Renee asked about teaching jumps properly. Jumps can be controversial; some programs obviously love them and they are a big part of their program, and others list them as part of contraindicated moves. If you must teach jumps, I give you 3 things you must never do when coaching jumps, and 4 ways to choose how to present them to your students. Read more…
If you are an ICA member, or have known me for a long time in the Spinning® and indoor cycling community, you would probably know that I’m not a big proponent of standing out of the saddle with the hands on the tops of the handlebars…Read more…
What is the difference between a seated and standing position on a bike in terms of how your body responds? This is a very educational discussion between myself and Dr. Jennifer Klau and Tom Scotto. We discuss everything that has to do with standing up on a bike: the physiological reaction of the body, technique, gearing/resistance, methods of keeping the heart rate under control, power output, and how long should you stand up in a class situation.Read more…
A news report on New York TV suggests that carpal tunnel injuries are on the rise from Spinning classes. I review the video and evaluate potential wrist problems, describing the most effective and comfortable position for the hands while riding indoors. I also look at why instructors too often incorrectly cue to “engage the core” (as they do in the video), believing it will improve riding posture and take the weight off the hands. I also provide 15 detailed cues for guiding your riders to position their hands properly, and how to sit up correctly without over activating the core.Read more…
I had a strange dream about teaching Spinning. It was an instructor’s nightmare, kind of like Groundhog Day—I kept coming back to the same room, same people, same situation, but different things kept going wrong. It was exasperating! However, something very good came from this dream, and I woke at 5 am to write down the lesson I learned: the yin and yang of the pedal stroke. Read more…
As a follow-up to my post last week about high cadences, here are seven tips to increase success for pedaling quickly while standing. This article reiterates that each individual will have their own “threshold” of cadence while standing and reviews when and why this movement is appropriate or not. LastRead more…
How much do you really know about cycling technique? More importantly, how willing are you to seriously assess your own technique so you can become a better coach? I share a story with you that helped me realize how important it is to really know proper technique of your sportRead more…
While teaching yesterday, I noticed a student standing up tall with her hands perched on the handlebars when on a climb. Do you know why this might be inefficient and how to fix it? Here is how I resolved this issue.Read more…
The following is an article Jennifer wrote for Active.com. To read the article on the Active.com website, click here. Please share the link (or this blog) with your students, program managers, and instructor peers. As usual, your comments (both on the Active page and on this blog) are always appreciated!Read more…
This week’s Ask the Expert is about the foot position during the pedal stroke. Does the toe push down, or does the heel push down? Both Tom Scotto and Jennifer Sage provide advice on how to cue a proper foot position with your students. ICA member Dan asked a greatRead more…