Forgive the rant here. I have no patience for the vandalism of property, for any reason.
I just saw an email from ICI/PRO member and studio owner Charles “Spook” Hilgartner that includes this picture from outside his InSync Cycling Studio.
Some idiot tore down his sign – pathetic.
Spook has poured his heart, sole and a bunch of money into his studio. If you have a minute please go over to his site and Like is Facebook banner on the right hand sidebar to show your support.
While you are there you may want to check out the app he's providing for his members – pretty cool 🙂
“I'm trained as an Instructor. I've earned multiple certifications, spent thousands of dollars and invested hundreds of hours, all with the purpose of delivering a great class to you today.”
“But many of you will probably judge me by my skills as a DJ… the one part of this class for which I have no formal education.”
It had to be the funniest thing I've ever heard said by another Instructor… well I thought it was funny, and I laughed out-loud when she said it during her opening of class. What made this humorous was a combination of her deadpan delivery and the unexpected honesty of her statement.
Could anything be more true about teaching an Indoor Cycling class?
To paraphrase the memorable line from a TV and radio commercial from Verbal Advantage; People judge you by the music you play…
In past surveys I've done, Instructors have said that they spend more time on music than any other aspect of their classes. I'm not sure this dependency on a great playlist, as the foundation of you class, is entirely healthy. But I can understand how it can become the focus of your class preparations.
So what's my suggestion for ensuring your class will enjoy your music selections?
Steal music ideas from others 😉
Here are a few places you can start:
Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs of all Time. Especially if you have an older demographic, you can't go wrong with these past favorites. Most are so memorable that you could start a sing-a-long. Here's a link to the list and there's a partial list (385) you can find in Spotify.
Grab our list of the Top 404 Indoor Cycling Songs. These have been hand picked by other instructors and a class playlist created from them is a nearly guaranteed hit.
Subscribe to ICI/PRO where we have over 50 class playlists, created by experienced Instructors. Each playlist is tied to an easy to follow class profile that explains exactly how to teach the class; cues, timing – everything 🙂
Get the Shazam app for your iPhone or Droid and bring it to a popular Instructor's class. Shazam each song they play and the app will keep a list for you to “appropriate” into your playlist. Don't be surprised to catch an Instructor in your class doing this if you've followed suggestion #3
Consider a mixed class music service like indoorcyclingmusic.com A good DJ doesn't have gaps between songs – it wrecks the mood you want to create. If you don't have the hours to spend with MixMeister, this could really simplify your life 🙂
Amy says:
An angelic acapella voice. We coach tenacity, consistency and persistence for 1:15 until slight instrumentals enter to support our rpm’s of 75. At 2:08, the guessing is gone and full instrumentals hit in mighty force to take us up the hill. This cover of Bryan Ferry/Tangerine Dream’s “Is Your Love Strong Enough?” is from The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Soundtrack and is by How to Destroy Angels. You may prefer the original, like John, or the cover like I do. (I like the acapella for a change of pace, although Bryan Ferry is always good). 4:30 of climbing goodness awaits. Enjoy!
John Says:
I agree that this cover is very powerful and could easily see using it in class. I prefer the original version because I instantly loved it the first time I heard it, during the closing credits of the movie Legend. If you haven't seen this cult classic, featuring a very young Tom Cruise and Tim Curry of Rocky Horror fame. it's worth renting 🙂 Bryan Ferry — Is Your Love Strong Enough?
OK, so mid August may be a little bit early to start asking people to come back to your class. But I don't feel that there's any harm in giving some thought (and maybe some preparation) in how you plan to encourage past students to return to class this Fall.
Here is an excellent article from Club Industry contributor Christine Thalwitz that reinforces the need to collect contact info on participants throughout the Indoor Cycling season.
Blame it on the down economy, poor service or a life change. Whatever the reason, most health clubs lose at least 20 percent to 40 percent of their members each year. The good news is that many former members are ready to come back if you just ask them.
At my club, ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers, referrals from existing members are our top source for new membership sales, but former members who rejoin are a strong second. Many companies do not take any special steps to recapture lost members, but ignoring these individuals constitutes a massive missed opportunity.
Last week, while I was riding a century, the course took me past a restaurant that Amy and I used to eat at occasionally – but haven't for years. Why haven't we gone back there? I thought. I really liked it, but I've completely forgotten about this place. Had they sent me an occasional letter or email there's a good chance we would have returned. But they didn't – so we didn't return.
Back in September of 2008 I recorded ICI Podcast #5 — ten steps to building up your class numbers. In it I share my strategies for class promotion. These steps have worked for me and I hope, if you haven't heard them before, that they help you fill your class this fall!
One note: In the Podcast I encourage you to start your own Blog, which obviously dates when I published this. Now my recommendation is to start a Facebook group where you can communicate what's happening in your class.
