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Group indoor cycling programs, what to know before you join

The Fitness Trail / Jackie Wright
Grand Lake, CO Colorado

Over the past twenty years, group indoor cycling programs have become standard offered programming in thousands of fitness facilities. Due to the low impact aspects of indoor cycling, lack of complex choreography, motivating music, group exercise environment and what can be an incredible cardiovascular workout, it is no wonder that these programs are so popular.

As with any program, however, there are those that excel at providing sound, safe and effective cycling programs to their clients and those that may not. Therefore, this week we will highlight ten guidelines to consider prior to joining a group indoor cycling program, ensuring a great group indoor cycling experience. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, please consult your physician.

Group Indoor Cycling Program Guidelines



1. Before ever walking into a group indoor cycling class, perform your due diligence. Check out the program specifics, the qualifications of the program director and the program instructors. There are specific certifications for group indoor cycling instructors which should be combined with the foundational group exercise or personal training certifications.

2. A working knowledge of everything from pedaling mechanics, to understanding what true high intensity interval training is when performed on the bike, to proper postural alignment on the bike, the amount of resistance that is appropriate for each cadence level, along with industry accepted methods for determining intensity, should be expected of the instructor.



3. An ideal combination would be a university degree in a health/fitness related field, combined with quality group indoor cycling instructor certifications, outdoor cycling experience and at least three to five years teaching on the bike.

4. While checking out the program, confirm that it is a structured, goal-oriented program.

5. Group indoor cycling programs should simulate an outdoor cycling experience. Therefore, if you don’t do it outside, you should not be performing it inside. This includes using any other equipment when riding!

6. Ask the owner/manager if the bikes are maintained at least weekly and daily in some of the larger clubs where there are over six-ten classes a day and dozens of bikes. Sweat and regular use may negatively impact the working parts of the bike creating an unsafe, very unpleasant experience for the rider.

7. Room temperature and ventilation are also important safety factors. Keeping the room cool enough and keeping the air moving to provide proper ventilation, is critical.

8. Many claims are made by riders about the high intensity level of group indoor cycling classes. And, while we may work intensely in our classes, many of the claims are greatly exaggerated. Therefore, if you are new to cycling, just take the same precautions you do when beginning any program.

8. Get a good bike fit. Bike fit is essential for a safe and effective ride and every instructor should have significant experience fitting riders on their bikes and take the time to do so.

9. What is the profile? A profile is the actual ride you will be performing that day. It should be posted and visible for the rider, the instructor should provide the class with pre-class instruction for the ride and describe exactly what you will be doing that day.

Jackie Wright is the owner/manager of Never Summer Fitness, LLC located in Grand Lake, Colorado. She may be reached at her website at http://www.neversummerfitness.com, her email at NSFGL@comcast.net, her blog at http://www.skyhidailynews.com and her Facebook page at Never Summer Fitness.


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