I see it and I hear it a lot - some weird need to put on/be known for producing the hardest class known to man or beast.

This came up this week actually and its evoked this feeling in my tum that needs me to write my thoughts on this topic! Oh what a surprise!

So, the ethos of Vibe Cycle, Vibe Stride and Nitro is that the music is the main focal point. The Vibe the music creates in you as the instructor and in them, the punter. I've been in other instructor classes throughout my career and I can tell you this - if I'm being barked at, if I'm made to feel that I'm not pulling my weight when I bloody well am, when there is so much instruction that I cant even have my own thoughts, when I'm expected to peak and then remain at my peak for the next 45 mins, when my 'my' level of peak is verbalized to me as 'I'm sure you can do more' when they obviously have no bloody idea as to how hard I'm riding or even allowing me my choice of pressure at that current beat and rhythm.....I get more than a little ticked off. They wont see me back.

If I go to a class to participate its because I want to enjoy this pastime like everybody else, to enjoy the service extended to me, with understanding that the service provided is about the people in front of the instructor and not about the people dogger in front of me. Like someone said of Craig on Strictly Come Dancing "To achieve a 10 from Craig means I actually have to get a 15!"

Do you as instructors always give a 15 or 10 for that matter?? Bloody heck you don't! Yeah sit there feeling offended but your only kidding yourself! See, the levels of 10 change. People can be tired or a bit poorly but still work to give the best they can on that day - another day they may achieve more. AND at the end of the day its their choice. As long as they are working to beat in the Vibe class then what's the biggy teachers?? Maybe they have enjoyed your 80's retro set so much, been taken on a mountain of memories and lip syncing that they'll tell you that was the best class for a while - think about it!

And then of course we get to the word 'enjoyment'. Where does that word appear in your mental list of criteria for a 'safe and effective workout'?

Within the topic of 'dogging' your clients what makes you believe that is actually what they want? Does dogging your clients make you a quality instructor? Clients frequent Vibe Cycle classes because of its quality of workout - its format of working to beat and rhythm is already physically more provoking than that of the unformatted traits of its competition - spinning RPM etc. How many times have you taught a 'spinner client' who has then said at the end "god, that's so much harder!" Many times I know! Just say "Hey guys - you get out what you put in remember" and then nobody escapes only if they want to - if they want to that's their choice. You wouldn't buy the size of jeans the shop assistant was telling you too would ya? You'd buy the size that suits you physically, mentally and spiritually!

You as instructors of Vibe Cycle are there to provide encouragement of good form - there's another level of added intensity. You are there to provide an empowering workout, one that is seeped in euphoria by the music that you use and how you use the music and yes that is possible by you all otherwise you would not have chosen Vibe Cycle for your training body in indoor cycling. You chose Vibe Cycle because Vibe Cycle works.

It was said to me by a very very capable Viberer "If it was like that every week I wouldn't go."   Food for thought chickadiees........