Jennifer and I are going to school July 10 & 11 in Denver – Can you join us?

Are you in the Denver area? Jennifer and I have been so impressed with Tom Scotto that we are both taking his 2 day Indoor Cycling Instructor Workshop. Here are the details and if you are in the area we would love to ride with you.

Indoor Cycling Instructor 2-Day Workshop
Date: Sat , Sun   7/10/2010 - 7/11/2010
Time:  9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location:  Breathe Denver
2033 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO – (303) 297-3005 – www.breathedenver.com/ This 2-day (14-hour) intensive workshop provides practical knowledge and experience with today’s cycling training and teaching concepts for the indoor studio. This is “hands-on” training and includes 6-8 hours on the bike so come prepared to learn and ride. This workshop is taught by a Certified USA Cycling / Stage5 Elite Cycling Coach / Master IC Instructor Cost: $275.00 Workbook Included. Download – Sample 2-Day Workshop Agenda

Here is the link to reserve your spot. Scroll down to find the Denver July 10-11 workshop.

Cycling Specific class review – Stage5 Cycling class

I spent this past weekend in Boston and Vermont. Thankfully the previous week’s deluge had passed and I was blessed with great weather. I headed east for several reasons, one of which was to meet with Tom Scotto of Stage5 Cycling to learn more about his certification program and how I (and ICI) can get more involved. I also went out to be a part of the instructor team for the 6-hour Ride for a Reason fundraiser in Burlington, Vermont on Sunday. That was a fantastic experience, but I’ll write about that in another post.

I had the great fortune of taking one of Tom’s classes. He teaches at multiple facilities; this one was at Fitcorp at the Harvard Medical Center. I have to say that it was one of the most cycling specific classes I have ever personally taken, one of two classes actually. Yes, in 13 years of taking Spinning classes, even at WSSC, I’ve not experienced a class quite like it, not from Josh Taylor, not from Johnny G, not from any “Spinning” instructor. The other one was a class (not a Spinning® class) I took 10 years ago from Dave Scott, elite triathlete and coach and 6-time Ironman world champion. But Tom’s class was amazing in every way – he has a unique skill of coaching that transcends almost anyone I’ve ever heard. Read more…

Stage5 Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification Scholarship Program

We Want the Best!

Stage5 Cycling is looking for the best indoor cycling instructors in the country and we are willing to put our money where our mouth is. Starting in 2010, we will be searching for 10 scholarship candidates per city to receive our 2-Day / 14-Hour comprehensive indoor cycling workshop. Recipients only have to pay for the workbook ($30) and we will cover the cost of the workshop registration ($245).

Why Are We Doing This?

Our workshops and certification is in demand all over the country and we don’t have enough educators to meet the demand. Stage5 Cycling’s goal is 2-fold: (1) populate the country with some of the most amazing indoor cycling instructors and programs available and (2) find and train those exceptional instructors that can become educators.

[Tom Scotto and I discuss the qualifications Stage5 is looking for in ICI/PRO Podcast # 89 - John]

Read more…

A USA Cycling Coach: To Jump or Not To Jump?

Tom Scotto is the Program Director for Stage5 Cycling Incorporated and a Certified USA Cycling Coach. Tom asked if he could contribute to the discussion and offer his perspective on if you should incorporate jumps into your Spinning / Indoor Cycling Class profiles. Tom was a guest on Podcast #34 where we discussed his Indoor Cycling Certification Program

In summary, jumps (as Spinning and Schwinn) define them, should never be
done on an indoor bike. There are some dangers and misconceptions that can
help instructors understand why this is not an appropriate technique.

Let me start by saying, as a USA Cycling coach, my perspective is very
real-cycling focused. Regardless, I’m not a big fan of distinguishing
between and indoor (non-cyclist) and a outdoor cyclist, both of whom may
take an indoor cycling class. Both are riding a bike which require similar
biomechanics and technique with a few adaptations (I’ll explain below). The
determining factor is the workout. A well defined, appropriate and
purposeful workout (with good music) will please any crowd regardless of
age, fitness or skill level.

I am in agreement with Jennifer Sage’s definition of “real” cycling jumps.
Dead on. My issue lies with the non-cycling (Spinning, etc.) jumps.
Read more…

ICI Podcast #34 – Stage 5 Cycling Instructor Certification

Stage 5 Cycling CEO Tom Scotto and I discuss his Indoor Cycling Certification program that focuses on proven “Road Cycling” coaching and training techniques. Their 2 day certification program sounds very comprehensive:

• Developed and taught by Certified USA Cycling Coaches
• Cycling Anatomy, Kinesiology and Biomechanics at the core of program design
• Periodization Training Model provides the framework for workout structure, specificity and intensity
• Exercise Physiology taught to properly target workouts and understand the body’s response to training
• Comprehensive written and practical exams to ensure each instructor has obtained the knowledge and tools needed to teach

Tom has some interesting ideas on how you can offer additional, fee based, small group services to the participants in your class.

If your are interested in transitioning from part time Instructing to Coaching as a full time career, you may want to contact then to learn more.

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

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