Now that it's summer, I like to transition from serious > to fun classes. Not sure exactly why… maybe because when it's cold and dark in the morning, I tend to think if we can't be outdoors we might as well be training with focus.
Summer, on the other hand, causes me to lighten up and try to be more entertaining and fun. Here's a few tracks that I'll be using in the coming weeks.[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']
Not sure where I found this but I remember I Shazamed it the instant I heard it. There's a nice 30 second finish you might use as a final sprint.
I know I heard T-Shirt Weather when I was at American Eagle Outfitters last week.
I'm going to set the mood for my next class with this fun remix – I can't help smiling listening to it 🙂 Doesn't this sound free and easy? You might also use it as an aerobic transition between a pair of intervals.
Here's the MP3 to download Right Click > Save As.[/wlm_private]
Always in search of the perfect 90 bpm flat road song- I first saw this artist on a not memorable awards show I watched with the kids. Her voice is mesmerizing and she used to be a backup vocalist for a favorite British group of mine- Jamiroquai. This shy Australian vocalist is also a song writer and video producer that prefers not to show her face…(you can do that when you're a star)!
This song is great as a recovery flat or ‘reset' between harder work efforts. It's a great motivating flat that helps everyone petal at 90 rpm's- which the experts tell us is our body's optimal pedal speed.
Enjoy Sia and “Fire Meets Gasoline”
The Spotify link:
Here's the free Soundcloud download which is 96 bpm's:
The new E! series, “Hollywood Cycle,” is a never before seen look inside the uber-popular, highly competitive world of indoor cycling at LA’s Cycle House. The series follows the “ride or die” lives of high profile instructors, along with three up-and-coming trainees, whose strong, driven personalities often clash both in their professional and personal lives. While the instructors struggle to keep their sweaty, dark rooms full, their loyal riders ferociously compete for attention and mixing business with pleasure is always tempting. Viewers will also be introduced to Cycle House management who constantly vie for authority and power. E!’s new hour-long, six episode series, “Hollywood Cycle,” is a raw and real look inside one of today’s hottest, most competitive fitness crazes.
I love a great track that can be tune-mapped with some very clear bursts of energy, that signal GO!!! The image above is the actual sound print of today's free track. I've added the √ at the start of each sprint and an X at the end. You'll notice the segment @ 1:53 – 2:23 not marked – that's a feigned (false) sprint which is common near the end of a race.
Here's how I will cue this:
0:00 – 0:42 time for our big finish. I need everyone to find a comfortable cadence and add load that's close to having you come out of the saddle. Prep for two short sprints and then a final extended push to the end.
0:42 – 1:00 Sprint #1. Stand and accelerate with everything you've got – it's only 18 seconds so stay up and hammer through till the end.
1:00 – 1:23 Easy here. Leave your gear on. Sit and relax as much as you can… listen as the music builds until >
1:24 – 1:41 Sprint #2. Stand and accelerate and then return to the saddle. Power through this… you need to hang on to this group.
1:42 – 1:53 Easy, but watch for a break away.
1:54 – 2:28 Feigned sprint. Stand and WAIT – they only faked their break. But notice how everyone's intensity has risen to just below threshold.
2:29 – 2:45 Catch your breath and be ready for the finish sprint. Get your head right – this finish is long and it's going to hurt before you get to the end.
2:46 – 3:22 GO!! We need quick feet here. Head up. Breath like your race depends on it… it does. Watch your watts or speed. Ignore the pain in your legs and don't let it drop.[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']
Is it possible to create Performance Cycling Classes that are entertaining and compelling, for both endurance athletes and non-cyclists? David McQuillen, with The Sufferfest video series, says you can with entertaining video content – note the emphasis on entertaining 🙂
I've been aware of David's videos for years. Perfect for pounding away in the garage or your basement, but I didn't consider them suitable for group cycling classes. Turns out I may need to adjust my thinking about this… With more than 45 licensed facilities worldwide (they're called Sufferfest Embassies) it sounds like there is a group application for these extremely well produced HD videos.
Listen below as David and I discuss his ideas on expanding your studio's appeal to cyclists through the use of his Sufferfest training videos.
Studio/Club Owners and Managers interested in becoming a licensed Sufferest facility can request a free information package by emailing Kate Patterson Kate@TheSufferfest.com – you'll want to include your studio's name and location.
Please tell Kate you heard this interview on ICI/PRO and she'll send you a pair of these cool Sufferfest Socks, just for saying hello! Limited to responses through June 30th.
This Indoor Cycling training video will help you learn the Elements of Style
Did anyone teach you how to pedal correctly?
I was lucky to have a mentor when I first started riding outdoors. My friend Eddy not only gently coached me on the finer points of cycling style as we rode together, he demonstrated an impeccable pedaling form. He was so smooth and powerful, that I desperately wanted to emulate how Eddy looked on his bicycle. So over hundreds of miles I watched and listened. Now I'll get an occasional comment about how smooth I am on a bike. I owe it all to Eddy!
So how do you learn if you don't have a friend or mentor with the experience and patience needed? Might I suggest this 40 minute video from the folks at Sufferfest: The Elements of Style – Efficiency and Awareness
https://vimeo.com/thesufferfest/elementsofstyle
I have an interview planned with David McQuillen the creator/producer of these excellent quality HD training videos tomorrow. So for show prep, I checked out what was new and downloaded The Elements of Style. NOTE: Sufferfest videos are only digital downloads > they don't offer DVDS.
Includes a nice “Systems Check” for proper riding position.
Learn to ride with style
I rode along and completed all of the drills included in this video today – fantastic. The recommendations are solid – although they just might conflict with what you've been told by others.
New Instructors should consider using this training to fine tune how they ride an Indoor Cycle. Maybe setting up with a mirror so you can see yourself from the side.
I know, as part of your training you were told a bunch of things about proper pedal technique and position… but have you ever practiced improving how you ride? More importantly, how do you look – when you're up there on the Instructor bike? Are you demonstrating a cycling style that your participants will want to copy?
Can you ride? Really ride? Can you Suffer with style? Make profound Suffering look effortless?
Although it has very little Suffering in it, Elements of Style may just be our most important video ever. Developed together with the expert team at CyclingTips and shot on location in Wanaka, New Zealand, this 39 minute video provides the very foundation upon which all your Suffering must rest.
Over the course of six specific drills, you’ll learn and practice:
An exclusive 9-point ‘Systems Check’ you can use on any ride to get into your optimal position.
A 4-step process for standing up on a climb and generating more power.
How to engage your core, including your glutes, for more stability and power.
The components of a smooth pedal stroke and how to bring them together at both low and high cadences.
How to stay relaxed and efficient under pressure.
Narrated by one of the best cycling commentators in the world, Eurosport’s Carlton Kirby, you’ll get clear instructions about exactly what to do, when and why. We guarantee it will change the way you think about your riding style after doing it JUST ONCE. Do it five times and you’ll automatically adjust your position while out on rides. Do it 10 times and Sufferlandrian angels will burst into tears at the sheer epic beauty of you kicking the crap out of your competition all the while making it look effortless.
*** Download includes a FREE PDF from CyclingTips with further style tips. Look in the .zip folder after download. ***
