by Karen Casler | Aug 9, 2017 | Instructor Tech Help, Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Mental Toughness, Your Fitness Business
Congratulations! You have decided to take the leap and open an Indoor Cycling studio…you're not alone.
Dedicated Indoor Cycling studios are growing in popularity and numbers. Owning an Indoor Cycling studio is FUN and like any other new small business adventure, not without obstacles.
Let’s assume that you've done all your research, found the perfect location, pulled permits, hired an architect, created a logo, chosen your bikes, learned new software, stayed true to your vision and spend 3X your budget. You are fully prepared to greet the new generation of Indoor Cyclists armed with state of the art equipment, and a team of instructors eager to show it all off.
Are you really ready?
Do you have what it takes to navigate “old school” customer service firedrills like a clogged toilet with a smile, as well as modern day stereo/microphone issues, also with a smile?
Are you prepared for the technology based firedrills of tomorrow that accompany power measurement, real time leader-boards, data tracking, and wireless internet? Indoor Cycling Technology(ICT) issues are common in a brand new studio. It's not a matter of if they are going to pop up. It's a matter of when.
My name is Karen and I am the self proclaimed spokesperson for Keeping It FUN Indoor Cycling. I'm excited to share my Keeping It FUN approach to ICT firefighting while never losing sight of the customer and of course, always having FUN.
1. View every issue as a challenge … never a problem.
Each issue that crosses your path is nothing more than a “First World Problem,” for which you are grateful. and therefore, not a real problem at all. challenge is an opportunity for you to learn and grow. You have the power, as a studio owner, to turn any negative into a positive by how you choose to fight the fire. You also have the ability to turn a frustrated, perhaps angry customer into a lifetime customer.
2. Never let them see you sweat in a world of sweat…
In the event of a fire, customers are more likely to remember how you handled the situation and how you made them feel rather than the problem itself. View every customer complaint as an opportunity to EARN a rider's business. Upset customers need to be listened to and often become your most loyal clients.
3. In the event of a customer complaint, stick with…
Keeping It FUN's 10 Commandments Of Customer Care…
- Apologize
- Say “Thank You” for bringing up the concern
- Ask the customer to explain the issue in their own words
- Listen to the customer through their eyes
- Empathize…”I completely understand why you feel this way.”
- Acknowledge the concern (big or small) as a legitimate concern
- Explain how the issue will be resolved/handled
- Assume full responsibility for the issue
- Apologize (again) with sincerity
- Thank the customer (again)
4. Recognize that the power may be in the palm of someone else's hand…
Be prepared for ICT issues, software glitches, and unsolved mysteries that you have no control over. Accept the fact that you are at the mercy of someone else's schedule.
5. Document, document, document…
When something breaks…document it every time.
6. Treat your ICT PowerPartners as part of your team…because they are…
It is what it is. ICT issues are likely to require third party involvement. In order to find the quickest resolution, you must be allies with your ICT PowerPartners. Provide the team with as much detailed information as possible regarding your issue. Be prepared to help them troubleshoot and provide them with well documented information. Show them respect and gratitude.
7. Adopt the Keeping it FUN Worry Scale of 1-10
Starting with 10 rate all real or hypothetical issues/problems on a scale of 1-10.
Below is an example:
10. Catastrophic loss of multiple family members
9. Loss of a child
8. Loss of spouse/family member
7. A life altering accident
6. Fill In
5. Your
4. Own
3. Blanks
2. ICT Firedrills
1. Which lululemon Pace Setter skirt will I wear, today?
The Keeping It FUN Worry Scale is fool proof and guaranteed to help you catch any ICT curveball that gets thrown your way!
I had the honor and privilege of working for, training under, and calling friend Mad Dogg Master Instructor_____________. In 2002, she taught me the power of words.
SB, from my heart to yours,
Thank you for sometimes telling me I had to do it your
way and supporting when I wanted to do things my way.
But, most of all, Thank You for teaching me to choose the
Word “resistance” over tension. Because of you, I may
Cue a Steep hill something like this…
“I invite you to let all your tension go.
Tension, weighs us down, holds us back, and makes it harder to breathe.
Resistance, both in life and on this hill makes us stronger. Close your eyes.
Relax your shoulders. Heart center forward and climb. Without changing
cadence, add reistance that makes you push back and fight harder.”
Today, 12 years later and 1500 miles away, her voice is heard in the words I choose when I teach. It’s a powerful lesson that extends beyond Indoor Cycling. The words we choose are more powerful than any ICT malfunction.
There will always be resistance, but you don’t have to have tension. Your customer’s response mirrors your response. If you smile and have FUN going over new studio speed bumps, they will too.
You Got This…
One pedal stroke at a time!!!
Originally posted 2014-09-04 08:45:11.
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 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.
by Christine Hawthorne | Aug 5, 2017 | Instructor Training, KEEPING IT FUN, Music
Here's an fun and educational drill to try with your riders and three killer songs to kick it up a notch! It's important that your riders get a feel for what different rpm's feel like and that they have some time to play with the resistance at each rpm, especially if you are using bikes with no readout. Here's a drill that I use often in my classes: We ride three consecutive songs and each song has a different bpm/rpm. This time, it was 80, 90 and 100. You could also begin with 100 and go down-whatever works for you and your current profile. Each of these are in the saddle efforts, but feel free to give your riders time in between each song to stand and stretch their legs out if they feel like they need it. Here are three songs to get you started with this drill, but any songs that fit the rpm range would do, so change it up when you can!
Raise Hell by Dorothy iTunes Link (80 RPM))
Too Loud by Icon For Hire iTunes link (90 RPM)
Worth It by Fifth Harmony, Kid Ink iTunes link (100 RPM)
by Tom Scotto | Aug 5, 2017 | Master Instructor Blog
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 times as we try to encourage new or beginner riders to regularly return to class while guiding them toward good clothing and equipment choices. The more prominent issue lately is people riding with running shoes. I totally understand their mindset and appreciate their determination. They are starting this new exercise routine, which may incorporate running, weight training and cycling. Without understanding the nature of cycling, it would seem logical to just purchase a pair of running shoes and kill 3 birds with one stone (a terrible expression). As we know, this approach is not ideal when cycling is concerned.
Protect the Feet
As many of us know, the forces applied to the feet during an indoor cycling class can be great. These forces can be created by both resistance and speed alike. Simply put, if someone is wearing a running shoe, which is probably one of the worst options (besides those barefoot running shoes and Vibrams), the sole will flex placing stress on the feet. Under heavy resistance, a shoe with a soft sole will bend over the pedal, straining the intrinsic muscles of the foot plus ligaments, tendons and joints. In a similar fashion, high speeds can encourage riders to dorsiflex (angle their foot and toes upward) in order to stabilize the pedal. This exaggerated (and unnecessary) dorsiflexion can stress the extensors on the top of the foot and lower leg. To protect the feet from injury (and fatigue) from these strenuous forces, cycling shoes were created with stiff soles.
You Don’t Even Need Cleats
It can be very intimidating to learn all there is to know about the different types of cycling shoes, cleats, pedals, etc. Even though to us it appears very simple, to a person new to exercising in general, this can be overwhelming. We toss out terms like “SPD pedals” and “clipless”. Just think how confusing that can be…you “clip” into your “clipless” pedals. I try to put new riders at ease and tell them the most important reason to purchase a cycling shoe is to protect the feet. So I will often encourage the seemingly overwhelmed person to just by the shoes WITHOUT the cleats. I’ll of course educate them on the benefits of having a cycling shoe designed for walking when off the bike and write down “SPD” for them as they venture to the wilds of the local bike shop (where a techy geek with too much knowledge and not enough education may lurk in the darkness). Once they wrap their minds around the shoes and experience the vast difference, we take the next step toward cleats.
Bring on the Power and Performance
The rigidity of the soles on cycling shoes provides a more stable platform for delivering force to the pedals. Remember the foot is a “lever” and both the ankle and attachment to the crank arm (pedal axle) are the fulcrums. If the sole of the shoe is not firm, the power being delivered to the pedals will be affected.
In addition, without proper support or a firm platform, the muscles of the feet can fatigue. This muscle fatigue can lead to burning, pain and/or injury.
SPECIAL NOTE: If your cycling shoes are more than 3 years old, consider getting a new pair. Over time (considering the amount of use), the upper part of the shoe can stretch and the sole of the shoe can develop small, often unseen, cracks in the plastic, or breaks in the fibers (carbon soles). As the shoe loses its rigidity, its ability to support the foot and transfer power to the pedals diminishes.
————————————————
Whether it is spurring on the newcomer or persuading the veteran rider, help them understand the safety and performance benefits of using proper cycling shoes. If all else fails, convince them to at least switch to a tennis or basketball sneaker, which provide far more support than running shoes.
Originally posted 2012-01-26 17:14:35.
by John | Aug 4, 2017 | Class DVDS & Videos, Instructor Training
Last weekend Amy and I were in a Spinning class at a Life Time Fitness in Scottsdale. The instructor's playlist was a series of YouTube videos she played off her iPhone. The class was very cool… and all I could think about was how much my class would love this…
Is this legal?
I've been looking online and I'm reading a number of different opinions that go either way.
What's your take on this?
Originally posted 2011-03-03 19:08:14.
