spinning certification advice?

**Dogmama** · 03-08-2008, 07:30 PM

Hi all,

I'm working on getting my ACSM personal training certification and want to be certified as a spinning instructor as well. Madd Dog will be doing a training here in May. Is this a good certification? Is it accepted in most clubs, or do they want their own certification? I know Bally's teaches "Reaction Cycling" but don't know if they (or other clubs) accept a Madd Dog, or other, certifications.

I could probably ask around, but the staff & personal trainers at my club are about 10 years old & too busy gossiping...

Thanks.

BTW, ACSM is tough!

**Zen** · 03-08-2008, 07:56 PM

Can't you ask the spin instructors at your gym?

Yes, ACSM is tough. I wish all trainer certs were that tough.

**Miranda** · 03-09-2008, 12:24 AM

I have not started teaching yet, but am certified thru Mad Dogg Athletics. It's very well known. They protect the offical "spinning" name fiercely. The club must meet certain criteria to call their program "spinning". Otherwise, it's some other name of stationary cycling. Granted you do not have to teach at a "spinning" only certified facility. Unless the management requires their specific program. I think it is a well developed model that would be worth your time if those are your desires.

**Dogmama** · 03-09-2008, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by zencentury

Can't you ask the spin instructors at your gym?

Yes, ACSM is tough. I wish all trainer certs were that tough.

The spin instructors just know Reaction Cycling. To be honest, I'm not impressed with any of them. They do very unsafe things on the spin bikes.

**Zen** · 03-09-2008, 12:55 PM

I've never even heard of Reaction and yes, I've seen instructors do unsafe things too. Like putting one leg up on the handlebars to stretch while still seated.
I'm pretty sure no one teaches that during cert clinics.

**TNGIRL** · 03-10-2008, 07:45 AM

I would recommend both the Madd Dog and ACSM certification. I have both and they are highly respected. Be sure to check out the information on Continuing education credits. The CEC's can be costly.

**Dogmama** · 03-10-2008, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by TNGIRL

I would recommend both the Madd Dog and ACSM certification. I have both and they are highly respected. Be sure to check out the information on Continuing education credits. The CEC's can be costly.

Thanks! It helps knowing that I'm doing all this work for something good. I know the continuing education requirements are expensive. Hopefully, though, they have substance that I can pass along to my (future) clients.

**Zeek** · 03-13-2008, 08:04 AM

I am a certified spinning instructor (STAR 3) with MDA. Although their program has lots of room for improvement (some--not all--of the CECs are stale and could use some revising) their organization is respected in the IDC community (but IMHO they lost some credibility when Johnny left). All in all, if you want to get certified to teach spinning, I would go through MDA. Reaction Cycling is taught for Bally Total Fitness. It's a Schwinn certification.

**Julibird** · 03-14-2008, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Zeek

I am a certified spinning instructor (STAR 3) with MDA. Although their program has lots of room for improvement (some--not all--of the CECs are stale and could use some revising) their organization is respected in the IDC community (but IMHO they lost some credibility when Johnny left). All in all, if you want to get certified to teach spinning, I would go through MDA. Reaction Cycling is taught for Bally Total Fitness. It's a Schwinn certification.

I agree with Zeek. I am MDA certified and was happy with my cert. The master instructor (MI) who taught me was great. MIs are not all created equal - most are probably good, but I know that there are some duds.

There are two indoor cycling instructor forums that are GREAT resources for all things pertaining to indoor cycling, like Innercycling.com.

One thing to add - if you are interested in training with power and know of facilities with CycleOPs studio bikes with power taps, or the new LeMond RevMasters with estimated power, you might look into the new certification from CycleOps. Some of the best MIs from MDA are now working for this program and it is THE platinum standard, in my opinion. Only worth it if you have the facilities nearby, though.

**han-grrl** · 03-15-2008, 07:09 AM

I would recommend the original of spin - Mad Dog.
I just find the program is better structured that other certifications.

H

**Dogmama** · 03-15-2008, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by han-grrl

I would recommend the original of spin - Mad Dog.
I just find the program is better structured that other certifications.

H

H - thanks. I'm registered for May 3 to go through their orientation. I did a lot of research (I'm a tad anal...) and it does look like a good program.

**Zeek** · 03-18-2008, 11:34 AM

Being anal is not a bad thing. Do you know who your M.I. will be? If you call Mad Dogg, they should be able to tell you.

**Dogmama** · 03-19-2008, 05:58 AM

What is "M.I."?

**tulip** · 03-19-2008, 01:32 PM

Master Instructor?

How about Cycle Reebok? Any opinions or knowledge about that program?

**Julibird** · 03-23-2008, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by tulip

Master Instructor?

How about Cycle Reebok? Any opinions or knowledge about that program?

I have NO knowledge of Reebok. But, I know that MDA seems to have more respect among instructors in my area, fair or not. The other cert. that gets you in the door in my area is Schwinn.

You can't lose with a Spinning cert. It may or may not be the best, but it is a standard that is recognized everywhere.

My .02.

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