If you are an Indoor Cycling instructor and aren’t familiar with Chris Carmichael, please leave this blog immediately and go to Bicycling.com to start a subscription to the magazine outdoor riders read. Chris Carmichael is Lance Armstrong’s coach and he is an incredible resource not only for road racers, but for indoor cyclists as well. His training article in Bicycling Magazine this month is incredibly eye-opening and reveals quite a bit about the weaknesses of many indoor cycling classes. There are two big takeaways from his article: 1) develop your spinning profiles and teach your classes with a training purpose and 2) know your students. Adopting these two simple teaching habits will take your class to the top among gym rats and outdoor riders alike!

Here is his article: Q: Will an indoor-cycling class at my local gym help me in the winter?

I am terribly saddened by the loss of the King of Pop, and I am channeling my adoration of the artist into an MJ tribute ride. For all of his troubles, I always prayed that he would find the peace and inner strength to right his vessel. He was gifted beyond comprehension, and none of his psychological problems could compete with his immeasurable talent. God Bless You, Michael!

Here is the entire playlist on iTunes: Spinning Profile: Michael Jackson

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After nearly 9 months hiatus, I finally returned to teach my first Spinning class. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to — scheduling just never worked in my favor. I am also fortunate to work in one club where sub requests are snatched up instantly, but the flip side of that is that I have been too slow to pick up extra classes! Eventually (and it was bound to happen sooner or later), the fine gentleman who replaced me in my early morning spot decided to take a vacation, so I stepped in to teach the folks I had the pleasure of leading for almost two years once again. What a great group of folks! They welcomed me back and took away any of the nervousness I was feeling as I got my bike set up. We had a great ride, and, naturally, I want to share it with you!
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The Indoor Cycle Instructor Podcast. This website presents the worlds best Indoor Cycling instructors, presenters and industry leaders. They discuss a broad range of topics from teaching and presentation skills to class ride profiles to promoting your class and so much more. I found them after learning that my pedal-on buddy SpinBob was featured for his discussion on Mentoring. They have lots of great advice, so if you teach Indoor Cycling, I encourage you to check them out!

http://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com

Happy National Bicycle to Work Day!! It is May 15, and yes, today is the day that we celebrate by doing something good for our bodies and good for the environment. You did ride your bike to work today, didn’t you? If you are already at work and wondering why nobody told you, rest assured there is still time for you to get in on the fun! Here are some songs about bikes, working, riding, and going to school that you can add into your class mix this afternoon or next week. It’s never too late to encourage your riders to get their bikes out of the shed and get on the roads!

• Metro Station – Shake It (Lenny B Remix)
• Queen – Bicycle Race
• A Tribute to the Beatles – A Hard Day's Night
• 16 Bit Lolitas – Passing Lights
• Coldplay – Viva la Vida
• Mamma Mia! (Soundtrack) – Money, Money, Money
• Donna Summer – She Works Hard for the Money
• Hexes & Ohs – Try So Hard
• Busted – What I Go to School For
• Goldfrapp – Ride a White Horse
• Freezepop – bike thief
• The Pussycat Dolls – When I Grow Up
• Jem – Just a Ride
• Huey Lewis & The News – Workin for a Livin
• Cake – The Distance
• Eagles – Life In the Fast Lane
• Peter Gabriel – Don't Give Up

Have a Happy Bike-to-Work Day!!

Getting back on the bike after my maternity hiatus has been an amazing learning experience for me. I have not worked my way into a permanent class slot, so all of my practicing and tweaking has been just for me. But the new insights I’ve gained into my own body and how I’m feeling and functioning right now are only going to improve the quality of the classes I will be teaching in the future, no doubt.

In that light, I’d like to present another Endurance Profile for you to digest this week. I call it the “Know Thyself” ride, because it is meant to allow your riders to explore what is happening within themselves while Spinning. This ride will keep the heart rate under 80% for the entire duration. Naturally, if you have riders who need to top this heart rate, the ride can be easily modified for their needs without sacrificing the experience for your other students.
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