Why am I required to take Stage5 Cycling coaching workshops and proficiencies?
This is a great question. There are many health and fitness organizations out there, each with their own set of standards, so the last thing we want to do is add more paperwork and requirements. However, with the vast differences in training and coaching philosophies, we found it necessary to standardize our practices to ensure our clients receive a consistent message and quality of service.
We DO NOT Require Additional Continuing Education Credits.
We do not burden our coaches with additional continuing education requirements. Since all of our coaches are required to hold an active USA Cycling Coaching Certification (or international coaching license), we know they are staying up-to-date with the latest research and knowledge.
We want to ensure our coaches have solid knowledge and experience in the following:
Client Mangement. This ranges from the initial athlete assessment to the development of a training plan to day-to-day communcation and coaching. We want our athletes to have a consistent experience regardless of which coach they are working with.Biomechanics and Bike Fitting. There are many "correct" methods of performing the proper fit for a rider. We have designed a protocol to ensure each athlete’s flexibility, muscle strength, and musculoskeletal discrepancies and injuries are addressed, as well as their riding style, goals and comfort.
Fitness Testing. It is very important that a consistent protocol be followed to ensure we are producing consistent test results. We educate our coaches on the various testing methods and options available and provide hands-on training so they are familiar with the medical testing equipment and safety procedures.
Approach to Indoor Cycling. Since we have exposure teaching and coaching in many health clubs, it is important that our coaches provide a consistent indoor cycling experience. From the use of cycling-specific concepts to targeted training effects to charts and teaching tools.
The Style is All Yours!
We rely on the experience and inspiration of our coaches. Almost all of the protocols and methods we have put into place have originated from an idea or concept from our coaching staff. This is what keeps our profession fresh and helps us avoid getting stuck in our ways. We want you to bring your own style of coaching to the table and hope our approach allows you to enjoy your work by having the right tools for the job and reducing the worry over safety and legal issues.
Take out the lights, put on some make-up and setup the cameras. You are about to be the star of your next class. Since joining Cycling Fusion, I’ve been thrust into the world of video and spend more time in front of a camera than I like. Between our digital classes, virtual rides, ads and hours filming for our on-demand workshops, I’m not sure how much more of me I can take. OK, I AM having fun, but I’m also learning a ton about my ability to present, teach and coach.
We talk a lot about becoming more than just instructors in our indoor cycling classes. We want to be coaches. We are coaches! I’ve spent the last 20 years coaching riders and teams on the road and half that indoors. Anyone who has taken one of my classes knows that “coaching” is my approach to indoor cycling. I introduce each of my classes as “coached training sessions” so riders know what to expect, plus it gives me the self-proclaimed freedom to get into character (like they really have a choice).
