Two things prompted this post. One was John’s post showing video as one more distraction in a distraction-filled studio (see “Virtual Engagement or Virtual Distraction?”, 7/22/12). The other was my concern about what might happen if instructors and students learned about cycling with video under such poor circumstances — and the entire cycling-with-video concept ended before it even began.
Cycling with video has too much potential to allow it to fall victim to that fate. The obvious question is how to prevent that and present video in a way that showcases it as the amazing asset it is, with great potential for increasing ROI. The cycling-with-video concept hinges on immersion, the sense that the scene is real. It just doesn’t work without it. Here’s what needs to happen to create immersion.
First, there’s lighting. If you want the students engaged in the video, the image must be as bright as possible and dominate the room. If distracting sources of light can be minimized or eliminated, so much the better.
There’s also screen size. Bigger is definitely better for purposes of creating immersion and making it seem real. If the screen can’t be big (say, if a TV monitor is used), there are specific ways to maximize presentation of the footage.
Positioning of the screen is critical. It’s important not to place the front row of bikes too close to the screen. It’s important not to place the screen too high or too low on the wall. The actual distances will change, depending on the size of the screen, but precise guidelines should be followed. Finally, the screen should be centered, taking into account the width of the studio and where the instructor will be.
Managing the mirrors is also critical. The photo in John’s post shows mirror reflections coming from several directions and sources. Those reflections will distort, even destroy, the illusion of forward motion and the possibility of immersion. The solution is either to use a non-mirrored wall in that studio — preferably one painted black, gray or white — or to use a large pull-down screen to cover the mirrors on the forward wall completely.
There’s also the matter of where to place the instructor and the A-V equipment. We’re used to being center-stage. ICI-Pro posts have mentioned our enjoyment of that. With video, though, we need to move to one side and let the video get most of the attention.
Last, and maybe most importantly, the video, the projector (or TV), and the screen (or video wall) need to be of high quality.
When all of these things are put together in a professional studio prep, the result is completely different from the chaos John showed us in the photo with his post last week. But it’s not always that easy.
So what’s standing in the way? In a word, expectations.
Understandably, the club owner hopes to make the studio video-ready for the lowest initial cost possible. What’s true is that the above preparations can cost thousands of dollars, if done right. But the inexpensive way leads to what John showed us. If the equipment costs relatively little, that leads to an expectation that the entire set-up should also cost relatively little.
It’s a profound understatement to say that a poorly prepared studio limits the students’ experience — and that it clearly limits future ROI.
Here’s where I’ll stir up trouble and state that, in this regard, DVD is actually pushing things in the wrong direction. It’s a halfway measure that’s not impactful enough to create immersion. This “halfway” aspect of it is why club owners resist spending the money necessary to make cycling-to-video happen on an impressive scale.
To get club owners to make the leap to spectacular video, they need to be exposed to a true immersion experience. Then it becomes obvious that there’s no substitute.
Seriously, if you bought a fake “jewel” for a few dollars at a street fair, would you buy an expensive platinum ring setting for it? For a beautifully cut diamond, your willingness to invest in platinum would increase. Please note that I’m talking here not about budget per se, but about the willingness to invest big money to showcase something mediocre versus something spectacular.
DVD is a mediocre medium with respect to cycling videos and creating immersion. As such, DVD may be keeping the new concept of cycling-with-video from moving forward and becoming the fullest experience it can be. Again, immersion is key and happens best when video is done right.
I know these are controversial statements, but they’re true even when the instructor leading the class does a great job with it. John is a superior instructor who does a great job with it. But who or what could compete with the distractions in that studio? It’s simply not set up for … well, what could and would happen if the video were done right.
For one example of “done right”, please click here
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:
[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']
Right Click on the blue underlined link
Select “Download Linked File As”
Select a download location
Once file is completely downloaded, find it in the location you selected
Drag the file into your iTunes or Spotify library OR
Right Click on the file and Select “Open With”
From the drop down menu select “iTunes” or “Spotify”
File should begin playing and is now part of your iTunes or Spotify library
To download the above media on a PC:
Right Click on the blue underlined link
Select “Save Link As”
Select a download location
Once file is completely downloaded, find it in the location you selected
Drag the file into your iTunes or Spotify library OR
Right Click on the file and Select “Open With”
From the drop down menu select “iTunes” or “Spotify”
File should begin playing and is now part of your iTunes or Spotify library
Click here to watch a video on how to download media files from ICI/Pro.
This is post one in a multi-post series that will explain how to use and select music to compliment your class. As the series progresses, I will be sure to include the links to the previous posts so that the entire series can be found in the latest post.
As an instructor, music can become the most challenging part of any indoor class; however it can be one of the most important parts of the class. I have heard it said that we are not DJs on a bike, we are cycling coaches. While I may agree with the sentiment, we can not underestimate the importance of music in the delivery of a class. You could structure the most ideal training program with the very best designed drills, but if your music is off and does not match the work, chances are very good that the class will disappoint your riders. While we believe that the class focus and design should be well thought out before the music is added, the addition of music to your drills will truly make or brake your class.
What is it that makes the selection of music so crucial; music is a one of the most powerful mediums. It can facilitate communication that goes beyond words, enables meanings to be shared, and promotes the development and maintenance of individual, group, cultural and national identities. Music can alter movements, moods and emotions. Few other items that you come in contact with can effect such a wide range of human functions and feelings.
So, how do we begin with the so important task of selecting the right music for your class? It all begins with belief. You must believe in your music and your playlist or your class will not believe in it either. While there are seemingly endless types and styles of music and everyone in your class can have a different preference, it is your ability to believe and sell the ride that will matter. To make it a little easier, if you incorporate some basic principles, you will succeed more times than not:
Know Your Demographic
The demographics of an indoor cycling class can be affected by many factors including your club’s location (city vs. suburbs), day of the week and time of day that your class is offered, and if your class is designed around a specific focus or theme. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this principle is to take the time to learn what your riders like by simply asking them. You will never be able to please everyone all of the time, but people appreciate being listened to and will respect you if they believe your are doing your best to give everyone something they enjoy. Please, remember to remind your people that not all great music is great indoor cycling music and that it may take a few weeks to get their requests into one of your rides.
For Foundational classes (beginner), remember the overall focus is to provide a fun environment for people to gain some initial cycling fitness or possibly just fitness in general. With the exception of the warm-up (and possibly the cool-down/stretch), working songs should be music your riders will recognize, and maybe even sing along to. While the beat matching of the ride is still critical, you should take extra time with this group to be sure the music is fun and will keep them coming back for more.
For intermediate and advanced classes, it is critical that the music be beat-matched and of similar intensity to the work that you are asking of the riders. When we ask more of the riders, this also demands more of us as instructors. We need to put in the extra time to find “just the right music” that will not only support our drills, but it will also enhance them. Ideally, the riders should be able to close their eyes, or look away from the cycle display, and still hold the proper cadence by focusing on the beat and feel of the music. Aside from the beat, the intensity is also important: an epic climb demands an epic musical work to help us reach the summit.
One of our foundations at Cycling Fusion is that songs used for the first warm-up segment should NOT have vocals. The warm-up is where you spend a good portion of the time introducing yourself, the purpose of the class and give various instructions such as safety guidelines, proper position and how to gauge the level of effort. It is important that your voice be the only one heard in the cycling studio during the warm-up so riders have a clear understanding of expectations and how to approach the class.
In the next post, we will talk about Pulse, BPM and RPM and how using them will enhance your ride and heighten the student’s experience.
I'm not embarrassed to say that I like country music. Country is a genre that many indoor cycling instructor avoid, but I embrace it. I get more complements about playing country music than any other genre. Country music IS popular and has a HUGE following. I live in Denver and a few weeks ago U2 was playing the Pepsi Center, a 20,000 seat venue and Luke Bryan was playing Mile High Stadium, a 75,000 seat venue, on the same night. Luke Bryan sold out U2 did not!
This week I mixed together 3 new country songs:
Homegrown by Zac Brown Band
Play It Again by Luke Bryan
John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 by Keith Urban
All 3 songs are about 3 minutes and 30 seconds long. I like to use this music mix for three 3 minute intervals with 30-40 seconds recovery after each. Since the energy and tempo “feel” lower and slower I like to ride at a cadence of 60-80 rpm for this set. Listen below to how I used this set in class.
[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']If you use video I also mixed together the videos of these three songs.
3 song harmonically mixed track, to download Right Click > Save As / Save Target As to download. Open in iTunes and then you'll see this in your Spotify Local File folder.
