This AM at around 6:23, I dripped sweat onto my iPhone's screen and accidentally switched on Shuffle. Of course I didn't realize my error until this great new track I'm using for openers comes on, for the second time.
Wait… didn't we already do this song?
Oh, Crap! Now what do I do?
There are few things that scream ROOKIE INSTRUCTOR louder than manually switching between songs during a class.
Unsettling to be sure. Keep your cool John… smile… pretend you planed the class like this 🙂
So instead of freaking out, grabbing my phone and trying to get back to my intended track, I just rolled with it 🙂
I normally use three, 30 second hard efforts as my openers. To mix things up this morning I decided to use just two. The track I used is below which features two 45 sec segments; @ 1:00 and then again at 3:17.
The second time I had everyone repeat their efforts, while paying attention to their perceived effort. The song has an awesome build before you hear the I Don't Got Time For Pain that keys the 45 second big effort! It's about 62 RPM. I cue everyone to add load until they feel the need to stand, wait for I Don't Got Time For Pain and it's accelerating off to the races.
Great post and well detailed. I appreciate all the great articles you post.
The challenges you described are all too familiar to me. I’ve found a simple solution that works for my indoor cycling classes, and is based on my experience running a small business that provides software training classes. In that capacity, we teach software productivity courses (1, 2 and up to 5 day workshops) where there could be 20, 50 or even 100 participants. The distractions are numerous: participants checking their emails, texting, talking to their colleagues, etc. It is unfortunate because they have to bring their laptops and mobile devices to class. So, in order to deliver a more effective training session, we first had to understand the causes of distraction:
1. People use training classes, and for that matter, indoor cycling classes as a social venue, a “catch-up” of sorts. They meet friends, colleagues and chit chat about their families, work or other issues.
2. We are all wired, 24/7. The availability of mobile devices and the need to have them tends to add another layer of distraction. There is nothing more frustrating than being asked to repeat a key topic during a training class only because the person who asked was checking their email.
We found the solution to be tricky. The effectiveness of the solution, however, was in its simplicity.
1. Establish a basic ground rule and make them promise to respect it.
At the beginning of each software training class and also at the beginning of each indoor cycling class I teach, I ask all participants to silence their phones, avoid chatting, and in the case of software training classes, I ask them to not check their email, instant messaging or texts until break time. Then, and this is key, I request that they promise to respect this rule. I know we are all adults here, but sometimes, you have to go back to basics.
2. Make them commit to the belief that the class is their time, their investment and thus, their reward.
Again, at the start of each class, I define the objectives of why we are here and what we are trying to accomplish. For indoor cycling classes, I simply state that for next 60minutes, this will be “your time” where you focus on your health and mental well-being. I ask all participants to take a moment to empty their minds of all distractions, worries and anxiety and leave those outside the studio (to be collected later of course). Then I ask that we all respect our collective time by not creating distractions. [I love this line!]
With these two basic rules, I have found greater success in creating an experience for riders that extends beyond the social gathering aspects. In fact, I hear frequent feedback from riders that in that one hour, they have found a way to re-focus and re-recommit; to re-balance and de-escalate; and, to have fun and enjoy the workout at the same time.
In closing, the important of establishing these ground rules will define you as an instructor who places a high priority on the participants’ time and commitment. They will respond in kind.
Corbin Chinatti Ruff with Mom and Dad – Sorry Dunte, this picture was so cute I couldn't pass up using it for this post 🙂
Stages Indoor Cycling's Dunte Hector joins me to discuss his ideas about integrating power, while using your existing music playlists. Brilliant in its simplicity and so easy to implement… I wish I had thought of it myself. Learn Dunte's trick below.
We actually recorded this PRO Podcast back several years ago and we mention that Cameron Chinatti was due to give birth at any moment. Well on Feb 13 (after we recorded) Corbin Chinatti Ruff became the newest member of the Stages family.
My guest in this PRO Podcast episode wants to help you develop a 1,000 Watt Presence & express yourself brilliantly. It starts with“taking a personal inventory” of yourself interacting with and teaching your class.
Listen as communication expert Alexa Fischer explains why recording yourself interacting and teaching your class is the first step to making small improvements to how effectively you present to and communicate with your participants.
About Alexa Fischer
There’s nothing like a 1,000 Watt Presence to ignite and inspire everyone you meet. In case you have lost touch with your own star qualities, Alexa Fischer knows how to bring out your inner light. She has transformed normal civilians into confident, dynamic speakers. The results? Less Fear. More FUN. And maybe some fame if you’re a really dedicated student! Alexa is a graduate of Northwestern University, B.S. in Speech, and The Yale School of Drama, M.F.A. in Acting. She has appeared on countless episodes of hit television shows and national commercials. Beyond the television, her audiences include entrepreneurs, non-profits, corporations and teens.
Listen to my interview with Alexa below or you'll find it in the ICI/PRO members only iTunes feed.
Here is a past Podcast that explains an easy way you can record your own class, using your iPhone or Android phone.
Click the image for more information on Alexa's course
I've taught Indoor Cycling classes for about 15 years and thought I understood all of the Do's and Don'ts of delivering music to my classes. Based on the technique offered in this podcast, I'm realizing I still have a lot to learn…
Dennis Mellon is one of those Instructors who really gets music. His understanding of creating great playlist is probably one reason he was voted the top Instructor where he lives in Colorado. In a past interview Dennis introduced us to the concept of Harmonic Mixing – paying attention to the musical key of each track and combining only those tracks that are in complimentary keys.
My initial interest was learning; when does Dennis creates his class playlist? Is it after he's decided on the specific profile? Or does he build his profile around his playlist? Listen below to learn his method – he actually does it both ways.
Then, during our conversation, Dennis casually explains how his simple technique for transitioning between short intervals. “I just hit next.” I've always believed that forcing a change, before a song has finished, was too disruptive. Dennis's view is that the disruption is exactly what he's looking for 🙂
The 8:50 Blue Man Group song (with the silence in the middle) that I refer to is Exhibit 13 – except it isn't available in Spotify 🙁 You can find it in the iTunes music store and it's in Deezer.
Here's the playlist I built to go with the new Epic Planet RAAM video. I started out looking for a 13 minute song to match the long climb that finishes this video. At 13:47, Peter Frampton — Do You Feel Like We Do – Live is a perfect choice. Past experience has shown me that you can go crazy trying to compile a playlist that matches a structured video exactly – better/easier to match up a few of the important sections in the ride.
