Instructors should understand the very real risks of high resistance/low cadence pedaling, and know when to provide options for their riders. This article covers the physiological reasons behind why very low cadence is not beneficial either indoors or for cyclists outdoors. I also present ways to address a rider who is resistant to taking your advice and continues to pedal too slowly in a big gear.Read more…

For so many years I’ve heard cycling instructors lament that “Students get bored if the class is cycling specific, so I need to [add silly move here] or they won’t come to class!” Well, I have news for you…maybe it’s not the moves or technique that are boring; maybe it’s you! Here are 13 ways you can be sure to keep students engaged while riding and committed to your classes without resorting to silly gimmicks on the bike. Read more…

What? Me? Doing push-ups on a bike? This video is from last year’s popular 22 Push-up Challenge that was going around Facebook. I decided to do my final day of the challenge on the bike. But don’t despair, I haven’t lost my marbles…there’s a teaching moment at the end so make sure you watch it all the way through. And feel free to share this page or share our YouTube link with those who might think push-ups are an acceptable way to gain strength. They may be surprised at what they learn! Read more…

With the increase in “non-traditional” indoor cycling classes rife with contraindications, and the increase in instructors learning new “moves” from YouTube, so many classes these days are filled with safety concerns. Many instructors who attend one of these classes are either too uncomfortable to approach the instructor or feel that if they contact the facility, no one will care. We’d like to share with you an example of an instructor who did step up and was able to make some positive changes at one club.Read more…

Last week a lawsuit was filed against SoulCycle alleging negligence on the part of the studio and the instructor that led to a serious injury by the plaintiff. This is a case that instructors and studios around the world should be watching closely. In this article, we provide 13 best practices to help protect yourself from legal actions. You may want to share this with your entire staff and with your peers in the industry.Read more…

As temperatures rise, the topic of AC and fans in the studio heats up too. Learn the guidelines for temperature and ventilation in an indoor cycling room, the physiology of how the body regulates temperature, and the potential dangers of excessive heat.Read more…