by Christine Hawthorne | Feb 11, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
I've been using Ed Sheeran's Shape of You quite a bit recently as a fast flat road in my classes (around 99-100 rpm). It's perfect for keeping your riders focused on maintaining those upper range rpm's. I like to challenge my riders to maintain the pace and try adding just a bit more resistance each minute.
Shape of You iTunes link
If you're looking for something a little different, try the Galantis Remix…:
Shape of You Galantis Remix iTunes link
…or even the acoustic version for a cool down/stretch:
Shape of You-Acoustic iTunes link
by John | Feb 8, 2017 | Audio PROfiles
Former Schwinn Master Trainer Julz Arney needs your help and she's offering a nice gift in exchange – her latest class music playlist and profile for Moving Mountains!
Hello John
You are getting this email from me because in the past you so generously donated to this awesome cause, where 100% of the money raised goes directly toward research to cure rare cancers. Did you know that covers everything from ALL pediatric cancers to ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and thousands more?
As a thank you for your donation, I sent you an indoor cycling class design from my Saturday morning Cycle Beats class at Equinox ready to teach in your next workout, or a link to a special playlist on Spotify, or in years past…BOTH. I wanted to let you know that I'm at it again for 2017 and if you are able to donate at least 25.00, the deal is ON!
For fun, and because I already know you are a fantastic person, I've included the Spotify link to the music here. No pressure – it's all love! <3
Should you feel moved to give another 25.00 this year (here's the link), I'll email back the pdf of the 60:00 minute ride called “Moving Mountains” just as soon as I see your donation come through.
I. Appreciate. You. XOXO – Julz
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 27, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
I used this song in my class recently and I got a ton of comments from my riders. It's a great cover and a classic that can be very versatile in your next ride. Heart's cover of Stairway to Heaven is considered by many to be one of the best. ( I really like Rodrigo y Gabriela's cover as well.) Start this one as a seated climb and bring it out of the saddle as the music picks up around 5:45 all the way to the finish. It's a nice long hill and your riders will be motivated to finish big on this one, I promise. ( If you haven't seen the video of Heart performing this one live at the Kennedy Center Honors back in 2012, be sure to check it out here. It's pretty amazing.)
iTunes link
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 20, 2017 | Instructor Training, Music
This week's favorite track is from Indie band Arian 1. I would classify their style as House or Electronic. The song itself has a great beat and a cool kind of vibe that will definitely keep your riders intrigued. The slow down in the middle allows you to change the intensity or transition from seated to standing. With very few lyrics, it allows you to focus on coaching your riders through the climb. Here's how I'm riding to this one:
:00-1:50 standing climb at around 65 rpm
1:50-3:00 seated climb
3:00-4:05 standing climb
Cyro (Club Mix) by Arian 1 iTunes link
by Krista Leopold | Jan 15, 2017 | Big Box Instructor, Engage Your Students
What if you could get inside the minds of your students? It’s common to hear compliments from your regulars about what you are doing well, but what about the students who come once and decide never to return? So far, we have explored the importance of preparation, and welcoming every student. This week, we'll consider the need for tact and professionalism, even when the complaint is valid.
Imagine that you are unpacking your gym bag after class. There is a note sitting on top. It says…
Dear Instructor,
Let me start by saying that I am a workout junkie. I have tried every kind of exercise and class there is: running, yoga, Cross Fit, Personal Training, kickboxing to just name a few. And, you know, of all the types of workouts I've tried, indoor cycling here at this club is my all-time favorite. I love it here. The team is fantastic and I enjoy every instructor and every class. Everyone is unique and provides something a little bit different, so I get a well-rounded routine by coming throughout the week. Not many places can offer that.
But I have to ask you a question — do you like it here? I can tell that you are passionate about teaching and cycling. I appreciate that you put a lot of effort into your classes and I'm impressed that you seem quite knowledgeable about riding. But it seems that you can't stand this place. The things I have heard you say about the other instructors and the management here are really unnerving. Sometimes you complain about little stuff that would probably annoy me too, like the fan or the mic being busted. That's not so awful. But it is awful when you speak badly of the other teachers. In fact, I really do not like it when you go off on my favorite instructor. She has so much energy and excitement! I really look forward to her classes and I think your comments are out of line. I understand what you said about jumps and I agree that she does them kind of fast. But don't you think you'd be better off telling her privately what you think is wrong instead of trashing her to your students? That is so unprofessional! And it makes you look really petty to complain that the other instructors teach stuff you don't like. If you are so educated, why don't you just tell them instead of making us feel like jerks for liking their classes? Why would they even be teaching here if they were as terrible as you say they are? Have you even taken one of their classes to know whether this stuff is as bad as you think?
You really are a good instructor and I would hate to see you lose your support by focusing on the wrong stuff. I hope you'll take this as it was meant – to help you see that no one is going to listen to you as long as you are bad-mouthing others, especially if they happen to like the other instructor better. It doesn't matter how smart you are if you are being self-righteous when you do it.
Sincerely,
Diplomatic Debbie
Have you ever been one of the characters in this scenario? Is it ever okay to speak negatively about your employer or another instructor to your students? If you were the director at this club and learned of this situation, would you have anything to say to the instructor or the student?
by Christine Hawthorne | Jan 13, 2017 | Instructor Training
I'm sharing a few new songs that are on my “new release radar” this week. Let's start with this gem from Tiesto featuring Bright Sparks called On My Way (126 bp).
I'll be using this one as a standing hill.
If you're looking for a flat road, try this new one from Ed Sheeran and ride it at around 97 rpm.
And finally, another fun new song for a flat road is Doing Good from Milky Chance.
Here are the iTunes links:
On My Way by Tiesto featuring Bright Sparks
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
Doing Good by Milky Chance
