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One Word Enthusiasm

If I asked you to name your favorite teachers from all the way back from kindergarten through university, it would be easy to answer, wouldn't it? I bet you remember their names. They are the people you would look up on Facebook today if you wanted?

Actually isn't it It an enjoyable question to answer because it brings back so many fond memories of kind, passionate and wonderful people who have touched both your life. You would be thinking about people who not only taught you things of value, but inspired you as well. Now think of your fav fitness instructors? Who probably possibly inspired you to become a spin instructor. What were their characteristics and attitudes?

Your classes must be both fun while Working Hard - not all sufferfest folks!



Your classes must be both fun while Working Hard - not all sufferfest folks! Here are five tip and/reminders to keep it fresh, focused and fun! I remind myself constantly to address these issues. The following five tips don't address the physical - more attitude and attention to detail.



Be Energetic - Let's face it. Leading a spin class is a high-energy job. The listless and lifeless need not apply. Our Riders come to class usually with energy to spare, and you need to be able to keep up with them. Key take away: Stay in shape, rest, and eat well!

- Let's face it. Leading a spin class is a high-energy job. The listless and lifeless need not apply. Our Riders come to class usually with energy to spare, and you need to be able to keep up with them. Key take away: Stay in shape, rest, and eat well! NOT BORING and PREDICTABLE! : Ever been to a class were the instructor is still using the playlist that rocked the ages - i.e. ages ago circa 1999. Here is my nightmare! You kept looking at your watch, willing it to be over. Eventually it was and you went home and cancelled the next spin class because the instructor said s/he was taking over instead of the usual instructor who was sick. You went to zumba (oh my!!!) instead because more fun.... Key take away: Keep it fresh, new routines, mixes, and drills... my motto "be consistent not predictable."

: Ever been to a class were the instructor is still using the playlist that rocked the ages - i.e. ages ago circa 1999. Here is my nightmare! You kept looking at your watch, willing it to be over. Eventually it was and you went home and cancelled the next spin class because the instructor said s/he was taking over instead of the usual instructor who was sick. You went to zumba (oh my!!!) instead because more fun.... Key take away: Keep it fresh, new routines, mixes, and drills... my motto "be consistent not predictable." Tough but Fair Intensity - Good spin instructors consistently maintain high standards in two important areas. The first is class intensity. We sweat. We work HARD. We always walk out and knew we had a workout -- establishing training culture in class that pulls the riders higher and that's conducive to their physical goals, one that's built on a foundation of no compromises - ever. The other is health-- letting riders know that we take seriously the their safety and health. We "pull but don't push" - and we remind them that it is ok to take a break too.

- Good spin instructors consistently maintain high standards in two important areas. The first is class intensity. We sweat. We work HARD. We always walk out and knew we had a workout -- establishing training culture in class that pulls the riders higher and that's conducive to their physical goals, one that's built on a foundation of no compromises - ever. The other is health-- letting riders know that we take seriously the their safety and health. We "pull but don't push" - and we remind them that it is ok to take a break too. No Sense of Humor - Over time you will burn out in the studio without this one. An important aspect of enthusiasm for leading indoor cycling classes -- as well as for life in general -- is the ability enjoy the funny shit all about us and surround us daily. Don't make every song NIN - dark - yes - that has place but take the riders on the "soundscape" of joy, silliness and surprise them.

- Over time you will burn out in the studio without this one. An important aspect of enthusiasm for leading indoor cycling classes -- as well as for life in general -- is the ability enjoy the funny shit all about us and surround us daily. Don't make every song NIN - dark - yes - that has place but take the riders on the "soundscape" of joy, silliness and surprise them. Be a Storyteller - In my first year of teaching one of the best spin instructors I had ever had told me this advice that is invaluable, and I am passing it on now to you now. He said, "If you want to fill your class with your Riders then put it the profile into a narrative and a story for every drill. Riders will tune out an academic lecture (don't rant on about Tabata principles for 5 min!!! please), but they'll always listen to a good story." Everyone loves a good story. So its not a 10 min pyramid climb with Russian step intervals... its "an epic battle up the Rockies fighting of a shadow every 15, 30, 45..."

Final thoughts. Do you agree? We should seek progress not perfection. Do not be to hard on yourself. Just keep these ideas in mind and keep reading. What are your thoughts? Leave a note below and enjoy one of my motivations in this amazing video....