Network Magazine Autumn 2014 | Page 19

FILEX 2014 PRESENTER 3 WAYS TO WIN IN THE NEW ERA OF INDOOR CYCLING Beyond improved fitness, your cycling participants want motivation. Julz Arney shares some tips that will get your classes working harder, riding longer, and returning more often. A s an industry, we are in a new era of indoor cycling. In addition to being knowledgeable fitness professionals and solid instructors with good music playlists, today’s most talked about instructors know how to amplify the energy of the room and deliver an electric and inspiring experience on the bike. Group fitness workouts continue to evolve based on consumer demand and, without a doubt, consumers want results. The foundation of any class is a well-planned workout that is inclusive, makes sense physiologically and provides training variety. But beyond improved fitness, your participants want motivation. They are looking to you, their fitness leader, for the motivation to work harder, ride longer, and return more often. Savvy instructors have heard this message loud and clear and sharpened their skills in the areas of communication, connection and all around entertainment to become the most popular personalities in the fitness facilities where they instruct. Here are a few tips you can start using right away to go beyond the basics and take your teaching over the top! 1. Take me on a ride. At the end of the day, your participants might not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel. As an instructor, it is up to you to create an experience for your riders beyond the workout. This means going the extra mile to create an environment that is memorable and inspiring. "At the end of the day, your participants might not remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel." Try this: Set yourself apart as an instructor by adding intentional and unique elements to your class. For example, get to class early and see if there is a way to adjust the lighting. If you can’t adjust the lights, bring a lamp or flameless candles to control the ambiance of the room. Teamwork is another great element to add to your ride that creates an interactive, social experience. Before the ride starts, assign teams. Divide the class into small-groups, guys versus gals, the right side of the room versus the left side, or partners. Encourage and prompt the teams to interact with each other by saying things like, ‘Look across the room at the other team and say ‘It’s ON!’’, ‘Secretly choose one of your teammates who looks like they are working hard right now. Match their intensity!’ or ‘Turn to the person next to you and give them a sincere compliment.’ When riders make a connection, they are more likely to return to your class for the experience. WWW.FITNESSNETWORK.COM.AU \ NETWORK AUTUMN 2014 19