Master Instructor Blog

The purpose of my last article was to spur you on to start thinking about the approach to your classes at the beginning of the year. Being a coach, my natural tendency is to sway you toward a periodized approach.  I was definitely very happy with the responses from...

Indoor cycling has had a reputation of being a good cardiovascular workout. And that is absolutely true. However, when an aspect of any activity is touted vigorously, the reputation that is created can become definition. Even a recent indoor cycling certification...

In my last article entitle “Make Recovery Work” we looked at how we as instructors can efficiently use recovery time to our advantage.  Two of the main points were to use recovery as a time to provide instruction to prepare our riders for what is ahead and as a way to...

ICI/PRO member question from ICI/PRO Podcast #203 Cycle Strong Audio PROfile What exactly should the "openers" in the warm-up consist of? In Tom's "Getting Started with Intervals" audio profile, he described them as 30 seconds of maximum effort followed by 30 seconds...

Last week I was asked to sub a couple of classes for another instructor and friend.  It was at a club that I used to teach at and where I still knew a number of the members.  I always like teaching at this particular club because the riders throw out some good energy...

By Team ICG® Master Trainer Jim Karanas We’re not wired to seek out pain.  Human evolution developed and adapted a neurological system and sensory perception for reducing pain and seeking pleasure. Easy-to-moderate cardio conditioning is of a manageable...

As I hit the streets after teaching at one of my downtown clubs, I bumped into a friend of mine who appear to have been run over by a car.  She had a large gym bag clawing at her shoulder with cycling shoes peeking out of the end pocket.  The bag apparently weighs...

So I decided to lead my first virtual ride this past week.  In my true style, I didn’t just try it in one of my classes but at all 5 clubs.  I like to just throw myself into things so I can learn and experience while the iron is hot.  For those not familiar...

If you are one of those instructors who loves to bring the experience of riding outdoors to your indoor riders, now is the time to get them excited.  Give them a taste of the Tour de France and introduce them to some of the fun we enjoy during this special time of...

Working off of the buzz of last week’s tirade on Tabata training in indoor cycling, I thought I’d touch on a related cousin that also carries some confusion and thus misuse — High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The main contributor to misuse in...

By Team ICG® Master Trainer Jim Karanas My thanks to everyone for the numerous responses to my post last week on the Commoditization of Indoor Cycling.  As captured by those responses (Chuck’s in particular), differentiation is the strategy necessary for...

We talk a lot about becoming more than just instructors in our indoor cycling classes.  We want to be coaches.  We are coaches!  I’ve spent the last 20 years coaching riders and teams on the road and half that indoors.  Anyone who has taken one of my classes...

Ok, we simply need to mention the word “test” and all kinds of things tighten up. Relax. For week 3 of instructor self improvement month, let’s look at how we are doing mentally and emotionally....”sit back on my couch and close your eyes”.  Before you jump...

Like always, there is no pat answer. It often depends on the instructor’s teaching style, the type of ride and the class’s expectation. Teaching Style I tend to break down the style categories as Coach, Trainer and Instructor. The Coach is on the...

By Team ICG® Master Trainers Joan Kent and Jim Karanas The training adaptations that derive from indoor cycling are well documented and ubiquitous. Still, when we speak with new instructors, they seem to appreciate hearing the information. Also, everyone describes the...

By Team ICG® Trainer Elliott Bringman Growing up cycling and swimming, I never knew that without a flexibility regimen, the muscles would tighten more and more and, cumulatively, end up rigid. Rigidity, in the long run, decreases range of motion, which is detrimental...

We know it is safe to keep both feet attached to the pedals and simply focus on one leg at a time, but is it safe, and should we unclip one foot to perform pedal stroke drills in our indoor cycling classes? To stay on point I’m not going to discuss if and why 1-legged...

I appreciate all of the comments on the previous post which discussed what those kcals were.  Let’s continue with another number often found on our indoor bike computer (and other fitness equipment) - TRIP or Distance Covered. Looking at your total distance number at...

Team ICG® Master Trainer Jim Karanas In order to excel in a sport or activity, it’s necessary to train specifically for that activity. The term “cross-training” refers to a routine that involves different forms of exercise. The idea behind it is to permit recovery of...

In a single indoor cycling class we can have a combination of beginners, cycling enthusiasts, competitive athletes, fit and unfit.  We have those who are just interested in some cardio fitness, some with a focus on weight loss and others desiring cycling-specific...

“Will indoor cycling make my legs big?” I’ve been asked this question a number of times over the years. A few people told me their personal trainers told them that.  Others just made the assumption based on the fact that we are constantly using our legs (not a bad...

My approach to indoor cycling has always been to bring the qualities of cycling outdoors into the indoor cycling studio.  On one hand, there are the general qualities of fitness and condition that everyone enjoys, cyclist or not. However, there are definitely...

It’s like trying to drink from a fire hydrant! During the weeks of September we were focused on improving our instructor and coaching skills.  Articles were posted on how we look, sound and feel as we lead our classes. We were already bubbling with info, thoughts and...

I asked a few indoor cycling instructors how often they take time off from teaching and all I got was ....................... Yup, dead stares and dead silence.  What are you taking about?  You know, like taking a week off from teaching — a little R&R?  Once they...

Whenever I think of recovering faster, I hear my dad in the back of my head telling me to sleep faster when I only had 4 hours until the morning. I by no means want you to start short changing your recovery time nor trying to psychologically speed up the process.  I...