40 Comments

1. 

   Jody Dougherty on September 10, 2009 at 5:43 pm

   John and Jenifer,

   Congratulations…I think $120 is a fair price for all that you offer and have offered in the past….

   I wish you the best on this venture…and look forward to this coming year of indoor cycling and your support!!!

   Best,

   Jody Dougherty

2. 

   Spook on September 10, 2009 at 7:22 pm

   This has to be very exciting and a little scary. John you still got your day job?

3. 

   Renee on September 10, 2009 at 8:49 pm

   I know both of you provide great, even outstanding, valuable informaion. I think though, that the price is a bit steep, especially in today’s environment and who the target market is; i.e. prople who instruct for the love of it and certainly not the profit (there is none as you probably realize). I agree that there should be a charge but I believe that a more reasonable fee would attract more subcribers. For example, take a look at croosfit.com and see what you get for $25 a year.
   There are no credits associated with your fee which makes it even harder to justify for already tight budgets. ….please do not take offense…just my 2 cents.

4. 

   Bruce on September 10, 2009 at 10:18 pm

   Way to go John! Happy to see this next step!

5. 

   Carole on September 11, 2009 at 10:01 am

   I have learned quite a bit from the both of you and enjoy the pod cast but I too feel the fee is high. All who subscribe to your web site have a great passion for cycling but not all can afford such a high fee. If the subscriptions could be linked to continued education credits, it then may be more justifiable in these hard times.
   I do wish you the best in your endeavors.

6. 

   George on September 11, 2009 at 10:59 am

   I understand the move to subscription service and believe all of your hard work and passion should be rewarded, but the price point is a bit high in my opinion. I am very passionate about indoor cycling and applaud those who share my love; I wish you the best of luck in the venture.

7. 

   Sophie on September 11, 2009 at 11:29 am

   I have really grown as an instructor with Jennifer’s blog and would love to continue to do so. $120 US per year is hard to do. It would be more justifiable if it were linked to CECs. Can you find a way?

8. 

   LS on September 11, 2009 at 6:24 pm

   I will not be able to continue at this price. While I feel as though this would help my growth, I can not continue to pay for other websites such as PT on the Net (I am a trainer), my Spinning Certification each year, conferences, other required certifications, and other websites. Oh and not to mention music! Where is the money for food, clothing, and shelter? Thanks for asking.

9. 

   Manny on September 11, 2009 at 8:58 pm

   Congratulations!…wishing you all the best. $120 is a bit high given the other expenses associated with being a certified instructor – anyway, best of luck…Manny

10. 

    John on September 12, 2009 at 7:56 am

    Thanks, based on your comments we decided to offer a discounted Platinum Membership and Jennifer offered to throw in a free copy of her eBook – Keep It Real – which many call the bible of Indoor Cycling and has sold very well at $20.
    Only until September 20th. Claim your membership here https://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/pro/

11. 

    Rissa on September 12, 2009 at 8:11 am

    Thanks, that helps but one small question…and I hate to ask…but…what if we already have her eBook – Keep it Real:)

12. 

    Spinner on September 12, 2009 at 9:15 am

    Why would I pay for something I can basically get on the forums? Advice, guidance, music, profiles, it’s all on P-O, IC, and spinning.com.

13. 

    John on September 12, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Good point Rissa, send me an email an I will work something out for you. john@indoorcycleinstructor.com

    Spinner it sounds like you have hours to wade through the forums looking for information, so obviously ICI/PRO isn’t for you.

    We created ICI/PRO because we wanted a place where Professional Instructors could have reliable & timely information delivered directly to them.
    A typical ICI/PRO member is someone who values his or her time and isn’t interested in wasting it searching for something that may or may not be available on a forum. Two of our most recent posts are about the importance of time management and the value it has to both you and your class.

14. 

    Terry on September 12, 2009 at 11:54 am

    While Jennifer offers great teaching information, this does not give me any CEC’s. To pay this kind of money, (BTW, Nice home, Jennifer) when I still have to buy music, (you’re profiles are great but the music only appeals to those who don’t want to shoot themselves when they hear electronic music.=D That would include most people who don’t go clubbing. Is this for the love of it all? Hmmmm, at this price I wonder.

15. 

    Mark Tickner on September 12, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    Hi John and Jennifer
    My stance is different to the above… I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for those IC instructors seeking to have a ‘one stop shop’ so to speak for everything related to IC.
    The podcast is awesome… the information you provide is excellent and cutting edge.
    Your passion for cycling and coaching is 2nd to none!

    $120 a year for all this great content… that’s $10 a month!!!!! That’s the equivalent maybe of 2-3 cups of takeaway coffee… 3-5 cans of soda… 1 takeaway meal etc… big deal!

    So what if this resource doesn’t give you CEC’s or points or whatever for your licenses etc… it’s a resource that does all the hard donkey work for you so you save time scribbling classes down, trawling for hours through music, writing notes, ideas etc… and saving many hours of your valuable time!
    I am sure your spare time is more valuable to you, your partner and family?

    Great job you guys… here’s to the future!

16. 

    Richard on September 12, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    John I really enjoy listening to your Podcast and I have enjoyed Jennifers Blog and her e-book. I have borrowed several ideas from both of you. I think I can afford the price but I have agree with LS it seems I am constantly renewing one cert after another, music cost, and now another $10. Some of us will have to draw the line. Also I don’t think it will address my continual problem of finding/buying good music. Is it possible ICI/Pro will be able to address a sharing solution for music, skydrives ect?

17. 

    Renegadecash on September 12, 2009 at 6:26 pm

    only having just found out about the podcast last week and now working through the backlog 120 is a reasonable price to support these guys who have given so much information for free in the past im in

18. 

    Charles on September 13, 2009 at 8:34 am

    Congratulations you guys. I want to say thanks Jen for all of the “FREE” information you’ve provided to this point on your blog and through emails etc. I knew it was just a matter of time before you had to charge for your services or simply have to quit. Thanks!

    There are many of us out here that have greatly benefited from the info you have provided and consider it a pleasure to give back to your new business. I look forward to the new stuff you have to offer.

19. 

    Spinner on September 13, 2009 at 9:52 am

    John you are quite correct. IC/PRO ain’t for me. Nope. Nada. Good luck!

20. 

    Amy Jo on September 13, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    Hey everyone,

    Amy here, John’s wife. Just reading through the comments and had to post. I have been in the group fitness field for 20, yes 20, years, so I know we are not in it for the money, but because we are passionate about fitness and cycling! We constantly look for good information, music, CEC’s and ways to keep things fresh. Obtaining all this information certainly is time consuming.

    I have watched in awe as John has made amazing information available to all of us at a click of a button and made it look so easy. Uhm….I need to tell you what he would never tell you and I hope he will leave this post up. He has spent countless hours preparing Podcasts, informative posts, blogs, forums and upcoming info for ICI/PRO. Quality information doesn’t just magically appear on our computers. I do not live with Jennifer, but I know that writing like her’s takes a lot of time and effort as well. For those that think the cost is too high, I need to tell you that there comes a time when the cost to offer it for free becomes too high.

21. 

    Renee on September 13, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    I know this stuff takes time – a lot of it. But, I still think you guys should reconsider you fee. You will definitly attarct a lot more people if you lower your subscription fee or get some CEC’s associated with the charge.

22. 

    AnnaE on September 13, 2009 at 7:26 pm

    Congratulations! What a brilliant idea. I have already signed up. I have to admit that I’m not much of a Podcast fan (takes too much time), I don’t think I could live without Jennifer’s wise words.

    For me $100 is nothing compared to the expenses usually attached to going to one of the big conferences. Plus this is year around, 24/7, just when I need it.

    I taught a Masters Class for instructors at a city facility today, and I told them all about this new service. Of course they were sad to hear that Jennifer is no longer with MDA, but they were happy to hear that she has a new home.

    Best of luck!

23. 

    Holly on September 13, 2009 at 8:45 pm

    We all have to make a living. I am not going to subscribe because am teaching a different crowd than what seems to be presented on this web site. I teach Older clients whom are spining for health and rehab issues. What better way then on a bike. No weather issues or fancy gear. Guys no one is getting younger you only have to look at the National Health Care issues at hand for that answer. The classes I teach are very complex in nature. I research and ask a load of question. Your site was very informative. Hope your venture serves you well and takes you were you want to go.

    It’s how you deal with the challenge’s in life that make you grow. Not letting them defeat you. I know I’ve grown with the info you’ve given out. Thanks and take care.

    Holly

24. 

    Christy in California on September 14, 2009 at 12:31 am

    Dear Jennifer,
    First, congratulations on your new business. I have been reading your blog for about six months. I found your website after I became certified in February. I began teaching with Spinning and now my gym has switched to Saris. These bikes have the watt/power feature.
    Do you think you are going to have ride profiles for bikes with the power/watt feature, or is it just an article. Also, I love your profiles however I spend hours researching new music on iTunes. I guess I have spoiled my students and they expect a mixture of new, older, and different styles.
    So, are your profiles also going to include newer music and a mixture of Genres?
    Lastly, I also bought your ebook and it was very helpful! I loved reading your blog and it was great to get information that I could trust. I’ll probably subscribe for a month and if I can use the information for my rides then I’ll consider reordering for the year.

25. 

    John on September 14, 2009 at 5:10 am

    Yes Christy,
    Our resident Power Guru Gino Nacey will be offering ICI/PRO members profiles for teaching with power and we will also have Audio PROfiles on Power based classes.
    Purchasers of Keep It Real, Jennifer’s eBook should expect to see an email with a special loyalty discount early this week.

    And yes, there is a good chance you will see some interesting music stuff in the near future.
    John

26. 

    Joe D in MN on September 14, 2009 at 9:28 am

    John – Just want to wish you and Jennifer the best of luck with ICI/Pro. I think this is obviously the next logical step in the forward development of your podcast and I certainly see how a pay for service with many contributors model will allow you to deliver better top notch content, information and podcasts. I do have to be honest and say that my first reaction was that the cost per month is a little higher than what I expected but I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you will deliver the expanded and requested content you intend, so I will definitely be signing up. I know you invested a lot of your personal time and delivered to us invaluable interviews, information and ideas over the past year that gave me confidence that I was doing the right thing in the IC classes that I instruct. I’m sure I’ve listened to most of your podcasts at least twice when I needed that little “spark” to keep my classes fresh. I look forward to your ICI/Pro team’s future tips and podcasts.

27. 

    Beth Ann Rautio on September 14, 2009 at 10:25 am

    Salutations! I have enjoyed all the information and training tips that you have given us Jennifer! I already have the book and it is my primary reference guide.

    With respect to the price entry point–it is high…PT on the Net is only $95 per year and offers CEC’s, etc…

    I am in the business to make “a little” money as you should be as well, and think that you would do better with a price point of $60-75 per year (quantity of subscribers would increase enough to offset the decrease in the subscription price.)

    As soon as I can get to that “break-even” point in my personal cost analysis, I will be a loyal subscriber.

    Respectfully,
    BAR

28. 

    Diana on September 15, 2009 at 7:08 am

    John and Jen,
    I love the concept of ICI/PRO and feel this a great source that contains vital info for instructors to better themselves and their classes. I will definitely subscribe, just can’t swing the annual fee right now. If the time period for signing up were extended for say 30-60 days. Would you consider offering a 6 month membership? As most have stated, and I concur, the price in this economy is an issue. This is especially true since your announcement was only in the last 2 weeks. My money for this month is budgeted and I would need time to plan for this added expense. You have a great format and I truly enjoy the topics you discuss. I also realize you need to earn something other than ‘Thanks!’ I wish you the best and Good Luck!

29. 

    John on September 15, 2009 at 7:18 am

    Thanks for your comments. Addressing the comparison with PT on the Net;
    First – I’m flattered at the comparison and hope to grow ICI/PRO to something similar.

    Second – I could find -ZERO- content specific to teaching an Indoor Cycling class there. It’s designed for Personal Trainers. ICI/PRO is for Indoor Cycling Instructors like you.

    Yes, I agree that offering continuing ed credits would add additional value. We are working at being able to offer some in the future.

30. 

    Jennifer on September 15, 2009 at 8:05 pm

    Thank you all for your feedback, it is very helpful to us and we are grateful for this discussion. One thing I do know about ICI/PRO is that no one else in this industry, ANYWHERE, will offer what we will be offering. No one! Not Spinning, not Schwinn, not any existing blogs or podcasts or forums out there. It will truly be unique, with solid effective information.

    I was reflecting today on all the CED classes and conference sessions I’ve taught over the past 12 years. Too many to think about! A 4-hour workshop cost $105. Yes, you get CECs but it’s one subject, one short couple of hours, and then it’s over. I’m not minimizing the value of it, I know from the years of feedback I’ve received that instructors have left these sessions invigorated and inspired to use what they’ve learned to improve their teaching.

    But think about it! Imagine what I can do with my 12 years of experience teaching instructors to be the best they can be! It’s this knowledge and experience that I intend to bring to you, our subscribers! Many of you already know what I can provide in terms of content – coaching, cueing, physiology and training information (and in lay terms so people without an exercise physiology degree can understand it), mind-body, motivation, practical information, etc. And real useable, workable, effective and fun profiles. I promise many more of those. As audio profiles, it will almost be like I’m there telling you what to say right before you teach!

    As John says, we are contemplating the world of CECs and how we might be able to implement that at some point.

    Now, regarding music…
    Over the past 12 years of presenting at conferences, I have found that many instructors love my music. I try to use the emotion and feeling that music evokes – kind of like the person putting music to a movie soundtrack might do. BUT I am aware that not everyone can use, or even likes, the same music as I do. And that’s OK. It is so true, isn’t it – music is such a personal thing! Over the past two years I’ve actually been branching out to implement more mainstream songs in my profiles, both for my own students and for the instructors who look to me for ideas. I am currently working on expanding my own music library to include more mainstream offerings and will make that commitment to you. I have several ideas up my sleeve for music playlists for future profiles, such as offering more than one playlist for certain profiles. If you have any suggestions for the kind of music your own students like to hear, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    …but, I draw the line at Rap!! :p

    Our program is all about helping YOU become a better instructor and to increase your confidence and knowledge. Your feedback and suggestions will help us do so!

    Again, many thanks for your input, and I look forward to inspiring you to reach your greatest heights as an instructor. Come with us for the ride!

    Jennifer

31. 

    Annie Farley on September 16, 2009 at 7:58 pm

    Just signed up for the year… I am really excited, as I have been following you both, on John’s site, as well as some of the other forums online. I have been coaching for a few years,and could use an infusion of new ideas..and info! I agree that the price is a bit steep..although I did appreciate the discounted membership and the offer of Jennifer’s book until the 20th.
    I am looking forward to a great year..I know you’ll provide a great resource for our industry, and I look forward to being a part of your new adventure !! 🙂

    Annie

32. 

    Kristin on September 28, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    Jennifer, I just want to thank you for all of the free information you have put out there in the past and because of you I am a much better instructor than I was before I discovered your site. I’ve learned so much from you and you’ve saved me so much time by providing me with your profiles and music. Since I started using your classes I’ve gotten a lot more compliments (of course, I always give you the credit ; ) I am definitely going to subscribe ICI/PRO and I am looking forward to the new format.

33. 

    Jennifer Sage on September 29, 2009 at 9:59 pm

    Kristin, thank you so much for your kind words! It makes me feel great to know that I’ve had an impact on someone. You will not regret your decision, because if you thought all that free stuff I gave away for years was good…wait until you see what we have in store over the next year! You’ll get even more compliments…and YOU can take the credit, because it’s you delivering it, and that’s what counts more than anything. We will just give you the ideas!
    Hope to be able to ride with you someday.
    Jennifer

34. 

    Colorado Carrie on October 16, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Jennifer & John: I’ve been so impressed by what you have both shared with us. I’ve I’ve learned a great deal in the few weeks since I stumbled upon your podcasts, blogs, etc. and want more! I WANT to join the full-meal deal subscription, but the $120 in full IS had for many of us to swing on our meager wages. I KNOW what you are offering is a great deal, because I know how much time and energy I spend just building one single routine w/playlist for my students, which is nothing compared to all you could add! Perhaps you could consider some way for us to split the $120 in half? Maybe two payments of $65 to help offset the cost of processing 2 payments? I know it would be easier for my pocketbook to digest.
    Keep it coming – you offer great stuff!

    As for CEU’s: They’d be great if ever that is possible … but unless they come with quantifiable testing, they don’t really help me in the long run anyway. What you do offer is a way to be a better (maybe even great!) instructor … and that means a lot.

    Thanks!

35. 

    Tara Hogan on October 18, 2009 at 8:24 am

    I just signed up and am excited to learn at the feet of the cycling masters! I listened to last week’s (free) podcast on jumps & immediately was able to incorporate new ideas into my classes that week. That sold me on the idea that you two are on to something valuable.
    I consider $120 to be a very reasonable investment in my professional development. (consider dividing that amount by the number of classes you teach each year!)
    We don’t think twice about shelling out for the costs of cycling shoes, shorts, music, HRM, etc. However, we are fundamentally offering our students our expertise, our coaching, and our knowledge. I know that, personally, I can’t assume I’m going to continue to improve my coaching just by doing the same things I’ve been doing the last three years of being an instructor.
    As in any profession, skills development costs time and effort and money. I’m happy to give to allow Jennifer & John to help me grow professionally.

36. 

    Marianne on October 25, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Jennifer and John,

    I am a new cycle instructor for 24 hr Fitness in Northern California. I am a ‘SUB’ at 5 of their clubs. I’ve listened to a few of the podcasts and find them helpful. My BIG thing is the music. I usually have the ride planned out in my mind, than go to i-tunes (where i have spent a slight fortune) and take it from there. I have found the classes I teach like a mixture of POP, ROCK ( not heavy) or older rock (steppenwolf, BTO, etc) NO rap for me or country… So I would like to see you add “top 40” pop, rock in your profiles if I was to invest in becoming a member. My classes are average size of 16-27 members and range in age from 21-50. Also my husband told me of a site called AUDACITY, where you can download it for free at downloads.com. it sounds similar to mixmeister and he says its easy to use. Are you familiar with that site?

    In good health,
    Marianne

37. 

    John on October 26, 2009 at 11:42 am

    Thanks Marianne,
    Yes I’m very familiar with Audacity. I use it all the time to edit my podcasts and I suppose you could use it to make a playlist, but I have better things to do. I look at it as: what value you put on your time?
    Audacity is free, but you would spend hours trying to create what MixMeister Express does automatically and no matter how much time you spend it will never sound as good.
    MixMeister software is $50.00 and ICI/PRO get free tuition to the Academy. Students learn in about an hour what could take you days to learn.

    Instructors see ICI/PRO in the same light. If you have all day to search the forums for a profile or a playlist you like then you wouldn’t be interested in being a member.

38. 

    maddy-bb on January 11, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Seriously ! I am shocked people think $10 a month is high for this value of content. Fantastic educational and informative content on podcasts and screen – you are worth your weight in gold! The real dedication and passion you have shows and please don’t be discouraged by comments that imply this content “is already out there” … I say stand by your charges folks you’re worth every penny … and by the way I have gathered many thousands of fantastic cds for indoor cycling from charity secondhand stores and ebay sales for so little money … get creative with your shopping kids!

39. 

    James Leath on July 29, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I am so glad to have found this community. I am a beginner instructor teaching at a small studio in San Luis Obispo, CA. I look forward to learning how to be the best.

40. 

    John on July 29, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Fun to have you riding with us James!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.