There was a question over on a Facebook page asking about Spotify and a mysterious shuffling of the playlist – when it appears that the shuffle is turned off. Chrispins beat me to the answer, but I wanted to add some screen shots to make it easier for you to understand.
I had this exact problem and it drove me nuts until I figured it out.
If you open a playlist in Spotify there's a big “Shuffle Play” button. If you click it – it turns gray for a moment before launching the first track… but it stays white… so you think; “I'm good, the shuffle must be off… I can get on with my class… but wait… this song isn't supposed to come next… WHAT's GOING ON WITH MY PLAYLIST?”
Click on a track – then click the “i” symbol in the top, LH corner.
Which takes you to the info screen. This split screen view shows shuffle on (green) and off.
Any song will show this and you only need to change it once.
Why Spotify makes this so hard to use is anyone's guess 🙁
Josh Taylor had told me last year about a new pedal Spinning® was designing that would have the same versatility as the Schwinn Triple Link pedal; accepts LOOK, SPD and fitness shoes + they include the new Morse Taper pedal spindle (vs. a conventional threaded spindle) they're using on the new Spinner® NXT and Blade Indoor Cycles.
I see now that they've introduced the new pedal in two versions; the TRIO™ and TRIO QR™ – QR refer's to Quick Release.
My understanding is that even with dozens of different competing pedal types available, LOOK (who was the first mass-marketed clip-less pedal) is still the market leader in road bike pedals. So it makes good sense to offer these types of pedals to keep many of your cyclists participants happy 🙂
The two pedals appear identical except for:
Patented “Quick Release” lever allows for simple one-handed platform removal.
They may want to reword this as the owner's manual clearly shows you need two hands to remove the cage.
One hand or two, my hat's off to whomever designed the nifty Quick Release feature on the TRIO QR!
Fun Fact
You may or may not be aware that indoorcycleinstructor.com, the Podcast, ICI/PRO… everything began with my desire to market my Red Pedal Tool. After years of fighting with the shoe baskets on these pedals I created this tool which is designed to safely and easily remove the shoe basket from Schwinn Triple Link pedals.
I'll need to talk with Josh about why they have also chosen to manufacture a version without the quick release… The diagram below illustrates the very same removal issue Schwinn has with their Triple Link.
Barbara Hoots and I discuss how you can grow your Indoor Cycling classes using the same techniques she has successfully used to grow her own Spinning classes.
SIX WAYS TO GROW YOUR CYCLING CLASS
1. Create an Ambiance which allows students to disappear from the real world. Paint the walls dark, add mood lighting to enhance the mind body connection, LED candles, draped fabric along the walls for sound absorption, etc.
2. Treat your class (and students) as if they were coming to your home for a dinner party.
Use warm lighting, background music playing, perfect air temperature, clean, clutter-free environment, instructor first to arrive to greet students as they enter, make introductions so everyone feels welcome, etc.
3. Pass out Free Multi-Class Passes and brochures describing the musical styles of various instructors at your facility. The rule in our gym: As long as there is an empty bike, there is room for friend. Bring friends. Create a vortex of energy using people who are excited about the class and like each other. Students should have passes to give out to their friends and relatives. A brochure describing the class and a brief description of each instructor's musical style, students will FIND the class they connect best with. For example, I play alternative, progressive tribal, trance. Another instructor may use Big Hair Bands from the 80's and hip-hop. A third could use dance diva's and top 40. Music is the first judgment made about your class. Don't lose members over music – provide knowledge beforehand so everyone can enjoy the ride.
4. Donate charity rides for fundraisers in your community.
Find a local charity benefit (Cancer, schools, etc.) and donate a private indoor cycling ride for 50 (or the limit of bikes you have). A silent auction bid will usually generate interest, as it can be marketed as a group ride to celebrate the end of a cycling/sports team season or even a birthday party! Provide iced cold adult beverages after the ride and photos. Follow up with a press release in your local newspaper as a fundraiser for (name of organization). Charity rides work best on Thursday or Friday evenings.
5. KNOW your audience. While as an instructor your must be passionate about your music, yet be aware of your audience. If you have some young guys who are ripped animals, use mixes of Nine Inch Nails or heavy beats by Crystal Method. Any instructor who has students that arrive to class wearing their iPod means simply put, “Your music is awful.” NEVER criticize the student….it's your job to connect to the class via music.
6. Reward your students. After completing 6 classes, students receive a black Spinning sticker to place on their bumper. It's not only a sign of pride, but great advertising as well.
and always say thank you. Remember, respect the time of your students – they are busy people and should never wait on you. As in instructor, you are the first to arrive and the last to leave. Make your room warm, inviting, nonjudgmental, and watch your classes soar.
Your students are looking to you for help reaching the gateway.
This Podcast is was last published on May 7, 2017, I have updated it with our new Podcast host information and I am representing it now. I hope you enjoy it, Joey
How can you tell if your Indoor Cycling students ready to move outdoors and confidently tackle some reasonable climbs?
Gino Nacey says they need to be able to sustain One Watt of Power Per Poundof body weight. Gino sees this as a key measurement of fitness and we discuss how to get your students to this level of power with his new Power Training eBook for Indoor Cycling Instructors. Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using
