The FreeMotion S11.9 – Keiser M3 and Schwinn AC Performance Indoor Cycles all require calibration at some point. Ensuring that all of the bikes in your studio are calibrated to factory specs will keep them reading consistently from bike to bike and your participants happy 🙂
Regardless of what you may have been told, my suggestion for a Best Practice is to spend the time to go through all of your cycles monthly. None of these procedures take more than a minute of so to complete after you've done a few.
I felt it would be helpful to have links to all the Indoor Cycle calibration procedures in one place, so here they are:
Free Registration Required — Click Here. Opens in a new tab. [wlm_ismember]
FreeMotion S11 series console calibration: including the S11.9 and S11.0 (home version)
Calibration may not be the correct word to use here as FreeMotion prefers to describe their procedure as Zero Reset – bringing the power meter back to the factory settings after replacing the batteries, making a repair or when something just doesn't seem right.
Schwinn uses what they call “Tilt Calibration” to teach the cycle where the magnet is positioned = it will give you a proper readout of power and distance.
I was off to teach a class on Friday and always listen to my playlist on the drive over and all the songs were skipping. I tried rebooting my iPhone and still no luck. Luckily I had my iTunes playlist on my phone and did another profile for class. The problem is still there and the Spotify site is no help in solving this issue. Have you heard of this problem? I am ready to cancel my account …… Any ideas?
It sounds like these playlists haven't been set to Available Offline
Spotify works so well when connected to a wireless network you get the impression that all the music is right there on your device. Make the setting change shown here so your playlist is ready to play.
I recommend always turning your iPhone to Airplane Mode when you are teaching so your class isn't interrupted by a call.
Whenever I solve a problem for myself I stop and think, “I wonder of other Indoor Cycling Instructors have this same problem”. So I make a video to show you what I've done. Let me know in the comments if this was helpful to you. Here is the link to the free online calculator.
Hey John & Amy, I have an audition coming up with LIFETIME for cycling instructor. OK, I'm given 3 minutes to present my best ride. Crunch time. Any suggestions or advice on this?
How exciting for you! Amy and I enjoy teaching at Life Time with their dedicated cycling studios, great sound systems, video projectors and fabulous bikes.
NOTE: What follows will apply to any Instructor audition, at any club or studio. 1) Memorize the LTF mission statement
Our Mission is to provide an Educational, Entertaining, Friendly and Inviting, Functional and Innovative experience of uncompromising quality that meets the health and fitness needs of the entire family.
This isn't about drinking the Life Time Kool-Aid. It's showing your determination to work for Life Time. I'm not kidding when I say memorize it as you may be expected to deliver it as part of your Instructor audition.
2) Understand that first and foremost your role as an instructor is to deliver a fun and entertaining experience for the members. You may teach the most real/authentic cycling class on the planet, but if it's boring because you feel constrained by focusing too much on what not to do, it will show in your class presentation and your chances of getting hired are slim.
3) Be prepared to teach a class that's appropriate to the audience. LTF wants to see that you are flexible as an Instructor and can teach appropriately to varying member groups. You may teach a very “cycling specific” class, but if your audition is to a room full of housewives during a 9:30am class see #2. That said you should be familiar with the LTF Heart Rate chart – 5 Zones with the top of Zone 3 being AT (it isn't LT at LTF) and give a few HR based cues.
Beyond that I would…
4) Choose an energetic song, without lyrics, that you love to teach to. But don't over think it 🙁
5) BE ENERGETIC! LTF doesn't hire dead fish. If it takes an extra cup of coffee then drink it. Your excitement and your energy should radiate from you like a spotlight.
6) Stack the Deck! If at all possible get some of your friends in that class. If you can't, I would be sure to get there early and connect with a few participants who are setting up in the front row. Nothing says “Friendly and Inviting” like connecting (eye contact) with members during the class and it may help reduce your nervousness to have someone to focus on. I had Amy come to my audition and having her there in the class, to draw energy from, was invaluable.
7) Teach an intense, simple profile. Think K.I.S.S. Maybe a three step ladder profile where you have them up, out of the saddle, for the last 30 seconds when you…
8 ) Get off the bike and quickly work a few riders in the front row. Clap and congratulate your students at the end and then thank them sincerely for taking your 3 minute class!
Hope that helps and feel free to ask other questions.
I'd say good luck with your interview, but you don't need it… you're going to be awesome 🙂
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