. My class absolutely love these and the club invested in a projector and screen which is fab!! I generally run these from my PC but went to teach a music class cover last week and was begged to do a video, so played it off my iPhone 🙂 just good fortune I had the lightning to VGA adapter with me!!
yes it is time consuming but you end up with real rides that are unique. It has involved a lot of investment in kit – second screen, Blu-Ray disk writer, external TB of storage, disks etc but I think I’m getting better at it, so all worth while!
Can send you my latest creation if you are interested, which is a 45min ride in North Wales.
Really looking forward to following your articles for more tips!
I have more than 20 playlists with music videos. People love it, They said that class goes easily because they have fun watching the videos. From rock music to climb high hills, until trance-dance videos for a nice flat road.
It’s interesting, fun and creative include videos in your indoor cycling class. so, take the risk!!!
You can check our Website: http://offroaddc.com/
I’m thrilled to see so much interest in this area and am really looking forward to what Jennifer and Tom will be publishing here!
AND to those of you making your own virtual rides, my hat off to you. Your energy and dedication is truly amazing.
Allen @ epicPLANET.tv
I frequently teach with video, Class Builder, Virtual Rides, video’s I pull from the web and edit, etc. As others have said, it is very time consuming. Any tips or recommendations on how to create great video’s will be great.
Thanks, Bob
Wow what a great topic. Hope to get some great ideas.have been teaching with video and love the added dimension.use all kinds of videos and especially footage of outdoor rides ie climbs and varied terrain.
GREAT TOPIC! I recently took one of Jennifer Sage’s TDF profile rides (Ventoux) and edited it/morphed it into a slide show ride based on my exciting TDF vacation with Jennifer and Viva Travels! My class members told me that this one one of the most engaging and exciting indoor cycling classes they have ever taken. I used photos that we took on the trip and also some photos from Jennifer’s TDF slideshow. It took a lot of prep time and thinking about how to time the photos to the profile and the music. I used my laptop and a remote control to advance the slides, and I had to bring my own screen, projector, and hookups as my club doesn’t provide anything for video. I don’t think I could do this kind of ride often due to the labor intensive quality, but for a special event it was a hit! I took a video of myself teaching this ride so that I could watch it later and see how well I did and improve on it the next time I present it. I would be happy to share the video with you Tom — it’s up on dropbox. Let me know if interested. Cheers! Liz
We have been making our own virtual classes for 2 years now. My biggest challenge is time and storage. My process to bring an idea to the screen is constantly evolving, including removing shake so my clients can watch the screen the entire class. (tom that class you took with me last year is not a good representation of what the classes look like now) My videos no longer take to a day to edit complete from camera footage to class ready. I’m processing footage (that was made specifically for the class) several times with several different software programs that result into humongous files that take several days to compile, but result in silky smooth twisty fun mountain bike footage. Once edited down into a class (that process alone is a day in itself), the resulting file is still big, but manageable. I have a large array of TB drives with footage that still needs processing. I need sleep and more hard drives!
Looking forward to seeing this topic grow here
I have been using video for over a year now, creating my videos in iMovie using clips from many sources.
I found people really love the local roads, shot with my Go-Pro, even though they may have driven or ridden the roads many times. (I live in Maine so our “local roads” are beautiful.) Don’t bother making perfect transitions, etc., since most riders only glance at the screen, except in recoveries, warm-up and cool down.
Pros: Clients like video. It helps with coaching by putting in countdowns, etc.
Problems: It takes a long time to create a ride. I spend a lot of time looking at videos, A WEEKLY VIDEO SUGGESTION WOULD BE SOOO HELPFUL (like the Cheetah video!)
Biggest Problem: Finding teachers willing to use video.
You can also use a laptop with wi-fi to create video playlists on YouTube or Vevo. In addition to standard music videos, there are some really visually stunning Go-Pro etc. videos that work really well in cycling classes.
Pat, I can’t wait to learn how to do that as well! Good idea.
Use of a laptop to play a series of iTunes videos seamlessly.
Perfect timing for me as i and another instructor launch a video/virtual ride class at our club the beginning of October. I’m looking forward to getting some great tips and advice as i prepare myself to coach my first video ride.