It’s 5:30 a.m. and you can hear the sound of a low but persistent hum in the Spinning room. Listen carefully, and in between the grinding of flywheels you can hear the whispers, “Is she late…… again?”
The window of time before class begins is where most growth occurs. Arrive 30 minutes early and seize the opportunity to:
Test the sound system and ensure microphone battery is fresh
Crank up some background music to warm the crowd
Adjust the air temperature
Tidy up the room
Offer water to new students if they didn’t come prepared (I always keep a case of water bottles on hand)
Distribute guest passes so students can bring friends (make your own if your gym doesn’t offer a free cycling class pass).
Dim the lights to establish an environment free of judgment (if lighting options are available at your facility).
Start class on time!
Critical phase
During this critical pre-class phase, get to know your audience! A savvy instructor will learn students’ athletic interests, musical preferences and occupations. Congratulate the mother of two for completing her first half marathon, throw in a remix by The Doors for your children of the 70’s and buy a latte’ from the guy on bike #12 who owns a coffee shop. Don’t expect riders to support your efforts if you don’t support theirs.
Don’t believe me? Take the challenge! For one month make a conscious effort to improve your time management skills and extend genuine kindness to your students. Watch with delight as new conviction emerges and classes become energized.
What’s next? I’ll teach you how to spice up your class with a trick from the advertising boys on Madison Avenue…..trust me; you won’t want to miss this one!
Leave a comment for Barbara so she knows your were here.
Two Recordings of Me teaching this profile on the Stages SC3 IC Bike
June 14th, 2016 Class Recording.
June 17th,2016 Class Recording
65 minute “Play it and Forget it” harmonically mixed music set that was used for the June 14th,2016 recording. This mix was featured in a previous post. You can check it out by clicking here.
If you have not downloaded the VismoX app yet, what are you waiting for? This app takes these profiles to the next level of understanding power and your body's reaction to it.
Below, Premium Members can follow links to download all the above media, view and download a printable Class Profile that can be used in class, read a detailed description of the Power Based Training Zones and download a printable Power Postcard.
[wlm_private ‘PRO-Platinum|PRO-Monthly|PRO-Gratis|PRO-Seasonal|Platinum-trial|Monthly-trial|PRO-Military|30-Days-of-PRO|90 Day PRO|Stages-Instructor|Schwinn-Instructor|Instructor-Bonus|28 Day Challenge']
With CEU credits being given, and accomplished indoor instructors being challenged, educated and motivated to train with power… I can confidently say we have the real deal. We spent 6 hours off the bike exploring the foundation, science and practical tools of Power Training, and 2 hrs on the bike putting theory into practice. Those that are fortunate enough to have power bikes to go back to, have not merely a few more arrows in their quiver, they have a whole new quiver. The others will have to do the work of change agents, and try to motivate their clubs to action, or find other places to train and/or teach.
With this post, I will begin a weekly posting of the bulk of what I covered in one intense day (as well as embellishments along the way). If you follow along, you’ll get “powerized” over time. As a member of ICI/PRO you will also be permitted to download a host of tools week to week, that I charge for on my Cycling Fusion site. This is part of the ICI/PRO pledge to provide value for your membership. As we move into the Winter months, we will switch to more Heart Zones training, but power will never be far behind.
Let’s start with the basics: What is Power, and Why Should I Care?
What is Power?
In cycling, (indoors or out) it is simply the product or combination of the torque applied to the crank arm, and the RPM or cadence of rotation; think resistance and cadence combined. It is measured in Watts, as the product is indeed energy, and it is manifested as speed — the more power you apply, the faster you will make the bike go. ICI/PRO Members continue reading here.
No more hunting for new music or counting out cues to develop your ride profile. Here is your ready to ride profile for a fully choreographed ride, that can be displayed from your phone, or printed out onto cue cards for your class. This ride is timed out, down to the second, to make your life as easy as possible!
Because we always want to save the best for our ICI/PRO members, here is the full version of my interview with Coach Kenji Freedman.
Kenji wears many hats; USA Elite Level Cycling Coach, Master Trainer at Boston Sports Clubs and Master Cycling Coach with Stage 5 Cycling / Cycling Fusion.
This Podcast is was originally published on February 8, 2009, I have updated it with our new Podcast host information and I am representing it now. I hope you enjoy it, Joey
Why did you become an Indoor Cycling Instructor? Why do you continue to teach?
An interview with the senior Group Fitness Instructor in my family, my wife Amy Macgowan. We discuss our reasons for becoming Indoor Cycle Instructors.
We would love to hear your reasons why you started and continue teaching.
Accountability
Practicality = Like or need to be paid to teach and appreciate the free membership.
Leadership = You are always in charge.
Personal fulfillment
Recognition
Camaraderie
Frustration = "I can teach a better class than so and so."
You love teaching
Some other reason?
Call the listener line and leave a voice mail with your reason. Skype ID john.macgowan1 or phone 952-388-0661
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe using iTunes or Zune.
It’s 5:30 a.m. and you can hear the sound of a low but persistent hum in the Spinning room. Listen carefully, and in between the grinding of flywheels you can hear the whispers, “Is she late…… again?” 
