Anyone becoming a personal trainer ought to learn a thing or two about training clients to become cyclists. This type of exercise is extremely popular among new athletes who are looking for an engaging exercise that really gets results. If your client displays an interest in cycling, it is important that you know what kind of decisions you need to make and how to best create a cycling regimen that your client will want to stick to. These considerations range from buying custom cycling orthotics to writing up a varied cross-training plan. Before you launch a cycling program, be sure to think about:
The bike. Talk to your client about the kind of bike they're going to buy. In particular, discuss what they're going to do with it: how much they'll ride, how hard and on what kind of surfaces. It's also important your client gets a bike that is the right size, as sitting in the wrong position because the bike is too small or too large can lead to injury. If you aren't a bicycle expert, make sure your client gets professional advice. Most bike shops will be able to help you out.
Getting started. A common mistake is for prospective cyclists to push themselves too hard at the start and burn out too soon. A better approach is to build up cycling stamina over time. Even people who are already fit will need to ease themselves into cycling: riding a bike uses a different muscle set than other exercises.
Shoes. Footwear can be easy for beginning cyclists to overlook: it's not like you'll be putting a lot of weight on your feet, right? But the fact is, having the right cycling shoes can be just as important as having the right running shoes. Make sure your client has shoes that are designed especially for cycling, to minimize the potential for injury and maximize performance. Cycling orthotics can also help with the alignment of your client's body while they cycle.
Overworking. Don't let your client work him or herself too hard. It's important to take a rest day once a week to allow muscles to repair and rebuild, and also to take a mental break from all that cycling. These rest days are critical for the body, which can succumb to injury if the muscle groups are not given time to recover. It also keeps your client from the psychological fatigue that comes from doing the same thing every day.
Varying the workout. However much your client enjoys cycling, it is critical that it's not the only exercise he or she gets. A healthy body is one that is fit all around, and cycling doesn't work every muscle group so you need to compensate by adding other exercises into the regimen. Look into other options for cardio that your client enjoys and add in weight training to hit the muscles that might otherwise be ignored.
Goals. You already know that setting goals is important for general fitness, and it is just as important for cycling. Talk to your client about what he or she hopes to achieve in regards to increasing stamina and speed on their bicycle. Without clear achievable goals, you client may have trouble sticking to their routine, and may suffer a lack of motivation.
The bike. Talk to your client about the kind of bike they're going to buy. In particular, discuss what they're going to do with it: how much they'll ride, how hard and on what kind of surfaces. It's also important your client gets a bike that is the right size, as sitting in the wrong position because the bike is too small or too large can lead to injury. If you aren't a bicycle expert, make sure your client gets professional advice. Most bike shops will be able to help you out.
Getting started. A common mistake is for prospective cyclists to push themselves too hard at the start and burn out too soon. A better approach is to build up cycling stamina over time. Even people who are already fit will need to ease themselves into cycling: riding a bike uses a different muscle set than other exercises.
Shoes. Footwear can be easy for beginning cyclists to overlook: it's not like you'll be putting a lot of weight on your feet, right? But the fact is, having the right cycling shoes can be just as important as having the right running shoes. Make sure your client has shoes that are designed especially for cycling, to minimize the potential for injury and maximize performance. Cycling orthotics can also help with the alignment of your client's body while they cycle.
Overworking. Don't let your client work him or herself too hard. It's important to take a rest day once a week to allow muscles to repair and rebuild, and also to take a mental break from all that cycling. These rest days are critical for the body, which can succumb to injury if the muscle groups are not given time to recover. It also keeps your client from the psychological fatigue that comes from doing the same thing every day.
Varying the workout. However much your client enjoys cycling, it is critical that it's not the only exercise he or she gets. A healthy body is one that is fit all around, and cycling doesn't work every muscle group so you need to compensate by adding other exercises into the regimen. Look into other options for cardio that your client enjoys and add in weight training to hit the muscles that might otherwise be ignored.
Goals. You already know that setting goals is important for general fitness, and it is just as important for cycling. Talk to your client about what he or she hopes to achieve in regards to increasing stamina and speed on their bicycle. Without clear achievable goals, you client may have trouble sticking to their routine, and may suffer a lack of motivation.
About the Author:
Training cyclists is an effective way to grow your personal training business. For an extra 'wow' factor, study up on cycling insoles and other quality accessories that can make a big difference in your client's performance. Your clients will appreciate the extra effort you put in to making sure their workout is fun and effective.
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