You know the type; this is the rider who after EVERY class quietly, almost stealthfully, navigates their way to the instructor bike and starts every class critique by saying “That was a great class!”, then pauses for a few seconds and says “But” or “Have you ever considered” or “You should try…” or “why did you…?”.
The first few times this happens you're happy to engage, but as you realize this is going to be an EVERY class occurrence, you start to despise this person. I'm all for constructive criticism and suggestions, but it becomes exhausting having to defend or explain your training philosophy, music choices and cueing to the same person after EVERY class.
Some would say that I shouldn't be so sensitive, that I should embrace the fact that the critiquer wants to discuss my craft with me. I would most often agree, especially if the critiquer approached me after every 3rd or 4th class but when it happens EVERY class I start to feel like it's more passive-aggressive than constructive criticism. Quite frankly it becomes more like nagging than anything else.
Eventually, you realize the critiquer's critiques are only self-serving rants in an attempt to turn your class into a personal indoor cycling training session for them without any concern for the 40 or 50 other riders who may be loving what you are doing. As you wise up to the critiquer's narcissistic tactics, you should try to keep your “end-of-class evaluations” as short as possible. Sometimes they get the hint and back off, but in my experience, they realize they are losing control over you and turn into the tattle-tale. Now you need to be prepared for that dreaded conversation with your supervisor. 99.9% or your class participants probably think you're awesome, but this self-serving, narcissistic, tattle-tailing critiquer is about to make your life miserable.
I would suggest being honest with your supervisor. Most likely management has had to deal with this person in the past and will back you up in this uncomfortable situation. In the unfortunate situation that management is not supportive, you have a hard decision to make. If you are regularly filling your classes and receiving positive feedback from your class participants, I would not change anything about your class. Indoor Cycling is a group activity, and you need to do what is best for the group NOT THE INDIVIDUAL. If management feels the need to kowtow to the wants and needs of every self-serving facility user it may be time to look for another place to teach.
I apologize for the negative tone of this post. It's not always hugs and kisses when you're on the instructor bike. Once in a while, you need to deal with challenging situations and “crazy” people. It takes years of experience to be confident enough in your product to stand up to unwarranted critiques of riders and possibly management. After nearly 25 years on the instructor bike the criticism still stings, EVERYTIME! But now, I listen and “take in” the feedback. If any negative comments are warranted, I'll make the appropriate changes and move on as a better instructor. But when I identify someone as a self-serving, narcissistic, tattle-tailing, critiquer. And when this life sucking vampire approaches me with their 5th “suggestion” of the week, I just smile and say “thank you” as I make my way out the door to my next appointment.
Then, when I get to my car I cue up, crank up and scream along to Eminem's The Way I Am and get on with life.
Below, Premium Members can follow links to download all the above media, view and download a printable Class Profile that can be used in class, read a detailed description of the Power Based Training Zones and download a printable Power Postcard.
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I grew up in a small town about 50 miles north of New York city on the banks of the Hudson River named Highland Falls. One of the unique aspects of my hometown, besides the unparalleled beauty of the Hudson Valley, is the fact that it borders the United States Military Academy at West Point.
For as long as I can remember I have admired and respected those who have committed their lives to the service of our amazing country. My father is a Vietnam veteran and due to the proximity of my hometown to West Point, many of my teachers and coaches were active or retired military. The children of the families stationed at the academy went to my high school, James I. O'Neill. I believe that O'Neill has more graduates go to West Point than any other, non-military, high school in the country. I have also had classmates make the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation during recent wars in the middle east.
I have been lucky enough to be taught, coached, mentored by and friends with some of the finest leaders in our country. I respect their commitment and appreciate their sacrifices to keep my family safe and free.
Every Memorial and Veteran's Day I do my best to honor them with themed indoor cycling class. Below is a recording of the class I taught in honor of the military this past Friday as well as many of the videos I used.
This video gives me goosebumps every time I watch it!
Premium Members can download this Video for free by following the links below:
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Ever since the loss of my mother, nearly 30 years ago to lung cancer, I have raged my own personal war against cancer. Understanding the battle against all cancers might be a bit too large for me I decided to focus on raising funds to battle childhood cancers. For the last 15 years I have been an integral part of the Roadless Ride which Benefits Brent’s Place. Brent's Place is a living facility for families with children who are receiving treatments for cancer, bone marrow or organ transplants in the Denver area. Brent's Place provides a pristine living environment for children who's immune systems are severely compromised due to these treatments or surgeries. The Roadless Ride is a fundraiser held annually at Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club that consists of 12 one hour Indoor Cycling classes where participants make a donation to ride in each class.
This year I have decided to expand my war against childhood cancers to two fronts. On May 1st I will be participating in the Ride For A Reason at Lifetime Fitness in Centennial, Colorado. This 4 hour indoor cycling ride benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital:
– Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
– St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
– Because the majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.
– St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
– Donations will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Life Time Foundation.
St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.
I will be riding in three and leading one of the four indoor cycling classes for this Rider For A Reason fundraiser. I have committed to raising $1,000 for the kids of St. Jude's and I am asking for your help in reaching this goal.
Anything amount helps, please give something to help me fight this terrible disease.
You know the type; this is the rider who after EVERY class quietly, almost stealthfully, navigates their way to the instructor bike and starts every class critique by saying “That was a great class!”, then pauses for a few seconds and says “But” or “Have you ever considered” or “You should try…” or “why did you…?”.
