by Chuck Cali | May 22, 2021 | Engage Your Students, Featured Studios
After attending ICI/PRO Conference 2010, Kathy Ehrlich-Scheffer and husband Matt were motivated to open their own studio. In her words, “to bring the best the industry has to offer to our riders.” And to her credit, she has done just that. Kathy and Matt opened Cycledelic, their vision of an indoor cycling studio on the well known 12 Corners in Rochester, New York. To say that this studio is unlike most would be an understatement. Kathy and Matt have seen to every detail. This is clearly evident from your first step inside to toweling off before going on your way.
If you are an indoor cycle instructor with a bent toward showmanship, 😉 this studio is Nirvana to to teach in. Kathy had shown me the studio shortly after opening and I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get my butt up on her stage.
Opportunity knocked, the weekend of Cycledelic's first anniversary (Saturday, October 20, 2012) as that date was juxtaposed with Rochester Institute of Technology's parents weekend. Since our son's a freshman there, my trip was preordained. I invited myself to do a guest instructor class that day.
Rochester is also my home town having moved to the San Francisco bay area 25 years ago. Ah, when the stars align. Knowing the sleep habits of college students, I figured I'd be able to have a fun workout with the crew there on the 12 corners before my student saw the light of day. Kathy was all for it, immediately replacing husband Matt's 0800 class with my name.
I stopped by Cycledelic the day before to check it over. Turns out Matt has thought of everything. Their projector is HD, the perfect size 16:9 screen, lighting controls like I have only seen at concerts, plenty of wall mounted fans and a sound system that leaves nothing to chance. I had iPod Classic, iPad and MacBook Pro all going simultaneously.
The theme for my ride was, Indoor Cycling, From Then to Now. The idea was to silhouette how technology has enhanced the experience instructors can create for our riders. The Cycledelic studio was engineered perfectly for such a show. Right down to the right mix of color from the baseboard lighting. I was in heaven.
Kathy did a great job of promoting my visit, resulting in a full house. The 70 minute presentation/ride came off without a hitch even if I did not quite sync my class builder app (providing me with cue information) with my Mac which was providing video and sound.
After class, Cycledelic provides three shower rooms with towels for those that need to head off smelling all fresh. There is not one client comfort that Kathy has not thought of. She personally maintains her bikes insuring her customers that all the great metrics work. Kathy is very selective with who gets to instruct and how they deliver. And, conveniently located in the same strip mall is Starbucks where we convened post ride to pat ourselves on the back and celebrate the anniversary.
If all this is sounding a bit like a travelogue it’s not. (Yet if you find yourself in Rochester, New York don't miss a visit to Cycledelic)
A couple of points.
First it is the ‘boutique studios’ like Cycledelic that are blazing the trail for Indoor Cycling 2.0. We cannot thank them enough. Boutiques are doing what the big boxes are very slowly realizing, differentiation by technology. Those of us working in big box gyms can attest to the lethargy of change at these bottom line oriented facilities.
What I’m saying (my second point) goes to my earlier post (A Good Reason to Come Back – October 2012). Simply stated, boutique studios are compelled to provide their customers with a good reason to come back. They must – at every level – provide the service that their customers are willing to keep paying for, or close the doors. Essentially that translates to, incredible customer service, effective training, incredible customer service, entertaining distractions and, incredible customer service.
As I type this Kathy is posting to the Cycledelic FaceBook page photos and videos of their Halloween ride. It was another sold out room for a fun filled 90 minute workout set to the music of the eighties.
Kathy can't teach all the classes. She is, after all, a woman balancing the responsibilities of mother, wife, daughter and business. So who she chooses to put on the stage at Cycledelic must understand the meaning of ‘on stage’. It is not just about the training but also the performance. She has found it difficult to find such instructors.
My greatest worry before teaching my class at Cycledelic was not about the workout but rather, letting Kathy down by not providing a remarkable experience for her customers. Hopefully that's what happened. In my opinion that's how it should be, wherever we teach, for all of us, all of the time.
Originally posted 2012-11-01 09:33:32.
by John | May 10, 2021 | Engage Your Students, Instructor Training
I love seeing stuff like this!
ICI/PRO member Joe Ducosin was the front cover model of our local community magazine – you look great Joe 🙂
Joe's Cycle Quest Studio runs a regular weight loss challenge and it was featured in this article; Southwest Metro Fitness Challenges – Local gyms and fitness studios offer motivation for kicking your metabolism to a new level.
Pedal Off the Pounds
Duration: Eight weeks, beginning September 10.
Goal: Weight loss through exercise and nutrition
Reward: Participant losing the highest percentage of body weight in fat will win a five pack of classes
Brief description of program: Participants receive a professional fitness assessment and unlimited cycling and boot camp classes for the eight-week challenge at CycleQuest Studio in Eden Prairie, along with nutrition and fitness coaching. The cost to register is $275 (discounted to $250 if you sign up with a friend.) 6409 City West Pkwy., Suite 107, Eden Prairie; 952.236.7691
Next, our very own Indoor Cycling Studio Design Expert Barbara Hoots was published in ClubIndustry.com, the leading resource for fitness business professionals.
Barbara's article; Design Your Indoor Cycling Studio to Boost Momentum, Membership and Revenue
Momentum is important for organizations to survive their competition. Look at any successful product or service and notice the improvements made after the product is introduced. Club members are constantly introduced to new and improved products, yet when they show up at an indoor cycling studio, they face the same white walls, mediocre sound system and bike arrangement you had when the doors first opened. In order to maintain a competitive edge, club owners must constantly renovate, rethink and renew their cycling program.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Have you or your studio been featured in the media? Maybe in an article or on local TV news? If so then send us the info so we can promote you!
Originally posted 2012-11-29 08:48:41.
by John | May 7, 2021 | Engage Your Students, Member Spotlight
Our very own Melissa Marotta & Barbara Hoots will be co-leading the 11th Annual Special Olympics 6-Hour “Ride for a Reason” on Saturday, March 19 in Burlington, Vermont. Joined by Spinning® Master Instructors Angie Scott and Anthony Musemici, Melissa and Barbara will be leading 100+ riders to raise money to support the children and young adults supported by the Special Olympics.
In addition to an inspiring day of motivating instructors, live music, and awesome energy, riders will have the opportunity to hear directly from Special Olympics athletes themselves about how their lives have been changed through their participation with the organization – thus giving a deeper source of fuel for every pedal stroke.
The event will be held at the Champlain Valley Exposition Center outside of Burlington. If you've ever thought about checking out the beauty of Vermont, now might be the perfect occasion. Melissa and Barbara will be thrilled to have some folks from the ICI community take part in this special event. Come say hello, and you might even find yourself invited to ride on stage.
Visit http://vtso.org/spinning_marathon.php for more information, and to register for the event.
Originally posted 2011-03-06 15:04:55.
by John | May 4, 2021 | Best Practices, Engage Your Students, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Learn Leadership Skills, Mental Toughness
I love sharing anything created by public speaking expert Alexa Fischer. She has just published part one of a free video series. I just finished watching this 13 min video and felt you may enjoy learning how to move past the negative thoughts that could be holding you back from effortlessly connecting with your riders.
When opportunities happen, it's up to you to be ready.
Whether it's chatting your boss up in the elevator, introducing yourself to a major influencer, sharing your new idea at the company retreat or effortlessly welcoming new neighbors, when you speak with confidence and calm – in any situation – it matters.
It matters to you, but it also matters to them.
Drum roll, please… I cordially invite you to watch VIDEO ONE of the 1000 Watt Presence: Free Training Series. No need to sign up, just click on the video and you'll be directed to the classroom. This week I'm sharing a few exercises to help you identify and release the habitual negative thoughts that have been holding you back. And the truth is, we all have them.
Positive thoughts are your fuel for happiness, success and clarity. Your inner scripts are the reason you have stopped yourself from speaking up, taking risks and seizing opportunities. But habits can be changed. Starting now.
The world needs your light. Let it shine,
Alexa
Click here to see the video.
Originally posted 2018-01-09 09:00:18.
by John | Apr 13, 2021 | Class DVDS & Videos, Engage Your Students
This 45 minute free video could make a splash in your next endurance class – especially if you have a large number of women participants. With so much of the sport dominated by men, I found this video featuring professional cyclist Liz Hatch refreshing. Yes guys, that Liz Hatch 🙂
This video is a production of Cyclefilm and they have a number of full length videos, that feature some of the best professional women cyclists in the world.
Liz Hatch – Come Ride with Me includes this awesome track; Recorder 2:09 (83 RPM) from the Gasoline Brothers. It's not on Spotify but you can download it for free here.
Here's a tip for using YouTube in your class without interruptions by the commercials that are inserted. Play the video from this page > click the Full Screen button bottom right corner of the player and enjoy uninterrupted play.
Originally posted 2013-02-26 05:15:05.
by Dr. Shannon | Mar 4, 2021 | Engage Your Students, Learn Leadership Skills
The only attribute better to possess than that of being an encourager, is being an honest one. Honestly, it’s true!
I like to think that most people are honest, but sorry to say, that is simply not the case. Although I still like to believe it. J
In a world full of silicone, pleather, faux, knock-off this and a nip and tuck off that…it’s no wonder that the act of simply being real is considered rare and therefore, valuable. People are hungry for the truth; whether they like to admit it or not. Of course, they won’t admit it, because most people are afraid. That is why they are dishonest. And usually it’s with him or herself more than anyone else. So this is going to be the focus of what I share with you today. But before I do, is it acceptable for me to be completely honest with you about this issue? Is a little tough love O.K.? Can you handle the truth?
If you desire to be the Instructor (Inspirer), as well as PERSON, that your students (and others) cannot wait to see again, then you must look at yourself openly and honestly. I like to think of this as our time (noticed I said, “our”…because we all need this) to be naked and unashamed!
Years ago I started writing a 12-Step Program for healthy people to keep them that way. After unknowingly attending a Narcotic’s Anonymous meeting, I discovered this remarkable thing called “12 Steps”. I was absolutely inspired and on a mission to discover a 12-Step Program that I could also be a part of. Since I was told that I would need to have a drug or alcohol addiction, or have a family member who did, in order to attend N.A. or A.A. meetings regularly.
I searched, but didn’t find anything available. So I began a journey to discover what the 12 steps would look like for someone who desired to “make healthy their habit”. Let’s face it; 12-Step Programs are designed to keep people from falling off the wagon. So what’s available to a healthy individual who gets stressed out, busy, etc. and they find themselves eating horribly and not exercising…”falling off the wagon” of great health?
The good news is, I now KNOW the 12-Steps to do just that. And these steps are tried and true; because they have taken me through some of the deepest valleys of my life, while staying “on the wagon” of great health and WELLTH. I share these steps in my book, Dr. Shannon Knows…The 12 Steps for Wellthy People. Quite simply, it’s how to make healthy your habit.
Through many of my own experiences (some intensely painful) I realized that the first step in being our best is facing our fears. I call it, “Exposing Yourself”. It’s when you truly ask yourself, “What am I afraid of?” and you answer with honesty and courage. From there the process of wonderment takes over as you dare to wonder, “What if?” However, it’s the kind of “What if?” moment that leads you to being your best. Not worrying…just like all the rest.
Imagine what you and your life would be like if you were the best in the world? Perhaps it’s being an Olympic gold medalist, national titleholder or the best instructor, associate, employee or boss. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s being the best YOU that you can be. This is the revelation I had one day as I was imagining what it would be like to be the best in the world at something. I thought, “Hey, how about being the World’s Best ME!” What would that look like?
So what’s standing in your way? Who is standing in your way? What are you afraid of? When was the last time you looked in the mirror and gave honest (and loving) feedback to the person standing in front of you? Or do you see things as you would in a funhouse (usually not so fun) mirror? Are you seeing distortion, blown out of proportion, too fat, too thin, and certainly not a true reflection of the person you really are?
Are you ready (and willing) to see the truth?
Now we are really starting to get to the “not so easy to talk about” stuff. But remember in the beginning when I asked if it was O.K.? I thought I heard everyone say, “YES”! So here it goes…
Are you honest? Come on, this is not the time to candy-coat anything. Perhaps you have been candy-coating so many things in your life that you are gaining weight. Sometimes people (you or your students) gain weight not because of what they (or you) are eating, but what’s eating them (or you)!
Seriously, this is a huge issue and no cycling class is going to change this unless you lead from a place of loving honesty. Both with your students and your self!
People seem to lie about everything! From their weight, to their excuses, to their reasons for this or that, or simply why they are where they are. It’s always everyone else’s fault or is it?
One of my past coaches used to say, “Excuses are like toilets. We all have them and they all stink!” Years ago I realized that if my failures are someone else’s fault, then my successes will be too. In that moment I realized that no one besides me would be responsible for my successes or my failures. When we own our mistakes, we can own our successes.
Are you honest with yourself about you, your life, your passions, and your desires? Do you honor your commitments with others, as well as yourself? Do you keep your word? Do you show up when you say you’re going to show up? Or do you make excuses for your lack of integrity? Are you lovingly honest with your students? Are you worthy of their trust? Are you worthy of YOUR trust?
Remember that a trustworthy messenger brings healing. That’s right, and whether you’re a doctor or an instructor, we are all teachers. Those who come to us are seeking something. You can be the one who delivers it to them, even if you never say a word! They will feel (and heal) better just by being in your presence. Honesty and integrity have an unforgettable presence, because they are qualities that are highly productive and attractive.
As I said before, people (you and your students) are hungry for the truth. Make sure that you honor your words to yourself and your students, think the best and speak the truth.
Live what you believe and reflect the truth that is within you! If you don’t like what you are seeing, then it’s time to take a deep look at your “truths”. What do you believe? How is it working for you? (These are two of the most profound questions you can ask yourself.) YOU CAN DO IT! And remember to be kind and encouraging when you do.
Honest self-awareness and authenticity are the keys to your success (health, happiness, WELLTH) in every area of your life. And they will be the core of what makes (and keeps) you the Instructor (Inspirer) that your students (and you) can’t wait to see again!
Honestly yours,
Dr. Shannon
chiropractor | coach | speaker | author
http://www.drshannonknows.com
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Originally posted 2012-04-15 06:00:52.
