The purpose of my last article was to spur you on to start thinking about the approach to your classes at the beginning of the year. Being a coach, my natural tendency is to sway you toward a periodized approach. I was definitely very happy with the responses from the last article which could be summed up as “so, how do we do it?” As promised, here is a simple
How to Start a Beginner Class at Your Club
Before we talk about how to get a beginner class started, the first question you need to answer is why? Not, why does my club need a beginner class, but why do YOU want to lead one (if this is your plan)? As an instructor starting a beginner class you need 3 main criteria: (1) The absolute desire to work with new riders, (2) the ability to teach appropriate classes
Objectify Your Class
Short of provoking a sexual harassment suit, this maybe the best way to get your class excited about what you have in store for them. I’m grateful because my riders often take the time to leave comment cards at the club’s front desk after class and my group fitness directors continually share the feedback with me. One “positive” comment that has been consistent is that members feels that I “set
It is NOT Just Cardio!
Indoor cycling has had a reputation of being a good cardiovascular workout. And that is absolutely true. However, when an aspect of any activity is touted vigorously, the reputation that is created can become definition. Even a recent indoor cycling certification workshop I attended spoke of the aerobic benefits while going as far as to say other training approaches on the indoor bike are not recommended because they lack the
Putting the Warm-Up to the Test
The beginning of class can be disjointed at times. Riders are trying to get settled. Some people are still chatting (loudly) and we are trying to establish that official “class has started” moment. Then 5 new people show up and need to be setup on their bikes. Yesterday I’m teaching at a club I’ve taught at for over 7 years. The cycling class is held in a multi-purpose room, so
How Hard Should We Be Working When Teaching
Like always, there is no pat answer. It often depends on the instructor’s teaching style, the type of ride and the class’s expectation. Teaching Style I tend to break down the style categories as Coach, Trainer and Instructor. The Coach is on the road with you, but is often not working at the same intensity because they are…well….coaching you. They are passing on wisdom, strategy and sports education while riders
Don’t Teach Without a Microphone!
Over the last 8 years, I’ve come across a number of indoor cycling studios that don’t provide a microphone for the instructor. Albeit, these studios are generally small (but not all were) and all of the instructors appeared confident that a microphone wasn’t needed. “My voice really projects” was the common response I got from instructors. I dare say that not one of the classes I’ve seen taught without a
Identity Crisis – Who Are You Talking To?
In a single indoor cycling class we can have a combination of beginners, cycling enthusiasts, competitive athletes, fit and unfit. We have those who are just interested in some cardio fitness, some with a focus on weight loss and others desiring cycling-specific training. There are the young, the old and everyone in-between. So with all of these different interests, expectations and age groups, how do we determine who we are
Power to the Pedals
With the increase of those interested in getting a healthy start to 2012, more and more people are joining health clubs and attending indoor cycling classes. This is great! It provides a perfect opportunity to foster good technique and skills as these new members acclimate to our classes. One topic I have found myself addressing more than usual lately is proper footwear. Multi-Purpose? It is definitely a delicate balance at
Tips for Delivering a Successful Winter Training Program
As we approach the colder months (for many of us anyway), instructors and riders alike are searching for new ways to train indoors to maintain their fitness and keep from going insane. Over the last 10 years I’ve delivered various flavors of winter training programs as an independent indoor cycling instructor, as Stage5 Cycling and now through Cycling Fusion. Just as there are more than one type of rider and
Riding Aero in Class
Should people ride in an aero position during indoor cycling classes? I’ve been asked this numerous times by instructors and have battled with more than a few riders over the years on this very subject. My answer, NO. Here’s my take on it: (1) Safely / Biomechanics This may be the most convincing reason aero positions are not recommended for indoor cycling classes, and the most difficult to articulate. First,
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