orientation

I am attending orientation a week from Sunday and was wondering what to expect. How long are we on the bikes? Do we get breaks? What should I rbing with me?

THANKS!

[labo]

what type of orientation is it????

If its Spin....if I remember correctly...it was a while....we rode two full classes...one at the beginning and one at the end. In between we learned proper bike setup, so you'll be on and off the bike, profile building, music selection etc.....

I would suggest you bring at least 1 full water bottle, plus some gatorade or the like, a few energy bars, your lunch, we didn't have time to go out to lunch and at least one full change of clothes... and a sweatshirt cause usually when you're sitting around you get a bit cold....

Hope this helps......

Yes, Spinning. It is called for 8 hours so I was a bit uncertain about what to expect. Thanks for the suggestions.

[CancunCarol]

Also you want to take a change of clothes A sweat shirt or Jacket, I wore long pants because with AC it got chilly especially after the rides.
We did have a break for lunch I guess it depends on the MI.

[guest]

All good info. As I recall, fortunately we had chairs next to our bikes where we could sit when not riding. I think others have given good info but I would ad paper and pencil and a power bar or other snack you might like. Lots of energy is spent and lunch might seem a long time away... Unfortunately, I got a grumpy MI who, when she learned I had certified with Precision earlier, told me that "the door swung both ways" if I did not like what I heard. An inauspicioius beginning that went downhill from there unfortunately. Gave me an initial bad taste about the program which I fortunately got past as I learned more about it and encountered other instructors who were less arrogant and judgemental.

Do the students have to do anything like go up and try to teach any part of a ride or anything? I think I would be too nervous!

Re student teaching/demonstration - No,not at least in my orientation. Although now that I have been teaching for almost two years, some sort of hand-on practicum would have been very useful, despite the normal anxiety attached to such things. When I think of my first half dozen classes, I shudder...I must have been awful!

[labo]

we had to demonstrate how to set someone up on the bike....so I guess that's a yes for student demos...we also had to give our opinions on profiles and to build profiles that were reviewed by the group....but hang tough nothing harder than you will face when you have your own class....and REMEMBER!!! You're never as good as you will be....so relax...we've all been there!

[zoepup]

Mine and the recent ones that my collegues attented had 2 rides during the day. The first one was only 15 minutes in the morning. We spent the entire time learning the proper form for the movements. The second one was 1:15 in the afternoon. 15 minutes were spent on each EZ. Once again, form was emphasized. As far as the orientations goes, if you can take a regular spinning class the rides at the orientation are a cake walk. They are not there to see how much you can handle.

Enjoy,

Z

[spindawg]

Also need a heart rate monitor.
Might want to take a pad to sit on, in case they don't have chairs. The floor gets hard after a couple of hours.

[spinnster10]

Cake walk? None that I have attended! The MIs just make it feel that way! They bring out the best in us.
Including my own orientation many years ago and those that I have hosted, the experiences have been very similar:
Bring a heart rate monitor -- you will really miss much of what is being presented on the rides without one. Bring at least one water bottle that you can refill, or be safe and bring several.
Bring lunch. While most MIs break for lunch, you usually don't get enough time to track down food and eat at a reasonable pace. If you are a grazer, bring nibbling material.
Attire: always bring a jacket and long pants. Most gyms do get chilly. At other sites for workshops, I have had to sit on a cold, hard floor for the lectures. Do that for several hours and then jump on a bike -- yuck!
The first ride is very casual, but you usually work up a sweat. I recommend different attire for the two rides.
Some MIs do, after showing you how, have you set someone else up on the bike. There is no pressure. While the lectures get in a lot of material, they are very casual. The MIs are awesome!!!
Orientation is not a "show and tell" for those attending. You do not need to prove anything to anyone. All of the MIs mean what they say, even for Orientation -- it is your ride! However, if you are not participating as given for a specific reason, it is appreciated if you tell them in advance.
The second ride of orientation will be the most incredible of your life! In a MIs hands, going through the different zones for (usually) 75 minutes, you will float away from orientation! You will be riding a huge high! (When I am the hostess, I try to jump in on these rides. They are phenomenal!) You will be motivated and equipped to bring the best to your students.
Good luck! Let us know what you think afterwards!

[spinfet]

good info from everyone - Congratulations for doing this first step becoming a Johnny G Spinning Instructor

1) Bring all the equipment you will for the practical part of the orientation, I mean for the 2 Spinning Rides (cycling shorts + 2 Jerseys , cycling shoes, HRM, something warm to wear before/between/after the rides)

2) Hydration & Nutrition : Bring bottles of water + something to eat : fruits and protein barrs = some fuel for this long and exciting day

3) Pencil + paper to take notes from what the Master Instructor will be saying on the program and also something important on the philosophy : the sentences, the images you can implement in your class

The spinning program is more than just a simple work-out if you will have the chance to meet Johnny G and have a little talk with him during conventions or some lectures he will be giving you will understnd better his own program ... Unfortunately, many instructors neglect this part and that's what can help us to empower the riders with the mind/body connection ...

Wish you will have a very interactive group !! Interactivity will help to go deeper and to understand fully the materials... I cross my fingers for you !!!!

4) Last thing something really important : Bring Your BIG smile :D :D :D that will make the difference


Peace, love and spinning

Féthi 8)

[spinfet]

forget to tell you in my orientation Sept 2001, we were 8 persons to attend and in the second day (here in europe the orientation take place in 2 days !!), all the attenders were giving a part of the Spinning class and the MI was taking some notes on our coaching : i have to do a seated climb and I had to do the stretching ...

Remember that moment, it was very impressive but very helpful for our next classes :D

The present moment is our gift so, love and Spin ;)

Fethi