ICI Podcast #64 – Master Instructor Janet Toussaint on how to sell endurance training to your class

One of the things that most excites me about the potential here at ICI and the technology we are tapping into, is that we have created a platform that allows us to seek out and interview some of the most progressive and experienced people in indoor cycling and bring them to you, our listeners and members. Where else can you hear interviews with the pros on subjects that help you grow as an instructor? (Except at an expensive conference once a year!)

We certainly do not know everything there is to know about indoor cycling, but we know how to seek it out and bring it to you. I have so many mentors I’ve learned from over the years who I would like to bring into the discussion at ICI. With every new person we interview, you will learn a different style, a different approach, or perhaps a new twist on something you haven’t considered.

Today we are speaking with Master Instructor Janet Toussaint from the Boston area. I met Janet eleven years ago in Santa Monica at a weeklong Master Camp for Mad Dogg Athletics. Janet had joined the Spinning MI team the year before I did (and left MDA two years before I did). At this camp, the entire MI team had to go on a challenging 40-mile very hilly outdoor bicycle ride with Johnny G; many of us still talk about that ride to this day. (Those were the days – Master Instructors were expected to have at least some cycling skills and experience!)

Janet was always one of my favorite Master Instructors and her sessions at WSSC were riveting; there was something about her gentle but powerful voice that made you want to listen when she spoke. It was the teaching style that I wanted to emulate as I developed my own style.

One of Janet’s expertises is teaching endurance. She ran the Spinning program for years at the Boston Athletic Club and not only got the instructors to buy into the concept of teaching a moderate intensity ride, but the large member base as well. Now that is a tough challenge when all they seem to want is high intensity all the time – I am sure many of you are faced with a similar challenge.

In January of 2003 Janet came out to visit me in Vail on a ski vacation with her son JP. When we weren’t skiing, I made her teach Spinning at my club! We were in the middle of a base building program at the time so I had her teach an Endurance workshop to my instructors. She had such a positive impact on our instructors and our program and I still use some of her special cues and metaphors that she used to motivate riders.

When you hear Janet’s passion, I am sure she will inspire you too!

John and I enjoyed this discussion so much that we decided to go deeper into the subject of endurance and scheduled even more time with Janet. For ICI/PRO members, we will offer two additional podcasts that you will receive in your Super-Secret iTunes feed. The next interview will go more deeply into the essence of teaching an endurance ride. Even more exciting, the second one will be  an audio PROfile on Janet’s own favorite endurance ride, The Endurance Connection, replete with her all-star cueing, coaching and playlist.

If you have difficulty coming up with motivational things to say in your endurance classes, you won’t want to miss any of these podcasts!

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

IDEA weighs in on the safety of the Biggest Loser

Many of you came to ICI via my Funhogspins blog (and for that I am grateful). For those who were following my former blog last year, you would have seen my post entitled Open Letter to Jillian Michaels following an episode of the Biggest Loser in which I could not hold back my disappointment (some would say ‘disdain’) for how she taught a Spinning class on national television.

IDEA posted a lengthy article discussing the training techniques employed on the show in their September newsletter. It’s a great article – but be forewarned, you might need to get a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) before settling down to read it. You’ll need some time…

As a personal trainer I abhor their methods on the Biggest Loser, but this article does shed some light on the fact that what we see is only a tiny portion of what is actually going on. Nevertheless, it doesn’t release them from the obligation of sound and safe training which I don’t believe is the norm on the show.

At WSSC this past May, there were two past participants from TBL – they even got Spinning certified! I spoke to them at length in the bar one evening, and they had only great things to say about their experience on the show (but to be honest, and maybe this is cynical of me, I had to wonder if they are ‘paid’ to maintain that viewpoint). They did take my Moving Mountains session and had a great experience – they even said they stayed seated for most of the two-hour climb!

I thought I’d put this here to generate a discussion. What do you think of the methods used on the Biggest Loser? Do the benefits outweigh the negative aspects? Or is it the other way around? Have you seen the crazy “Spinning” led by Jillian? What do you think of that?

For more posts from my Funhogspins blog about the Biggest Loser, click here for the follow up letter I posted, and here for a response to some hate mail from a Jillian fan. Don’t worry – if she does some crazy moves again in the Spinning room, I’m poised to respond again. But this time it will be a real letter sent directly to the show, and this time I’ll send it as a representative for ICI, whose goal is safe and effective training in indoor cycling classes!

Spinning – Star Trac Bike with Power? OK so when?

Ok, so Schwinn has introduced their new bike that includes magnetic resistance and Power indication (Watts readout) and are rolling it out at this year’s IDEA conference. Jay Blahnik is heading up their programing. (Yes, I’m working to get him on the Podcast…)
So where is the Spinning – Star Trac bike with power and watts? Or for that matter LeMond’s?
I have a hard time believing that Mad Dogg / Spin Fitness would cede this ground to their competitors. Indoor Cycling 2.0 is going to happen, with or without Spinning’s involvement. It will be fun to watch it happen!

Gene over at Global Ride has a whole studio full of new Keiser M3’s with power and he is leveraging all that information in a way that is increasing his participants fitness and enjoyment.

ICI Podcast #48 – Master Spinning Instructor Jennifer Sage @ WSSC!

Master Spinning Instructor Jennifer Sage joins me to discuss the World Spinning and Sport Conference. Jennifer describes her experiences and talks about some of her sold out sessions.

Jennifer is planning to post much of the music and class ride profiles she used during the conference over at her site http://funhogspins.blogspot.com/

Here is the information about my new Red Pedal Tool we discuss.

Please sponsor me on this years MS150.
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune. Here is a Step by Step Video that shows how to subscribe.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

I’m not mean…just a little intense!

Amy found this hat on a Group Fitness Instructor site and thought some of my participants would want one.

Most Remote Listener Contest Winner

Congratulations to contest winner Judith Buckley!

Judith is a Spinning Instructor in Saudi Arabia where her husband maintains fighter jets for the Saudi Air Force! She wins a set of epicRIDES DVDs, courtesy of www.epicplanet.tv

I’m planning to interview Judith in the very near future. I’m very interested in hearing about the unique challenges faced by an instructor in a country that puts such severe limits on women. Here is an article from Reuters she passed on to me that illustrates what women in places like this face. Saudi Arabia clamps down on unlicensed female gyms

ICI Podcast #46 – Master Spinning Instructor Jennifer Sage is off to Italy!

Jennifer is off to Italy to ride the Giretto!

I had the chance to get an update as to her training and preparation for her participation in this year’s Giretto, a Livestrong fundraising event that is riding the first five stages of the Giro d’Italy ahead of Lance and all the other pros. ( They will be lucky to have Jennifer leading the way!) Here is her page at Cycling Fusion where you can support her in exchange for all the value she brings you as an instructor, through her Spinning Training and very informative blog.

We also discuss how to prevent a disaster with your computer by ensuring that it’s properly & consistently backed up. Here is the link to the page I created with links to all the services I use: http://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/backup

If after listening to this you are thinking, “I wish I had a Brother Dan to fix my computer” you can. The guy is a magician with PC’s and can dig out and fix any problem you have, do it remotely so it doesn’t matter where in the world you live and he charges about 1/2 what you would expect from many of the computer stores.

You can email my brother Dan – dan@indoorcycleinstructor.com
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.Here is a Step by Step Video that shows how to subscribe.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Spinning RideBook of class profiles

The Spinning RideBook is difficult to find at spinning.com. Here is the link:

http://www.spinning.com/spinning-shop-spinner-bikes/spinner-accessories-7320.asp

ICI Podcast #44 – Q & A with Master Spinning Instructor Michelle Colvin

Is there a Master Spinning Instructor in the house?

Actually there are two! Michelle Colvin jumps on the mic and we discuss the new Spinning RideBook of class profiles, Heart Rate Training and much more that will improve your Indoor Cycling class.

Here is Mark and Michelle’s home out in the country – West Sussex, UK.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

ICI Podcast #42 – Q & A with Master Spinning Instructor Mark Tickner Pt 1

This is part 1 of my interview with Mark Tickner. We discuss the questions submitted by members of our community. Part 2 will post next weekend and then as a special bonus, Mark’s partner Michelle Colvin (another Master Spinning Instructor) joins me for what will be part three. Good stuff and you don’t want to miss it!

You can contact Mark here at his Facebook page.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

$50.00 Spinning / Indoor Cycling Bike Power Meter

Here is my solution to one of my biggest frustrations: watching someone ride with little or no resistance. Bikes like the Keiser M3, Cycleops Pro 300PT and the new Schwinn A.C. Performance indoor cycle offer “Power” measurements that show how much actual work your are creating, but typical Indoor Cycling Bikes offer nothing.
So what do you do when you are stuck with a room full of Spinner NXTs? Watch the video for a simple method that anyone can use to measure the relative amount of work done in class.

Here is a link to a $45.00 similar Digital Laser Thermometer over at Amazon KINTREX IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting My thermometer is old and doesn’t seem to be available anymore.

Find a sheet of mailing labels, paint it with a flat spray paint.

IMPORTANT! Check to see where the resistance pad makes contact with the flywheel so it doesn’t remove the lable. New Spinners and LeMonds come down from the top so the label needs to be placed like on the video. Newer Schwinn bikes & Johnny G bikes the pads grip from each side so the label goes on the outer face.

Let me know what you think about this by leaving a comment below.

[http://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/Video/Spinning_Bike_Power_Meter.wmv]

ICI Podcast #40 – iSpinning™ iPhone® App & SMHEART LINK™ from iTMP Technology

iSpinning™, the new iPhone® App, along with the SMHEART LINK™ is coming to your studio soon!

As an Indoor Cycling Instructor, I feel it will be helpful for you to have some understanding of how it works and the value it can bring to you and your Spinning class.

Michael Williams, the CEO of iTMP Technology, is my guest for episode #40.  Can you believe 40? Michael and I discuss his personal inspiration and fitness journey that lead to the development of the iSpinning iPhone app. iTMP also is offering other iPhone fitness apps; iRPM, iBPM and the iNewLeaf app that brings your Heart Rate Training Zones from your latest Metabolic assessment right into your iPhone or iPod touch.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

iSpinning & iNewLeaf iPhone Apps + SMHeart Link Review and Interview coming next week

I have been experimenting with the iSpinning & iNewLeaf iPhone apps and I am preparing a review and step by step instructional video that I will be posting next week.

I also have an Interview scheduled with Michael Williams, CEO of iTMP Technology, Inc., the creators of both the iPhone apps and the SMHeart Link that connects your heart rate monitor and Spinning Computer cadence sensor  to your iPhone.

Here are some links to additional information:

iTMP’s site http://www.smheartlink.com/

Here is a list of all the different devices they are interoperable with.

http://www.smheartlink.com/sensor.pdf

http://www.thisisant.com/pages/ant/interoperability-matrix

ICI Podcast #38 – Monetize your passion for Indoor Cycling and turn it into cash – Pt 1.

Graeme Street, the owner of Cyclo-Club (an online bicycle training service) offers you; Three steps to monetizing your passion for Indoor Cycling and turn it into cash!

This is a must listen! Graeme offers us some excellent ideas on how you can help your students reach their personal fitness goals while you create additional income for you and your club.

By using the training resources available at Cyclo-Club you can create systemized, fee based, training programs that you can offer to your participants.

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Link to Part 2 here

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The Giretto d’Italia , or “Little Giro” ride in Italy

My friends over at Global Ride have developed a concept they call Cycling Fusion, bringing outdoor and indoor cyclists together. To kick if off they are training indoors to ride the first 5 stages of the Giro d’Italia bike race in Italy.

Very cool and I wish I could attend. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR RIDERS!

Check out their site for more information.

More about it here when I have more time

Update: I have an interview scheduled with Gene to discuss the Giretto, his training plans, plus how he is creating additional revinue by offering his students training programs and services to help them meet their fitness goals. Look for it to post on March 21st.

What are your participants training for?

I need your help.

Beyond fitness and weight management, many of the people in my class are training for some event this summer. Most are tied to a charity fundraiser. The MS 150 is a popular ride here in Minnesota, that happens in July each year.

Could you ask your class two things and let me know the results?

1. What percentage of your class are planning to participate in a fund raising ride this year?
2. Does the fund raising become a bigger obstacle than the training?

Why am I asking?

I’m working on some ideas to help create some excitement in your class and at the same time assist riders with their fund raising. Please leave a comment below or send me an email john@indoorcycleinstructor.com

ICI Podcast #33 – Keiser Instructor Certification and New M5 Elliptical Trainer

Keiser Master Trainer Suzette O’Byrne and I discuss the initial response to their new correspondence Indoor Cycling certification course. Keiser has recently introduced their new M5 elliptical trainer and have created a certification program so you can bring the cross training benefits of an elliptical trainer into your class. Update: here is a video of the M5 in action – http://www.keiser.com/m5/

149 Keiser® Striding and Cycling: An Indoor Collision

The first available M5 certification is at the April IDEA Fitness Fusion conference

Workshop PREMIERE (Description from IDEA’s site) Suzette O’Byrne and Krista Popowych Group elliptical classes are HOT in Europe! Now you can be among the first in North America to experience “striding” in combination with indoor cycling in this fun and innovative workout format. First, we will cover striding foundations and teach you how to use the on-board computers so you may monitor your progress. Next, discover how you can implement a variety of training methods (i.e., interval drills, speed drills, hiking drills, recovery drills, etc.) for ultimate fitness. Finally, get information on how to develop a class that blends these two formats into one amazing workout. Repeated as sessions 209, 249 and 309. Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Jennifer Sage’s Interview on the Fredcast Podcast!

Jennifer was just interviewed on the Fredcast Podcast about her new eBook: Keep it Real in your indoor cycling classes.

You can hear her interview here and it starts at 29:20 into the Podcast http://www.thefredcast.com/?p=547

More info about Keep it Real in your indoor cycling classes.   http://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/?page_id=513

ICI Podcast mentioned in Spinning News

In Podcast #27 Bob Rebach, AKA SpinBob, discussed an upcoming article in this months Spinning News and they included a link back to Bob’s Podcast!

Starting a Mentoring Program
By Bob Rebach

Maybe you’ve heard that providing a mentor to new instructors can strengthen and unify your staff and program. Or you might have heard that, with a mentor’s help, training and acclimating instructors new to your facility will be faster and smoother. Well, those things are true. So if at any time you’ve wondered how you can start a program at your facility, here are the steps to follow: The rest is here…

ICI Podcast #27 – Mentoring Programs for Indoor Cycling Instructors

Welcome Spinning News Readers!

Would a mentor have helped you when you first started teaching Indoor Cycling? Or are you interested in developing a mentoring program for your club? Jennifer Sage and I discuss the benefits of mentoring with Bob Rebach, or SpinBob as he is known on the forums. Bob has written two articles for the Spinning Newsletter about mentoring; Overcoming Uncertainty: Finding a Mentor and an upcoming article Starting a Mentoring Program in your club. Link to article.

Links to the Forums discussed in the show:

Innercycling Forum

Pedal-on.com

Spinning Instructor Forum

Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe using iTunes or Zune.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.