Krista Popowych
Krista Popowych
Article Archive
You likely started teaching because you wanted to help people on their wellness journeys, but being an introvert can pose challenges.
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Whether you’re instructing virtually or in person, small exercise equipment still tops the list of effective do-anywhere, use-anytime tools.
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Many indoor cycling instructors are not sure of the best way to combine strength and cycling without compromising either component. Rock and Ride provides the perfect mix of both while infusing a little fun with rock ’n’ roll music.
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Many indoor cycling instructors are not sure of the best way to combine strength and cycling without compromising either component. Rock and Ride provides the perfect mix of both while infusing a little fun with rock ’n’ roll music. This class is an ideal introduction for new riders because, instead of having to “suffer” through 60 minutes on an uncomfortable saddle, they get to hop off at the midpoint for strength work.
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With over 3 million children in the United States playing soccer (USYS 2014) and even larger numbers batting baseballs and running bases, parents are often at the mercy of their children’s practice schedules and games. These parents are literally “standing around” when they could be working out. Although humorous at best, the depiction of the soccer mom—a suburban woman who shuffles her overprogrammed kids around in a minivan—does point to an untapped market.
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Indoor cycling is more popular than ever, and it offers many opportunities to inspire young people—specifically the under-18 crowd. It's also a perfect excuse to play high-energy, deejay-;style tunes and inject a little extra fun so you motivate teenagers to stay in the saddle and enjoy the ride.
When planning a cycling workout for this age group, align yourself with a teenage brain. Think of what would motivate your kids, your friends' kids or even your younger self.
Successful managers want to build a strong team; it’s part and parcel of good leadership. If you surround yourself with people who are happy, focused and motivated, everything else seems to fall into place. It’s also enjoyable to see others succeed while you do, and a winning team begets a winning facility.
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Fitness technology is not new. Nor will it be slowing down anytime soon. The marketplace is ripe for innovation and application, with an audience that ranges from the general user to the rehabilitation patient.
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Who doesn’t love a hill? If you want to add interest and attention to your next cycling class, make climbing your focus. The thrill of a hill can be any combination of challenging climbs and fast, fun downhills. The goal: to reach the summit!
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Who doesn’t love a hill? If you want to add interest and attention to your next cycling class, make climbing your focus. The thrill of a hill can be any combination of challenging climbs and fast, fun downhills. The goal: to reach the summit!
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Every day, leaders are faced with new challenges and learning opportunities. Good leaders don’t simply sit back and assume the position of leadership; they embody it. They set a good example, they evolve and they lead through thick or thin. In the third and final installment of this series, we identify ways to lead with greater impact.
Be Empathetic
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Great leaders don’t just point the way; they also give clear directions. However, it’s not always a simple task to inspire and motivate even the most willing of followers. Once you’ve thrown your hat into the leadership ring, you’ll be faced with new challenges. In part two of this series, we’ll expand on finding the leader within, and we’ll explore the best ways to handle challenging situations.
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The last chapter of a novel ties all the previous pages together in one simple, dramatic or thought-provoking conclusion. An indoor cycling class is not unlike a good read. You have an attention-grabbing warm-up, various engaging “chapters” that explore cardio ranges, and a cool-down that seamlessly brings it all together. Without all three elements, a book—or an exercise class—may never make it onto the “best-seller list.”
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A cycling instructor wears many hats: coach, trainer, motivator and mentor. But one title many of us would happily relinquish is “enforcer.” It’s never a pleasant job to police workout etiquette. From time to time, though, situations arise that must be dealt with. Knowing what to do, or at the very least knowing how to respond, can make tricky cycling studio dilemmas less uncomfortable and easier to manage. Here are effective responses to some sticky situations.
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Many fitness professionals aspire to take their careers to the next level. Whether the goal is to become a better personal trainer or coach or to become the chief operating officer of a large fitness chain, great leadership is the underlying theme.
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A cycling instructor wears many hats: coach, trainer, motivator and mentor. But one title many of us would happily relinquish is “enforcer.” It’s never a pleasant job to police workout etiquette. From time to time, though, situations arise that must be dealt with. Knowing what to do, or at the very least knowing how to respond, can make tricky cycling studio dilemmas less uncomfortable and easier to manage. Here are effective responses to five sticky situations.
Texting During the Ride
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It’s one of those days. It’s bleak and cold outside, and my mom just called to let me know that my dad left on another biweekly, 10-hour bus trip to the cancer clinic for treatment. I am driving to the studio to instruct an early-morning cardio blitz class. My thoughts drift, and I feel a familiar heaviness in my heart. The last thing I want to do right now is teach . . .
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Running, jumping and throwing are integral to most sports. A rebounder, also referred to as a fitness trampoline, is a sometimes-forgotten sports conditioning tool that trains all three. In fact, it provides a multidimensional and multifaceted environment. The rebounder is a perfect playground for a multitude of training options, including plyometrics, high-intensity interval drills, explosive movement patterning, balance work, throwing sequences and more.
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As interest in cycling continues to grow—both on and off the road—equip- ment and technology advancements are pushing athletes and exercise enthusiasts to achieve their best performance levels. The addition of power meters to many cycles has given instructors the ability to measure feedback and improvements. Understanding power and its application to indoor cycling opens up a whole new instructing dimension and allows you to help riders customize their workouts.
What Is Power?
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When it comes to warm-ups, indoor cycling instructors often fall victim to the “oatmeal effect”—it’s good for you, but not very memorable. It’s easy to just jump on a bike and ride. However, with a little creativity and skillful instruction, you can engage participants from the start. Be prepared, connect with riders and add a little ingenuity. Begin with a warm welcome and a short introduction, and then ride into one of the following warm-ups.
The Color Wheel
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