Instructor and Zoning Specialist Kay Mamo joins me to discuss her version of a Cycle & Strength class and then provides the profile and music suggestions that you can use to teach you own class of this format.
In case you missed it, I subbed a "Cycle - Sculpt" class a few weeks ago and posted about it here. I also posted it on my Facebook page where Kay quickly commented that she wanted to share her experiences teaching what she calls a "CYCLE & STRENGTH" class with you. So here it is 🙂
I feel that there are some key takeaways you can learn from Kay in her interview - the most important being how her class is very similar to the one I subbed = these are not the typical participants you see in your classes each week. There's something about these (do we call them combo classes?) that make them very appealing to non-cyclists.
Everyone can listen to Kay's profile below > Only ICI/PRO members will see links to download the profile pdf and complete Spotify playlist.
[wlm_ismember]Feel free to treat yourself to a monthly or annual subscription and be ready for 2014.[/wlm_ismember]
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During the interview we mention this Podcast ICI/PRO Podcast 276 — Successfully sell your new class or programming idea to management! that maybe helpful if you're thinking that you'd like to add this type of class to your schedule.
Does your club / studio offer a similar format? If so, how is the attendance and member acceptance?
What do (or would) you do differently?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Originally posted 2013-12-21 14:27:33.
John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Just a few thoughts. . . I’ve taught “Spin/Sculpt” and similar classes, usually 30 minutes each part. It’s a challenging class to teach. I do the “sculpt” part first – warm up for 4-5 minutes – then move into sets/reps or a timed circuit of full body exercises – then into the spin room for intervals on the bike (Tabatas work great).
I’m a personal trainer as well and believe in the proper form and execution of exercises – I don’t know how you can teach the strength/resistance portion in the middle of the cycle class for those who are wearing bike shoes – unsafe and inappropriate is the only way to describe it. I don’t teach “to the beat” of the music as the pace isn’t correct (should be slower for the resistance portion of the exercise). I believe in short and more intense workouts vs. long bouts of cardio and weights. At some point, legs have to be trained in a “non cardio” format and core exercises are essential. Stretching for flexibility must be included.
That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!
Thanks for sharing, Paul! That’s a great format. You’re correct about the challenge of cycling shoes being slippery on studio floors. For me, providing old yoga mats to stand on makes for a safe surface. I agree with you in watching for proper form – and don’t teach to the music beat, either. Offering a 15:00 core and stretching segment after our class is a perfect way to finish 🙂 Do you use a variety of equipment for your strenth? I would love to add TRX, but our cycling studio is isolated at the far end of the gym!
Yikes – just experienced what happens when the Instructor who’s subbing this class decides they don’t want to teach the advertised format – ugly to say the least 🙁
My new Sunday Performance class (7:30 – 8:45) was added ahead of the 9:00 Cycle Sculpt class I subbed a few weeks ago. The sub walks in while I was picking up after my class and announces that they won’t be using weights – which brought a bunch of cross/disappointed faces. One member grabbed me and said something to the effect of; “I could see that you weren’t completely comfortable teaching this class and want you to know that I really appreciated that you did. I look forward to this class as it’s the only one I can get to and I wouldn’t have come knowing it was only a cycle class.”