Quote Originally Posted by Funhog View Post
This is unfortunately so true...too many instructors have no clue about good form or how to correct riders, or even anything about physiology. This is what I am personally on a crusade to change, through my own orientations and sessions at WSSC; and I know many other Master Instructors feel the same way, but I can't speak for each and every one of them in all the different programs.

But alas...there will always be those instructors who don't give a sh*@ and just teach what they want and not worry about safety and effectiveness of their classes.

I would add that there is not a lack of good education for fitness instructors... there is a LOT of great education out there. Lots of great conferences, continuing ed, workshops, home studies, etc. For Spinning, and indoor cycling, there are great Continuing Ed workshops and WSSC is an amazing way to learn and grow as an instructor and to be better at coaching, correcting students, creating profiles, understanding physiology and training principles, etc.

The problem Resi, is that far too many instructors think they don't NEED to learn more. They think they know it all. Or they think they can't afford it (I say they can't afford not to do it). Or they don't take the time to learn more. personally, I believe that if you take the step to get certified, and are teaching students to push themselves (maybe even to intensities that they shouldn't be doing) then you have an OBLIGATION to keep up to date, and to learn as much as possible.

I can't figure it out, because if I didn't constantly update my profiles, my cueing, and my own motivation through CED, or keep up to date with the latest training principles, I would go crazy. And I have been teaching this stuff to others for 11 years! I still need more for me. CANI - Constant and Never-ending Improvement. We all need it, no matter what you're teaching or what you're doing. EVERYONE needs to learn more, to improve.

If I had my druthers, I'd make it a requirement for IDC instructors to already have some sort of certification in fitness prior to getting certified. There are some who don't even know how to tell you what "aerobic" and "anaerobic" mean...

sigh...I'll get off my soapbox now!

Dogmama, do you know who your MI will be? What town is the orientation in?
You speack out of my heart, I am on a crusade too. Last week I had a big dispute with my friends which are instructors about this topic and now they don't talk to me anymore. Well I guess to bad... Exactly what you say, they think they know it all, well they don't. Anyway to make a difference, I decided to get me educated in personal trainer, spinning and Pilate's/reformer and what ever interests me... I come from a professional ballet career (now retired), I know how hard you have to work and to keep you updated. You said it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry my English is maybe not the best, hope you all understand.

Oh by the way, you organize biketrips in Europe? I am from Europe...

Thanks for the moral support.

You take care

Resi

P.S.: I will be in Colorado riding the tour de Colorado, maybe you are there too?