Helen leading the spining class
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Helen Holmes tells us why you can be a cycling fanatic without getting cold or even having to go outside. Sounds like perfect winter training to us!
It's amazing to think how far we have come since the beginning of Indoor Studio Cycling, a lot has changed but in some cases nothing has changed.
My first experience of Studio Cycling was on a course in Didcot. As an aerobics instructor I went along with a complete open mind. It was here I met Delvin Clarke, Keiser's Master Trainer, for the first time and haven't looked back, down or sideways since that day. I was completely blown away with the passion which oozed out of him, the music was awesome and even though I have never been a cyclist or enjoyed sitting for hours on a saddle before, I wanted more and wanted to be on the saddle for longer even without padded shorts!
I have always felt that no matter how qualified as an instructor you are, if you don't feel the passion for what your teaching, you are lost and so are the participants who have come to your class. I have now found my passion and am fulfilled. My life is spent listening to music and every track I here my fingers are my right and left leg working out the rhythm and how great the track would be to cycle too.
Now the question I am often asked is, what is the difference with Studio cycling to any other indoor cycling class? After making sure the person asking has a few spare moments, I begin……………
It's all about the music, the rhythm, enjoying both together in a class environment. There are so many advantages to having a variety of music, the obvious reasons are making an interval style class and giving participants a chance to recover. Using the different beats to choose your speed. I beleive there always has to be a choice…always….it is a horror story of a class where the participants are shouted at for the duration to keep up. And well if they don't' or can't they shouldn't be doing the class. How can this be? Would this be done in any other type of class? No, certainly not!
There are always alternatives in any class and they should always be offered. That was the way I was taught, isn't that the way every instructor starts out in their career? To be safe, fun, effective and always offer alternatives so you are offering your class to a whole range of abilities and fitness levels. There is a big difference to making the class challenging and making the class as hard as possible.
How amazing is it for me to finish a class and see all the participants happy, smiling, sweating and looking forward to the next time they will be on a Keiser Studio Cycling Class. Every class should be as good as the last, and always improving, always seeking perfection. I do not see the fun in bullying the people who have chosen to come to your class, making them feel inadequate, demoralised and often physically sick!
That's not what we are here for. And anyway they certainly won't come back!
The fast spinning helps to perfect your pedal stroke
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When I began teaching I decided to help Delvin with his task of changing the perception of Cycling classes. If I had a pound for each person who has felt there is no way they could even consider joining me on a bike, I would be a rich lady. I now have full classes with a fantastic variety of ages, fitness levels, abilities, male and female participants , it is so good. Lets hope that the more we teach and the more we train, the word wil spread - there is hope!
I now work for Keiser, I am a Trainer of Studio Cycling for the YMCA, Instructor and Presenter, I also am the Training Co-ordinator, organising courses through out the UK. I have found a fantastic team of people to work for, the passion of Keiser extends through out the company at all levels. A friendly, professional and inspirational company to be a part of.
Bye for now. Helen Holmes
Emma Proctor
