Hey There

I have been teaching spin classes for several years as well. I think if you are going to teach in a gym like setting, you are going to have to balance "fun" stuff with saddle changes, and "real life" bike stuff, like long seated flats and hills.

The cyclists want to be trained for riding, but your average exerciser wants to have fun too.

What i do to balance the two is offer options, always options, options to remain standing for longer, or stay seated, or to try a different heart rate zone. Music, lighting and mood helps.

Personally i think instructors should be less wordy, and get to the point. I was listening to one instructor where i work, and all i could think is "shut up already!" She just kept going on and on it seemed in her explanations. So if it means to sit down before class and think of what you need to say (for example the list of safety issues, laces tucked in, knobs tighetened, water location, braking etc). Same thing for class objectives. if you are teaching an endurance class, and need to explain why, short explanations - builds aerobic base, your foundation for the rest of your training period. as you go through the class, you can add in some (short) physiology "you are increasing the capillaries in your legs, so next time you do this, it will feel easier" etc.

speaking of wordy...i have been that lots today...so i'm outty!

Cheers

Hannah