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…
Whether you are planning an event for International Indoor Cycling Day on October 21 or not, you’ll want to see how other studios and instructors have created and promoted events so you can do something similar for your next event! And to start planning for something big next year! Read more…
I’ve decided that we needed our own day to celebrate everything we love about indoor cycling! So put it on your calendar and check out the ideas in this post, because we’re going to raise awareness of indoor cycling around the globe on October 21, 2016. I hope you’ll come be a part of this along with tens of thousands of others around the globe. Let’s build this day together!Read more…
In part 1 we identified the wall we can hit when trying to keep things fun, exciting, and continually effective in our classes. No one really likes to be in maintenance mode. So how do we reinvigorate our classes so they stay clear of maintenance mode fitness?Read more…
We can find ourselves asking this question when we are lost, after we have achieved a goal, or when our limit has been reached. Regardless of how you arrive at the question, the situation is the same and there is a feeling of being stuck or stalled. This feeling is a common issue among indoor cycling instructors, but not for the reason one might think.Read more…
Last week I provided three suggestions to minimize the chance of unprepared riders in your classes. In this follow-up, I give you an example of how to balance your attention between your regular riders and a newbie who needs very close supervision, without anyone feeling left out.Read more…
TBT (Throwback Thursday) Have you ever had a brand-new student walk into class who required so much of your time that it took away from your ability to coach your class? How do you balance helping the new unfit person and catering to your regulars? Where do your responsibilities lie and where should the line be drawn? The suggestions presented here, while beneficial to all instructors, are especially helpful for newer instructors to indoor cycling.Read more…
A new instructor posed this excellent question, and because it depends on so many caveats, I am creating a series out of this topic. Part 1 provides the most basic, short-term way to assess how hard or easy your class is for your riders. But instructors, get ready to do a little self-analysis—I’ve got some homework for you. This series may very well pave the path to tremendous personal growth!Read more…
I asked Angela Amedio of Saratoga Cycling Studio to share with ICA how she created a successful program for local teens at her studio in Saratoga Springs, New York. You are sure to get some ideas for your program!Read more…
If you are one of those instructors who loves to bring the experience of riding outdoors to your indoor riders, now is the time to get them excited. Give them a taste of the Tour de France (TDF) and introduce them to some of the fun we enjoy during one of the greatest sporting events of all time. Here are some recommendations for leaning TDF lingo, visualizing the terrain and intensity, and connecting the experience of outdoor cycling to your indoor riders.Read more…