by John | Aug 13, 2017 | Big Box Instructor, Certification, Instructor Training
I get the “Where can I get certified as a “Spin®”,”Schwinn®” or simply an Indoor Cycling Instructor?” question a lot. While trying to be helpful, more often than not my response is “I'm sorry, but you are asking the wrong person.” “The person you want to ask is the manager at the club where you would like to teach.”
Many people skip that step – here's why you shouldn't…
Sometimes I feel like Dr. Alfred Lanning from the movie I Robot where Will Smith's character, Detective Del Spooner, is quizzing Dr. Lanning's holographic image. The Doctor looks at him and says “I'm sorry. My responses are limited. You must ask the right questions.”
The right question is; “what do I need to do to teach a regularly scheduled Indoor Cycling class at my local club?”
UPDATE: It can't hurt to check first to see which studios & clubs are hiring. This Instructor jobs board is a great place to start 🙂
“That's a question I can answer” 🙂
I'll put this in the context of a question our daughter Abby, a Junior in college, asked us last fall; “I'd really like to write for a car magazine… and get to drive a lot of cool cars!” “How do I get a job like that?”
“My responses are limited. You must ask the right questions.”
“OK, so what would you suggest I do to get into the car business?”
“That's a question I can answer.”
Our advice for our daughter Abby was to find a company (any company) in the car business and see if they have some type of entry level job where she can get her feet wet. Luckily for Abby, her mother (Amy) had a friend who's husband (Brandon) is an area manager for Enterprise Car Rental. Not “Car and Driver”, but for a 21 year college junior, quite possibly the perfect place to get her start in the “car business”. Long story short, Abby met with the manager and learned that they offer a select number of summer internships. During this initial meeting she asked a lot of questions about what Enterprise is looking for in the people they hire. Armed with this “insider information”, she was able to successfully navigate a long interview process (there are hundreds of applicants) and she starts Enterprise's summer Management Training program next month 🙂 It's hard to say where it will lead, but it's a very positive start for a sharp young women.
I feel the same thinking applies to securing your first teaching gig; there are a lot of people who would like to teach, but few who will do the exploratory ground work where they can “ask the right questions”. It's really just the tried and true sales process that's been followed for thousands of years. Here are the steps:
- Decide if you are willing to do whatever (within reason of course) it takes to secure a regularly scheduled class.
- Identify your prospect(s) (potential customer). You are after all selling something here; YOU! There maybe only one location, or there could be a dozens near you. Don't rule out anywhere that offers Indoor Cycling. Your objective is to get a scheduled class. I shouldn't matter where and it may not be in the most convenient location.
- Find the decision maker at the club/studio. This shouldn't be too hard; take a class there (everyone offers a free class) and ask the Instructor after class. It's important to be very direct with your intent; which is to learn who can say YES to you teaching there! Tell the Instructor that you are interested in learning about becoming an Instructor and you would appreciate knowing who makes the hiring decisions. That's all you want to learn from the Instructor – nothing more! Resist the temptation to ask if they are hiring – people tend to be protective of their “turf” and you want a friend, not someone who's fearful that you want to take their job. Be sure to get the Instructor's first and last name because you will need it later.
- Repeat at every location. Rejection is much easier to handle if you have multiple prospects 🙂 Do yourself a favor and don't get emotionally committed to only one studio if at all possible.
- Contact the decision maker (by phone or in person – never by email) with the objective of scheduling a short meeting where you can learn more about what the club looks for in an Instructor. That's it, nothing beyond the commitment to meet at a later date. You may say something like this; Hi Ms. Jones, my name is John and I took a class at your club last week. It was with (insert full name of the the Instructor here) and I wanted you to know that I really enjoyed her class and your club! Next you show him/her you're concerned about them; Am I catching you at a good time? I have a quick question I'd like to ask you. Wait for their response. If it's anything but I'm OK, offer to call them back when it's a better time. “What can I help you with?” I'm really interested in learning everything I can about becoming an Instructor. (Instructor's first name) told me you have a lot of experience in the fitness industry and I have a number questions. I realize you have a busy schedule but could we schedule a time for a short meeting this Thursday or Friday mid-morning? Always offer an either / or option, not a question that can be easily answered by NO. If the response is anything like “we aren't hiring any new Instructors” affirm this and again ask for the meeting; Sure, I understand that you aren't hiring now. I was just hoping to gain from your experience. It should only take 15 minutes or so… would Friday at 10:00am work for you? There's nothing wrong with being persistent! It must have taken Abby a month for her to get Brandon's commitment to the first meeting. We had to repeatedly encourage her to keep after him and in then end he told her that it was her persistence that caused him to finally agree to the meeting.
- For many, securing the appointment will be the second hardest part of this process. With a meeting in hand you know the drill; show up on time, look nice, smile, etc… Keep your commitment to asking questions. Here are a few suggestions:
- What certification do you require?
- What makes for a popular Instructor?
- Is there a certain type of Instructor your members appreciate more than others?
- Do you feel you are missing/lacking any specific type of class format that would appeal to people who aren't currently members?
- How do you decide on what types of classes you offer?
- Do you have specific times during the year when you make class scheduling changes?
This isn't the time to talk a lot about yourself 🙁 Even if the manager gives you an opening “why do you want to be an Instructor?” resist the temptation to say too much. Keep your answers brief and end them with another question. People love to be interviewed and talk about themselves, so keep asking them questions.
- How long have you been in the fitness industry?
- Why did you first get into the fitness industry?
- Do you participate in any events; triathlon, 5k, charity rides, etc.. ?
Then comes the hardest part (and only if you feel you've developed some rapport with him/her) where you ask a “If I could, would you?” question, as in; If I could get a (insert the certification they named) would you consider evaluating me as a potential Instructor? And then wait for the answer.
If it's positive then visit this site to find an Indoor Cycling Certification and also review this post about auditioning for an Indoor Cycling Instructor teaching position.
Many clubs and studios now accept an online certification. If they will you can get certified here.
If it's not positive, ask some more specific questions to learn exactly why and then thank them for their time and move on to your next meeting.
Please let me know if this was helpful to you by leaving a comment below – or visit indoorcyclinginstructorjobs.com to find your new class 🙂
// < 
As Instructors, our riders will often asked us questions about: insert topic here.
Where we can get into trouble is by launching into a short/long/epic dissertation on the subject, often without fully understanding the whole question.
My first sales job out of school was selling motorcycles. For someone like me, who at 22 couldn't be around them enough, it was the perfect job. Being the new guy, I asked a bunch of questions to the other salespeople (there wasn't any real training) and I was told to study up on all the different models. That year Honda had 52 different bikes – we had decks of playing cards with a different model on each card. I was very familiar with many of the models – I had put myself through school working as a motorcycle mechanic, so I felt like I could answer just about any question anyone would ask. I was ready to hit the sales floor and show everyone I was a born salesman.
Does this bike have a really powerful engine?
I've forgotten many of the details, but I'll never forget the gentleman's question or my response. He was looking over a new model Honda and after our introductions he asked; Does this bike have a really powerful engine? I couldn't believe my luck. I knew every conceivable specification and had nearly memorized the latest magazine test results.
Sir, you're looking at the most powerful motorcycle in its category. I told him proudly. Then (I'm sure I was trying to impress him with all my product knowledge) I launched into what had to be a 10 minute explanation of the 0-100 mph times, rev limits, performance tires, how it will smoke any other bike on a race track, etc… The man stood and listened politely until I came up for air. He then thanked me and walked out the door.
I saw the man later in the week. He was taking delivery of his new motorcycle – a much less powerful model than I had shown him. After he drove out I grabbed the other salesman and asked what had happened. I showed him a new Interceptor, what's he doing with that low powered bike? You idiot, you completely missed his question! Was his response. We're lucky he came back here at all… he bought that bike for his 17 year old son. He didn't want anything with too much power. Lesson learned.
Have you ever been in a situation like that? You're considering making a major purchase (or need personal advise) and were at first a bit nervous, anxious or guarded? So the question you asked was an abbreviated version, one that didn't exactly communicate your specific question?
What would you want to hear next?
Let me see if I understand your question…
Each of the The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People can be applied to our fitness profession. Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood rings the loudest for me.
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, and positive problem solving.
It doesn't matter if you're selling motorcycles, toasters or advising members about fitness, people want to feel like they've been heard & understood before communicating openly. The simple act of reflecting a question back conveys empathy and will go a long way to build trust.
Imagine if I had reflected back the question in the opening example; Are you looking for a very powerful motorcycle? My potential customer would have instantly responded; NO! This is for my 17 year old son. Then we would have been communicating and I could have made the sale.
Who knows. Maybe some day you'll be asked a question where you resist the temptation to educating and instead reflect back to them in the form of a question. Can you see how you might gain their trust and gather a better understanding of what's being asked? Wouldn't you be surprised to hear the unguarded response; I'm really hoping this class will build up my skinny chicken legs 🙂
Let me know if this helps.
by John | Aug 8, 2017 | Instructor Training, Zone based Heart Rate Training
Should we adopt a standard method of describing Heart Rate Training Zones? My argument is that until we (I'm talking about everyone in the fitness Industry) all speak with consistent language, manufactures will continue to put stickers like this on fitness equipment. The Majority of people in your club will see this chart on an elliptical machine and remain confused by (if not down right afraid of) Heart Rate Training.
Danger Zone? Isn't that a song by Kenny Loggins?
Nothing will change until there is something to change to.
Where are you on this chart?
Does this chart provide anything even remotely helpful or beneficial?
Part 2 is here.
Originally posted 2010-12-30 09:13:08.
by John | Aug 7, 2017 | Engage Your Students, Freemotion - Foundation Fitness
I want to share this email exchange I had with ICI/PRO member Julie Zweck-Bronner.
Hi John,
You have said you teach at a facility that has the Freemotion bikes. I was wondering if that facility uses the pedals that came with the bikes or different pedals. We will get 40 Freemotion bikes in May and are wondering how to accommodate our riders that have LOOK cleats. Should we spend the money to switch out to all Schwinn Triple Link pedals like on our Star Trac bikes we currently have? There was some talk about using the Triple Link Pedals off the old bikes to save money, but I worry they are too worn to put on brand new bikes. Do you also find that many riders wearing bike shoes do not like the basket/cage staying on the underside of the pedal as they ride?? Thanks for your insight.
You're going to have so much fun Julie.
If you are getting the S11.9 I think they come with a good two sided pedal with SPD/shoe basket. Where I'm teaching they switch out everything for triple links as that's just what they do.
If it was my studio I would work toward getting everyone to switch to SPD. Look doesn't make the traditional “LOOK pedal” anymore. Now they have the KEO which looks like it should work – but it doesn't.
I would swap the best 10 triplelinks onto the new bikes and leave the rest.
Unless of course you normally have 30 cyclists with LOOK cleats every class, then you already know what to do 🙂
Sportsmith has the best pricing on Schwinn Triple Link Pedals I've found and I want to say that Jeff Wimmer at StudioCycles.com has refurbished Triple Links.
Can I have your permission to create a post about your question?
Thanks John, yes you can post and thanks for your insight. Do you think avid bikers who wear bike shoes prefer the triple link because the can remove the cage/basket on the flip side of the pedal unlike the pedal that comes with the FreeMotion bike? That has the spd on one side and the fixed/permanent cage on the flip side. Sounds kind of anal but want to address all concerns. Thanks again, Julie ZB
Julie LOOK pedals were the most popular for years (but are no longer) and cyclists wanted to use their shoes – I don't think they care if the basket is there or not.
SPD is rarely used by road cyclists (they were first used by mountain bikers) but are best for indoor because they work on a recessed shoe = easy to walk in and safer – road shoes were never meant to walk in and are very slippery on any polished surface.
Rather than speculate, I suggest you ask your students and act accordingly.
Thanks John we will take a poll!
I haven't heard the results of Julie's poll, but I have conducted one myself at the two clubs where I teach that use the Triple Link pedal with some interesting (yet very unscientific) results:
- About half of the riders using LOOKs had purchased their shoes/cleats specifically for indoor use.
- Another 25% originally had LOOK cleats on their road bike = their shoes just happened to fit the pedals we used indoors.
- Almost no one was using the original LOOKs on their road bikes anymore.
- Almost everyone had multiple pairs of shoes.
I feel it's very important to be as accommodating to cyclists, but times are changing. If you're looking at an equipment upgrade a simple email poll using Survey Monkey will tell you a lot + identify those few participants you will need to accommodate if/when you make a change.
Originally posted 2012-03-14 08:36:34.
by John | Aug 6, 2017 | Featured Instructor, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Master Instructor Blog, Your Fitness Business
Hi, my name is Kathy Helmuth and I am excited to share a wonderful new program called Parkinson’s Indoor Cycling.
UPDATE September 25, 2014:
We are now offering an ACE approved Parkinson’s Cycling Coach training program. To learn if you qualify click here.
As group cycling instructors, we try to educate and encourage success in our indoor group cycling classes. We see those moments of achievement and we are excited for the participants who have reached their goals. In the Parkinson’s Cycling Coach classes, those moments of achievement are multiplied by 10.
Parkinson’s Disease can rob a person of smell, facial expression, movement, and flexibility.
Imagine this…. A person with Parkinson’s Disease comes into your indoor cycling class using a cane or a walker. He or she registers for the program, completes the necessary paperwork, and goes through the initial testing. You notice that this individual shows very little expression on their face.
After riding a few classes being coached at the proper intensity and cadence, that individual no longer needs a cane or walker. That person is walking with an improved gait and has better balance and flexibility. They have a smile and some expression back on their face!
Or imagine this…. a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease not being able to smell the aroma of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. After a few Parkinson’s Cycling classes, that individual can now able to smell and taste those delicious cookies.
I have really enjoyed the opportunity to help these Parkinson’s individuals feel better and move through their daily activities with greater ease.
“Feeling normal” is the way one of our riders describes why she loves this program. In my interview with Sharon in the video above, she says that the pedaling class makes her “feel normal….like everyone else”.
I hope this helps ignite the compassion you have for helping others. Seven to ten million people have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease around the world.
If we could provide you with the training you needed, would you be willing join us as a Parkinson's Cycling Coach?
We'll be offering a coaching certification in early October.
Click here to subscribe to our notification list.
Originally posted 2014-09-15 08:08:51.
