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In: General Coaching, Instructor Issues & growth, Programming and Management
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In an single indoor cycling class we can have a combination of beginners, cycling enthusiasts, competitive athletes, the fit, and the unfit. We have those who are just interested in some cardio fitness, some with a focus on weight loss, and others desiring cycling-specific training. There are the young, the old, and everyone in between. So with all of these different interests, expectations, and age groups, how do we determine who we are talking to when we lead our classes?Read more…

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In: Instructor Issues & growth, Programming and Management
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I really appreciated the comments on my last two-part article, “Where Do We Go From Here?” It is always very encouraging to see how many instructors put a tremendous effort into the planning of their classes. This reflects well on our professionalism and understanding of how to help people reaching their fitness goals. Training plans are not just for personal trainers (no offense). As a follow-up, and per request, I’m going to provide more detail on the various approaches I use when base training fades into the distance.Read more…

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In: Form and Technique, Free Articles, Instructor Issues & growth, New Instructors, Programming and Management
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James Fell, my favorite irreverent fitness myth buster and journalist, has just posted an excellent article on silly techniques in indoor cycling classes. James was one of the first to publicly challenge some of the unsafe and ineffective techniques done at SoulCycle (and other similar programs) in his front-page feature in the LA Times two years ago. Both Tom Scotto and I were interviewed for that article. You’re going to want to share this one with every instructor, student, and group exercise director or studio owner you know.Read more…

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In: Communication and Presentation Skills, Instructor Issues & growth, Programming and Management
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You have done your preparation; now you are ready for the interview. So how do you actually go about talking to the reporter? This is perhaps the most important segment of this series so far, but stay tuned for Part 5, in which we will tell you how to go out and find your own coverage in your local media for your class, studio, program, or event.Read more…

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In: Communication and Presentation Skills, Instructor Issues & growth, Programming and Management
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There is no denying that promoting your upcoming classes can remind students to attend and greatly increase your class size. It’s also a great way to keep your students focused on their goals and help them achieve them. A weekly reminder in their inbox may be the impetus that kicks them in the butt to fit your class(es) into their busy schedules. Few have done it better than ICA member Kelly Scymczyk. Here are 11 samples of her entertaining and educational e-mails to her students.Read more…