Articles
Recovery at work
Recovery has become something of a buzzword recently, but as an instructor, how do you strike that perfect balance between staying well and running all your scheduled classes? World-renowned endurance coach Hunter Allen explains the Training Stress Score.
Tour de Force
Cycling is a way of life in Denmark, but the Tour de France had never started this far north – until this year. The city of Nyborg hosted in style, with a special ‘yellow jersey’ group cycling event among the many celebrations. Kate Cracknell reports.
Future-proofed instructors
As indoor cycling evolves, how must education evolve with it to ensure we have the instructor workforce we need? Our expert panel share their thoughts.
Align Your Stars
In an omnichannel world, every health club operation should be putting content at the heart of its user experience, says Wexer CEO Paul Bowman – and clubs’ in-house stars are the magic ingredient.
A New Cohort
In the aftermath of lockdown, there’s a whole new community of people who turned to indoor cycling as a way to stay fit while stuck at home. How do we now encourage these individuals to come and sample the in-person experience? We ask the experts.
Power Play
Heart rate, RPM, power zones… Which training method should your club or studio use in its indoor cycling classes, and why? For Peaks Coaching Group founder and CEO Hunter Allen, it’s all about power. He shares his thoughts with RIDE HIGH.
Back in the saddle
The global health club sector is bouncing back post-COVID, and indoor cycling is right there at the forefront. Jak Phillips and Kate Cracknell review the findings of recent research from global group exercise powerhouse Les Mills.
And breathe…
After 18+ months characterised by mask-wearing and recoiling from anyone who coughs even just once, we are – all of us – far more attentive to the quality and cleanliness of the air we’re breathing. Always an important consideration for small, enclosed spaces like cycling studios, air circulation has now become even more of a focal point. Because it isn’t just about smell or temperature any more. It’s about disease control – and members’ perception of the risk.
Go the extra mile
Yoga and pilates are hugely beneficial for indoor cyclists, as complementary classes that can help cyclists avoid injury and pain, as well as boosting performance in the saddle. We talk to the experts.
Inspired by COVID. Designed for the future.
Lockdown caused organisations across the fitness sector to pivot their business models to meet new and emerging needs – but in many cases, the changes are here to stay. We take a look at three initiatives, inspired by COVID but with long-term ambitions, that spotlight the opportunities our sector has seized from the jaws of the crisis.
Is recovery the new fitness?
Should we be building more recovery into and alongside our indoor cycling programming? Kate Cracknell speaks to the experts.
Activism at Virgin Active
With its clubs now re-open, Virgin Active UK is unveiling a series of signature group exercise concepts, including new cycle classes created by cycle ‘activist’ Sarah-Jane Aboboto. She gives us a sneak preview.
Are you vocally fit?
Are you a group exercise instructor with a tired or strained voice, or an operator whose instructors are struggling to be heard in class? Susie Millen, founder of My Vocal Fitness, shares five invaluable tips.
Get the wheels turning again
Even as clubs and studios re-open, it is with significant restrictions on group exercise participation, as well as continued nervousness among many members. So, how can we maximise the number of people enjoying our indoor cycling offering? We ask the experts.
Artificial intelligence. Real results.
Pitch-perfect marketing, optimised class schedules, fine-tuned instructor line-ups… The opportunities presented by AI might seem too good to be true, but this is all achievable now, driving improved revenues and retention. AI expert Ian Mullane explains.
The Outside, Inside
Waiting for the technology to catch up, so fully immersive environments can transform all of our indoor workout experiences. Charles Pearce, founder of Immersive Gym, outlines his vision to Kate Cracknell
The future of indoor cycling
What does the next year – and beyond – hold for the indoor cycling sector, both in and out of club? Our expert panel share their fascinating insights
Changing the world, one smile at a time
A global event in November saw cyclists around the world come together virtually to raise money for children’s charity Smile Train. We explore the story behind RIDE for Smile Train: Home Edition
The future of trade events
Forced by COVID-19 to abandon their usual in-person formats, the organisers of fitness conferences and trade shows quickly switched to an online model in 2020. Does this mark the beginning of the end for events and networking as we know it?
The word from New Zealand
With New Zealand a fair way ahead of many markets on the COVID recovery curve, we were keen to learn what might be coming down the line for the rest of us. We turned to Auckland-based Sam Aldred for his insights into the current NZ state of play.
Studio design: Know the WHY behind every decision
If you put the unique beliefs of your operation at the heart of studio design, you will end up with ‘industry-crushing’ spaces, says Barbara Chancey. She shares invaluable insights from the 200+ studios she’s created around the world
Mix & Match
Cycling fusion classes can be a great way to add ‘bang to your buck’, creating workouts that keep bodies and minds guessing and members engaged. We talk to those successfully offering exactly this style of class.
The pain-reducing power of VR
Studies show how use of virtual reality and immersive content can reduce perceptions of effort levels, and even muscle pain, during high-intensity cycling classes
A new spin on hotel fitness
As the demand for wellness travel grows, so cycling is surging forward as a key component of hotel-based fitness. Kate Cracknell reports
On the fly
Why did Town Sports International want to buy Flywheel, why did Flywheel want to be bought, and what does all this mean for the sector as a whole? Kate Cracknell investigates
It’s never too late
Interval training on an indoor cycle could just be the best form of exercise to keep muscles firing on all cylinders as we age. Ride High magazine reports…
I got Rhythm
David Lloyd Clubs is in the process of rolling out a boutique-style cycling concept cross its estate. Kate Cracknell gets in the saddle to try out one of its signature classes.
Style / substance
Is there a problem of style over substance in cycling studios around the world? We ask our expert panel Noël Nocciolo Independent indoor cycling master trainer & studio consultant Founder, Boutique Fitness Talks
A cast of thousands
What makes an indoor cycling event so special that 1,500 participants see it as one big party? Organiser Jesper Sørensen, instructor Lene Lystrup and participant Bitten Kvist Jakobsen talk to Tine Haslund about the secrets of Ørbike’s success.
Cycling Takeaways
In the second of a two-part series exploring the boom in at-home indoor cycling, global fitness industry observer Emma Barry shares 15 thought-provoking insights into current trends – and the shape of the future
The Digme tour
Harnessing the appeal of cycling Grand Tours for engaging themed classes – that’s just one of boutique operator Digme Fitness’ eye-catching strategies. Fitness industry observer and cycling enthusiast David Minton climbs into the saddle for its recent Tour de France event
The appliance of science
Les Mills uses science to road-test its cycling programmes. Bryce Hastings, Les Mills’ head of research, talks Kate Cracknell through some of the company’s extensive studies in the field of indoor cycling
SoulCycle London: Our verdict
SoulCycle London. It’s been a long time coming, but after years of speculation and eager anticipation, America’s cult indoor cycling workout has finally made its way across the Pond, opening its first non-North American studio in the Soho area of London, UK.
Five steps to a perfect cycle studio
Andreas Knölle, CTO at audiovisual specialist SOTA, shares his tips for anyone looking to create a world-class cycling studio experience.
Home Delivery
From IPOs to product launches to new content streaming partnerships, the world of at-home cycling is hot hot hot – and it’s only just getting started. Kate Cracknell reports.
Fitness World – indoor cycling version 2.0
Fitness World, the largest chain of fitness clubs in Denmark, is in the process of launching a new indoor cycling concept at their 106 fitness centres. RIDE HIGH Magazine talks to Mie Sisse Konradsen, Group Fitness Manager at Fitness World, about their new concept.
See the light
Harnessing the power of light to boost energy levels and spread happiness throughout the studio – and into people’s homes. Kate Cracknell pays a visit to FirstLight, London’s new boutique cycling studio.
Les Mills LIVE – Singapore 2019
Live exertainment at its best, this epic event offers community, activity,fun and a chance to network – and the 2,500 tickets are selling fast, says Hylton Drake, COO Les Mills Asia Pacific.
ØRBIKE – a dream coming true
With 280 bikes and up to 1200 cyclists, ØRBIKE is one of the largest indoor cycling events in Denmark. Meet Jesper Sørensen, the cycling aficionado behind it all, and read the full story about making a dream come true.
Cycling: the anti-obesity drug
Scientists are currently exploring whether a hormone known as FGF21 can be used as a drug against diabetes and obesity. But new research suggests there may be a simpler option: our body will naturally produce far more FGF21 if it does a 60-minute indoor cycling workout
Riding high
When the Ministry of Sound says it’s going to host a week-long party on a bike, you know you’re in for a pretty special ride. Kate Cracknell pays a visit When the Ministry of Sound, south-east London’s iconic nightclub, says it’s going to host a week-long party on a bike… well, you know you’re in for a pretty special ride.
Beating the downward cycle of dementia
Can indoor cycling help alleviate the symptoms caused by dementia? Anders Justesen Lind – a physiotherapist working as part of an interdisciplinary dementia team in Frederikshavn, Denmark – reports
The best of all worlds
The ICA’s Jennifer Sage outlines her mission: to bridge the gap between cycling purists and the ‘party on a bike’ brigade, creating a resource that teaches instructors across the sector how to lead technically robust classes in a way that truly inspires and enthuses the riders.
The perfect playlist for indoor cycling
Dairy cows produce more milk when listening to music in the cowshed. And music motivates people to work out harder and stay focused at the fitness centre. Both statements are scientific facts.
Cycling for a better cause
If TRN’s ‘The Small One’ charity event in November 2017 was a great success, then ‘The BIG One’ in February 2018 was – in terms of money raised, number of participants and rider reaction – an even BIGGER success!
Boutique cycle
From Coast to Coast the boutique cycling space is claiming its place on the Australian fitness landscape. Well over 30 boutiques have popped up over the last couple of years in all major cities of what is a land area almost as wide as the United States and just a big north to south. That’s big! The difference is that the USA has a population of 320 million whereas Australia has just over 28 million.
Welcome to Cockburn Arc!
Across the vast country that is Australia – one that has always prided itself on being a sporty nation – local governments have for many years been the suppliers of local, community amenities that go above and beyond grass fields for football or cricket and the local swimming pool.
James Lamb
James Lamb is 14 years into a fitness career. A country boy from the Bush who made the move to the city of Sydney, he has during those 14 years completed his Bachelor of Applied Fitness, trained in some of the most advanced and progressive training facilities in the greater Sydney area, and found mentors within the indoor cycling space who recognised his potential.
Activio goes Europe
Everybody who’s joined a good indoor cycle class knows what good looks like and feels like. The team spirit, to love the music and to get that sense of accomplishment and the feeling of freedom while you give it your all. To know exactly what your performance is, will only add to the cycling addiction.
Steamy spinning class, no sweat!
Let’s face it, instructing a cycling class could be the sweatiest job on the planet! I remember attending the Nike Show in Copenhagen some 10+ years ago. The organisers had covered the polished gym floor with 60 sheets of plywood, one for each bike. At the end of each session they were all soaking wet. That is the environment that we have to work with as Audio System designers and installers!
Bas Hollander
I believe that each of us has a picture, however vague, of what we would like to accomplish before we die. How close we get to attaining these goals becomes the measure of the quality of our lives.
