There's talk of a new YouTube Streaming Music service, similar to what many of us enjoy with Spotify & Deezer for delivering our class music. Imagine a service where you could create a playlist of music videos, add them to your portable device and then make them available for off line use 🙂
The alleged on-demand music service would be geared towards mobile use, and offer a free tier that lets you select songs from a large catalog of tracks, in addition to music videos supported by advertisements. A paid version of the service, which will cost $10 per month, will reportedly remove ads and offer the ability to save music offline on your device.
Word is that YouTube's service will be launched in the first quarter of 2014 – possibly as part of the Google All Access Music service.
I can't wait to see this because I've discovered something…
We've refrained in the past from advocating the use of YouTube music videos here at ICI/PRO in the past. My understanding was that the terms and conditions used by YouTube expressly prohibit playing their videos in a commercial setting.
Now I'm not an attorney, but it appears that this is another misconception from those “They Say” people. I just spent an hour researching this and can't find anywhere where YouTube prohibits the commercial use of their videos.
What is (has always been) prohibited is the playing of copyrighted music (audio only or music video) in a commercial setting = your club or studio, unless you're paying the appropriate fees to the music licensing authority where you're located.
Actually projecting the videos off your iPhone using this new service will of course create some new technical hurdles for many of us Instructors and studio owners. When YouTube's new service gets more real, I have an audio & video technology expert standing by to help us integrate this new video option into our classes.
I just got back from teaching (subbing) my very first Cycle – Sculpt class. Yep, I taught a class that included weights… which we used… while on the bike. And guess what?
No one got hurt and it appeared that many in the class enjoyed our hour together.
Oh, and from the looks of them, they all worked really hard.
UPDATE: This class generated 50 comments at Facebook.
So why did I do this? A lot of reasons actually. Here are a few…
I try to support our team of Instructors, whenever possible.
When I see a sub request, and I'm available, I try as often as possible to say Yes! So when I saw this request, I automatically replied that I would cover the class. I honestly didn't even realize what I was agreeing to teach.
This brings me to last Sunday. I had incorrectly entered the date into my calendar. When I pulled into the parking lot last week I saw another Instructor park right next to me. “Are we both here to teach the same class?” she asked. It quickly became obvious that we were. When I offered for her to go back home, she replied; “You know this is a Cycle-Sculpt class, John?” So I agreed that it would probably be better if she taught the class. And since I was already there, I decided to take it 🙂
Which turned out to be a good thing, once I figured out (yesterday) that I was scheduled to teach it this morning. More on the format to follow.
I try to place the desires of the club's members ahead of my own, whenever possible.
Understanding when and what I was expected to teach. I had a decision to make. Would I teach the class that the participants were expecting / what they choose to get up for this morning? Or would I waltz in with a big chip on my shoulder and declare something to the affect of;
“These classes are nonsense.”
“You're all wasting your time with those weights.”
“We'll be doing a real cycling class today.”
“If you don't like it, tough, you can leave.”
I could have taught my normal cycling specific class very easily. But out of respect for the 30 people in the room, that were expecting a Cycle-Sculpt class, I gave them one.
Side Note: Lots of strange faces in that class.
And I don't mean a few new faces. I counted, and ~20 of the 30 in class were unknown to me. Our's isn't a big club. Amy and I have been members for 20 years and I've taught for the last ten. I've subbed every class multiple times. These people (they were all women) don't appear to frequent any of the conventional cycling classes.
My guess is that the original Instructor for that class had recruited many to join her in (what was then) a brand new class format. Incorporating the familiar strength elements of a sculpt group fitness class, with the cardio of cycling they felt comfortable joining her. And there they've stayed.
IMO – there's been way too much speculation, and not enough observation, about these classes.
I watched a semi-pro cyclist pound out a 5 minute interval @ 350 watts*, a few months ago at Full Psycle Studio. He then scooped up his two 12lb weights for a set of over-head presses, soft pedaling while focusing on his exercise. I talked to him afterward and asked him his thoughts about using weights on the bike. His response was; “I like this. I couldn't do that on my road bike.” As a cyclist, he's not interested in gaining muscle mass – which requires heavy weights/low number of reps – but he did appear to enjoy the opportunity to do more than just sit there and pedal.
That's not supposed to happen – but I saw it with my own eyes. And it's not just me who sees this. Jim Karanas (I just can't bring myself to preface that with “the late”) wrote an interesting article this past summer about the appeal of these types of classes.
What about non-authentic indoor cycling? How about SoulCycle? It hurts; it really does. But if you believe that SoulCycle is going to fade away because it’s not authentic, then I believe you’re misguided. The SoulCycle brand is strong, their marketing is incredibly strong, AND they now have strong financial support after having been purchased by Equinox.
Something else: they’re building one hell of a culture. Friends of mine who have never taken my class come up and say with wide-eyed enthusiasm, “Do you know that SoulCycle is coming to San Francisco?” I ask, “Why would you take a class there when you haven’t yet come to mine?” No response.
I believe that non-authentic indoor cycling will become a significant trend in the Fitness Industry. ICG® is an authentic indoor cycling company. We believe in proper training principles and we all ride bikes, yet we’re not blind.
If non-authentic IC is going to make a mark, why not embrace it for what it is — a way to train on the bike that makes (some) people fit and happy? Assuming it’s validated as safe and effective (ICG has already contacted the American Council on Exercise and proposed a study), then shouldn’t every indoor cycling education body offer a program on how to teach non-authentic indoor cycling? Why shouldn’t any and every indoor cycling program be taught by those who are truly qualified to teach indoor cycling? That would be the likes of us. We know indoor cycling best. We could create a program — inauthentic fluff, if you will — that’s still authentic in its safety, structure and cardiovascular benefit. Why not?
Master Trainer Dunte Hector commented on Jim's article
This post gives me the same impression — someone out there is taking their first step toward better health and better fitness because of “non-authentic” classes; why should my personal philosophy stand in the way of that? Sure, I would love to see every single indoor cycling participant coming to class to be physically prepared to ride better outdoors, but that’s just not the case. Even if they were, no matter the size of my facility or number of people on staff, I couldn't possibly help everyone all at once.
I've observed these classes, I've taken these classes… all I had left was to teach one of these classes.
To save you the suspense, no I didn't do any of the goofy stuff. No push-ups on the bike (although I'm not aware of a more benign movement) or figure 8s or tap-backs. We did do a lot of cadence based jumps – which isn't different than what I'll throw in a typical class.
After the class last Sunday, the Instructor helped me prepare for my class. It's actually very simple; 5 minutes riding, followed by 5 minutes of strength. Here's my Spotify playlist. Cycle Sculpt Class
Warm-up 9:30min
Heart Upon My Sleeve Pitbull — Feel This Moment – 30 second accelerations with Christina from tempo (68 rpm) to 90 rpm
Floor work 5:00 mins
Crypton — 2 x Floor pushups (hands using weights = straight wrists) and planks until the Instructor was fatigued 🙁
Ride set 5 mins
Kill Me Every Time — 63 rpm, build load until it brings you out of the saddle 3 minutes, seated until end.
Back set 5 mins
Thievery Corporation — pedals horizontal and locked with load. Standing back rows, alternating sides, then reverse flys with a two count at full extension, alternating sides.
Ride set 5 mins
Living Colour— Cult Of Personality – Speed work. 92 rpm near AT, then surges over 100 rpm.
Bies / Tries & Shoulders set 5 mins
Euphoria 5 Mins – compound movement: curl > rotate to shoulder press > squeeze triceps a full extension, alternate arms
Ride set 5 minutes
Tegan And Sara — Back In Your Head – Tiesto Remix Edit – cadence jumps at 68 rpm with lots of load.
Band set 5 mins
Denmark – short band around your back. Duel and alternating arm triceps presses.
Final Ride set 10 minutes
Sunday On Weed — You Can't Hide (Cet Merlin Mix) – Cet Merlin Mix 5 min climb seated Muse — Supremacy – continue climb > chase back on accelerations @ 2:00 & 3:48 – recovery in between. Listen to it and you'll hear exactly what to do.
Now is this something I would introduce into my class?
No. My class expects my very cycling specific class.
My interest here was seeing if it would be possible for me to teach this class safely and with the participants accepting my version as a reasonable substitute for their normal Instructor.
While Reebok doesn't make cycling shoes or apparel, they do make some fabulous workout wear. So when I saw this new fitness instructor 25% discount program, I knew I needed to share it with you.
ReebokONE gives credentialed fitness instructors 25% off everything in their catalog – there are no restrictions like their old program that limited you to a clothing for your gender and shoes only in your size.
I was having a conversation last week at the ECA conference, with a women who was looking through a rack of fitness clothing. I had asked her why the clothing vendors appeared to be so popular. She gave me the “Duh” look and explained that she was constantly on the lookout for the newest styles. Fitness conferences are often the place to see the latest offerings. As a somewhat typical guy, I'm not overly concerned about what I wear, but I am quite aware that some people's sense of style is much greater than mine = a strong desire to be wearing what's new and cool.
I signed up to experience the process. It's pretty straight forward, although you do need to attach a scanned image of your certification. They offer you the option to create an Instructor profile and they offer a referral commission program that you can promote to your friends and participants.
Annual ICI/PRO member Instructors: don't forget you get access to our special arrangement with Pearl iZumi where you receive a 40% discount off everything shop.pearlizumi.com/icipro/
Bring your Garmin or other Ant+ compatible HR strap
Updated 10/30 below
Short notice… it's tomorrow night.
Here's the email invitation I received:
EDGE Cycle kick-off with Bahram Akradi & quests
This will be the 1st class offering in Minnesota of our “new”EDGE CYCLE signature Indoor cycle format!
Expect to have an experience that includes results, heart rate and community all with the future technology of LT Connect
Class time: 5:30-6:30pm
First come, first serve.
We kindly ask to arrive by 5:00pm for individualized LT Connect set up. Everyone who wants to experience this must have a heart rate strap (Garmin or Motorola).
Music will be provided by DJ Dan; guest instructors to get you pumped and a party at Rare to follow the hard yet fun work! J
We look forward to seeing you there~
What's being launched is the new EDGE Cycle class format that integrates with LT Connect – Life Time's branded heart rate display system. Similar to MYZONE or Polar's system, but no power like Performance IQ 🙁
Fun none the less as both Amy and I teach in the same room!
I'm planning to attend and will relay the details when I know more.
Update post class:
I took the class last night. If you teach at a Life Time, you might be excited if/when this gets to your club.
First stop when I got to the studio, was to check in and get my Garmin HR strap connected to the system. They had a desk setup and the person manning it asked for my name and if (and how) I knew my personal HR Zones. “What's your top of Zone one” was his next question – I couldn't answer, but I explained that I have been tested multiple times and my AT (VT2) was 162. My and base of Zone 3 (VT1) is… but before I could say 146, he had hit the button that auto-populates all the other fields and showed 145, close enough for me.
Next I was handed a little black box, a little bigger than an iPhone, that I pointed at my HR strap. This identified my unique Ant+ signal which connected me to my profile. And there I was “John” up on the screen with the others.
Suggestion: this isn't the time to puff your chest out and give the highest possible threshold you can imagine, with the intent of impressing others in the class. The accountability that comes from having your name up on the screen becomes very real, so I suggest being a bit conservative. So when the 3 minute effort is supposed to have you at the top of Zone 4 (and you're sitting one over from your Dept Head) with the last minute pushing into Zone 5, you don't find yourself wishing you have said 160. Pushing hard enough to add that one BPM that causes your gauge to go RED, is every challenging. Especially while you're convinced everyone in the room is watching to see if you can do it.
More when I have a chance to teach with LT Connect.
Instructor Dennis Mellon presents his A little Bit of Everything profile as our 60th Audio Class PROfile! What has me most excited is Dennis has included a Harmonically Mixed playlist he created with Mixed In Key software on his Mac.
Dennis exemplifies exactly what I refer to when I say; “we provide a platform for smart, talented Instructors here at ICI/PRO!” It brings me huge pleasure to discover and then promote Instructors to our members around the world + produce their class profiles for your enjoyment.
We're convinced these profiles, from a real diversity of contributors, with help you grow as an Instructor and then keep your class filed with energetic and excited riders!
This new Audio Class PROfile will make an awesome addition to your rotation of class profiles.
Ride Profile: “A Little Bit of Everything”.
This is my “Go To” profile. This workout, like the title says, is a little bit of everything. Riders will work on all energy systems and all types of riding. At some point in this workout every rider will work on both their strengths and weaknesses. The ride will start with a warm-up followed by a Threshold Check. The first set will be a longer “around threshold” ride. In the second set riders will perform three, 2-3 minute, “above threshold” intervals. The Third Set is a sustained “Race” effort. The workout will conclude with three 1 minute max efforts.
You'll need this track – Proper Education to complete your playlist. Right Click > Save As and then open in iTunes. It should show in your Spotify / Local Files library and you can add it before syncing to your phone.
Listen to Dennis' presentation below.
Want to learn more about Dennis Mellon? Check out his website.
If you're anything like me, good ideas are easy to come by – especially when it comes to “ideas” about how to improve my class, changes (desperately) needed at our studio and new formats / programming we should be introducing as new classes.
But unfortunately many of those fabulous ideas of mine are never realized… and it's typically my fault.
Why?
Because I hadn't invested the effort to really think through everything and then formally present my “idea” as an actual “plan” to management. In the past I've figured that my “idea” was so good, that I could just throw it at my Dept Head and she'd run with it. Doesn't work that way.
The person you report to (Manager/Dept Head/Owner) also has a boss, or at the very least a partner. They need to be well armed with the details of your plan, before they will even consider discussing your “idea” with upper management.
ICI/PRO member and Zoning Specialist Kay Mamo successfully worked through this process and was rewarded with her very-own new class on the schedule. Kay and I discuss the steps she took in this episode of the Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast.
Kay has provided a template you can use to bring detail to your idea. You can download it here.NOTE: Kay's plan is specific to the introduction of a Boot Camp that include a Zoning 30 minute cardio session. Feel free to change it up to reflect your dream class 🙂
I just got back from teaching (subbing) my very first Cycle – Sculpt class. Yep, I taught a class that included weights… which we used… while on the bike. And guess what?
