by John | Feb 17, 2021 | Best Practices, Instructor Training

I've really learned a lot from presentation coach and TV actress Alexa Fischer. While what she describes in the video below is directed toward people being filmed – I feel it's completely applicable to any of us who get up on stage. How's your “self talk” before starting your class?
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Originally posted 2014-03-27 16:48:47.
by John | Feb 17, 2021 | Zone based Heart Rate Training
I became a huge fan of New Leaf Fitness Metabolic Testing a few years ago after I had my first Metabolic Assessment. Before that I was convinced that my AT (Anaerobic Threshold) was 155 BPM, only to learn it was actually 162 BPM.
If you can stand the poor audio quality of one my earlier Podcasts I have a very informative discussion with Jessica Christiansen, the Education and Training Manager for New Leaf Fitness.
Pro Cycling Team Garmin Transitions has just announced that they are using New Leaf Metabolic Testing as a part of their training.
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Originally posted 2010-03-19 06:27:30.
by John | Feb 14, 2021 | Best Practices, Big Box Instructor, Learn Leadership Skills

It seems I made a few enemies on Wednesday. I subbed a “Housewives” 9:30 am class that had a bunch of talkers in it. I'm not too tolerant of people disrupting my class. So I told asked them to please save their conversations until after class. As it turns out, a regular of mine overheard a conversation the following day, between the scheduled Instructor and a few of the participants. Though you might enjoy seeing his email to Amy describing the exchange…
John Macgowan is on the unofficial Eden Prairie Housewives “hit list”. You may want to let him know to keep a low profile and wear a disguise if going out and about in EP.
Thursday morning during his spin class he mentioned that he subbed for XXXX at 9:30 Wednesday. I had scheduled interviews with some candidates for a job and used the restaurant at LTF (Life Time Fitness where I teach) this morning.
Had a two hour break so was able to go to XXXX's 9:30 and those housewives were giving XXXX hell because “the sub instructor” (John) worked them too hard and (here is the best part) seemed annoyed because they wanted to carry on conversations during the class.
I personally have complained to XXXX multiple times about the nonstop talking in her class and went so far as to call XXXX (Dept Head) about it. I held my tongue for as long as I could this morning, then I let those housewives have it.
You (Amy), Adam and John run organized classes, XXXX's tends to be a yard sale, but she is a really strong instructor. This morning I proceeded to say something along the lines of if you want social hour go upstairs and have it there and don't criticize the instructor for properly managing a class.
I also referred to the loudest and most annoying lady in the class as a manatee who should be more focused on the workout and less on annoying the entire class. Needless to say, I probably need a disguise now as well.
Kind of made my day to hear John overwhelmed them. Hope you all are well. Happy Friday!! See you tomorrow.
Originally posted 2015-01-10 04:23:56.
by John | Feb 14, 2021 | Instructor Tech Help

My understanding is that these are the best – just tough to turn off.
I actually needed to get help from Amy to figure this out – so I could completely relate to this question I received via email today.
Hi John,
I think I read you teach for lifetime. Do you use the micpacks with the flip open battery compartments that covers the on button? This may sound silly, but I can't figure out how to turn the darn thing off. Shouldn't the on and off button turn it on and off? I tried removing the batteries when you put them back it goes right back to on. Any ideas?
I'm pretty sure this instructor is talking about a Sennheiser wireless microphone pictured above – it's what we have at our club and I found it as confusing to turn off, even after re-reading the email instructions multiple times.
After Amy was able to educate me, rather than try to explain the process in just words, I felt it might be easier to follow with a picture like this.

The steps to turn this off are:
- Press the on/off button
- Press the button shown
- Press the Set button
- Press and hold the on/off button until it turns off
Here's a pdf showing the steps you can download, print and post for your instructors
I'm not sure if it's important, but Amy recommended that Mute is off before attempting.
That still does't answer why you can't just push the “off button” – to turn the darn thing off.
Originally posted 2014-04-01 13:45:07.
by John | Feb 7, 2021 | Kranking
I participated in a Krankcycle orientation yesterday at 501Spin in Minneapolis. Part of the training used the Suunto Fitness Solution I will be talking about it on our next podcast but wanted you to see my interview from IDEA.
Originally posted 2010-08-29 09:09:31.