Soon to be “Dr.” Melissa Marotta joins me to discuss the findings of a study she created:
Are There Psychological Effects of Heart Rate Monitor Use During Exercise?
Background
Biofeedback, the process through which individuals learn to direct their physiological responses by being presented with precise, rapid measurements of heart rate, body temperature, and even neural and muscle firing patterns and being taught to link these changes with their thoughts, emotions and behavior, is consistently supported in the medical literature for the treatment of anxiety, depression, migraine, cognitive and attention disorders, sleep disorders, and other conditions. Through biofeedback, people are taught that they can control their physiological states via diaphragmatic breathing and other mechanisms, and learn how to do so through self-correction.
This is the same concept that coaches and trainers use to teach athletes to direct their heart rates during training.
It stands to reason, therefore, that use of a heart rate monitor during exercise may achieve similar results to the heart rate component of biofeedback.
The present study seeks to explore:
1 ) Are there psychological effects of heart rate training — both that relate to exercise, and that apply to non-exercise(specifically relating to self-concept, self-confidence, and coping mechanisms)?
2 ) Are there specific ways that coaches and trainers can incorporate cuing language to reflect the potential psychological benefits of heart rate training?
I feel this information will be be of value to anyone wanting to improve the percentage of Heart Rate monitor usage in their classes.
As simple as it sounds, a simple nametag can help make you more approachable at your club or studio. In this episode Scott Ginsberg (the nametag guy) describes how being more approachable will cause people to more easily engage with you, which in turn can lead to a higher level of commitment that has them returning to your class over and over again!
Isn't that exactly what we all want?
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using
Based on her unbroken string of last place finishes, Sally Edwards is the absolute worst Triathlete in America. But Sally has a good reason for coming in last… it's so no one else has to.
Listen as she describes her involvement in Danskins and Trek Womens Triathlons and she has a challenge for all of our female listeners; grab a girl friend and commit to training and competing in your first Tri.
Sally also has a fantastic opportunity for those of you interested in taking the step to becoming a Heart Zones Triathlon Coach.
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using
Do you have a practiced introduction that you deliver at the beginning of every class? When Amy and I first met Kenji Freedman he impressed us as an Instructor the minute he started his class.
USA Elite Cycling Coach Kenji has all the qualifications necessary to help you improve your craft as a Spinning Indoor Cycling Instructor – Kenji prefers Coach – because that's really want we are 🙂
This is a shortened version of the complete interview I did with Kenji. ICI/PRO members can access Podcast #144 which includes the complete interview where we discuss how he see all of our roles as a Coach, Indoors and Out.
Listen to the Podcast below or subscribe for free using
IDEA contributer & Editor Alexandra Williams MA from funandfit.org has done substantial research on the subject of music licensing and the changes that are occuring in different areas around the world. After reading her very comprehensive article; Music Licensing Mayhem: How will fees affect you? in the latest IDEA Fitness Journal, I invited Alexandra to respond to questions from readers, along with a few of my own in this episode of the Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast.
Here's Tom Scotto with part #1 of YOUR Numbers, his first Audio PROfile as a part of our ICI/PRO team!
Although the ultimate focus of this PROfile is on training with power, those of us without Keiser M3's or the new Schwinn AC cycles will still benefit from Tom's guidance.
PROFILE DESCRIPTION
Experience and “Start” to learn YOUR numbers. The ride provides an opportunity to explore the
affects of cadence, heart rate and power (watts) and learn how to use these “training tools” that
are becoming available on indoor bikes. It will also identify strengths and limitations and the
ability to measure progress.
OBJECTIVE AND INTENSITY
The objective of this profile is to allow riders to get acquainted with some of the more important numbers on their indoor bike computers: Cadence, Heart Rate and Watts (Power). It is essential that we stress that riders should focus on “their” numbers and not the person next to them. They should avoid comparing themselves to others. There are numerous factors that will affect each of these numbers including strength, neuromuscular speed, aerobic fitness, form, fatigue, injuries, and body weight. Have them first learn what their numbers are and become aware of how a different focus or approach will affect these numbers. Then they can use them as a guideline for “their” improvement and development. Riders can experience a wide range of intensities depending on how hard they push during each effort. The drills that utilize leg speed have the greatest potential for increasing the heart rate exponentially. The better and more developed a rider’s pedal mechanics, the least the cadence ranges will affect/raise heart rate.
NOTE: Even though cadence, heart rate and power all affect each other, these drills are designed to only have riders focus on 1 or 2 number at a time so they don’t become overwhelmed. Once riders get accustomed to what the numbers mean, additional complexity can be added for a bigger picture. The format of each drill is also simple for the same reason. Observe more, think less.
This is part #1 – ICI/PRO members will find part 2 tomorrow in the Super Secret Feed as Podcast # 141 as well as the .pdf Audio PROfile download.
