Don't Speak English....

[labo]

Frequently I have people who come to Spin who don't speak English...OK not enough to understand what I'm saying....which I try to say simply...but that doesn't even work. I try visual cues but often that just doesn't fly.... I find that sooooooo frustrating....but when I expressed my frustration to a fellow instructor she acted like I was Archie Bunker or something....

AUGH....I would think that coming to a class when you can't understand the instructor is frustrating and not beneficial for all involved....they can't understand cadence, resistence, proper technique etc.....am I totally off base here??????? :shock:

[Legspeed]

Students don't understand the language? Have you tried speaking louder? When I travel abroad, I find this works rather well, especially in France.

Seriously, how is this even a problem? Isn't that why you're paid to be up front demonstrating the proper form and positioning? Are you suggesting it would be more beneficial for them to not be in the class? [/quote]

[Satori]

Labo...Enjoy the experience..In case you haven't noticed, Spinning is a Global Community....No matter what language, we are, and have always been of like mind...When given the opportunity, ride with an Instructor who speaks a language other than yours, let the words go, embrace the energy.... feel a different passion...

One World,Many Languages
Satori

[labo]

Gee so let me get this straight.....you're saying that people with no clue about indoor cycling who don't speak the same language should be able to follow form and positioning....when there are countless entries on this and other forums on how people who CAN understand what you're saying don't follow proper form and positioning.

As a cyclist I would love to go to a class where I do not know the language...BUT only because I have a clue at what is going on in a class...a first timer who does not speak English I believe is at a definite disadvantage ..........more beneficial for them not to be in class....hmmm not sure... for some I've seen go through this yes for some no....

[megale3]

Hola Labo (thanks Carol :D)
I am not sure what nationalities that you are getting in class but I think it would be cool if you were to learn some of the language in question like hill and climb and then help transfer them (riders) to English cues. May take some more than usual effort but it could be a rewarding experience and beneficial for years to come as a coach and a vacationer. :D
Meg

[hammertime]

Have you tried non-verbal communication? What would you do if you had a deaf person show up? Try utilising the other senses you have rather than focusing only on the verbal/auditory.

[bluenoser]

I think what Labo is trying to say is that certains riders are not responding to her cues . . .and isn't that something that many of us moan about at one time or another (how to get__ to slow down, how to urge __ to add resistance, what to say to convince __ not to pedal with one foot with their hands behind their backs). Well, consider those communication difficulties ('course there's more going on in some of our Spin rooms than simple miscommunication) x language barrier = a whole lotta mess.

Labo, you didn't say if these riders were Spanish, French, Czech, or even if you thought they spoke the same language. If your club truly does have a lot of Spanish speaking riders for instance, it would be very neat if management would ensure that instructors had at least some basic Spanish. Left to your own devices (and from what you've said, other instructors either don't share your concern, or have found a way to communicate) you could learn some basic phrases . . . I don't know if anyone is able to access posts from the MDA forum, but there was a very useful thread in which folks translated common Spinning phrases into Spanish. I'm sure others would willingly help out in other languages as well.

True, as some have said, nonverbal Spinning language is universal, but we all know that some folks, new riders included, just aren't paying attention to what we think they're paying attention to. And if they're learning the basics of form etc, the message needs to be clear.

Hmm, and what about some more off the bike, one on one stuff--would that help? I think its about adaptation and thinking outside the box. Good luck.

[CancunCarol]

It sounds as though frustration is getting the better of you. I too have tought People that Don't speak english or spanish or any of the other languages I can get by on . I look at it as a challenge and usually have fun trying to communicate Because the appretiation and satisfaction once something clicks is great both for the student and Me.
Like Blue said you were not specific as to what language you're dealling with I think that is an important point because if we are talking lets say Hungarien :shock: for example then maybe yes you have your work cut out for you but in my experience People are making an effort to understand.

PS I have nothing against Hungariens it's just an example :)

[Cheeze]

Rather than seeing this as frustration - view this as a challenge to expand your coaching. I think this situation is very similar to you going on vacation in a foreign (non-English speaking) country. You would spend some time learning some basic words/phrases to make sure you could communicate your most basic needs. If you couldn't communicate by the spoken word you would through body language, gestures or example.

If this is a language problem I concur with others. Learn the words in their language for some of the basic terms of Spinning. During their initial orientation have one of your veteran riders ride next to them communicating by example what you are trying to communicate in words. If you can - ride next to them (or have a mentor) during class so you can correct by example as needed. And above all be patient and have a sense of humor as you try to bridge this communication gap. A genuine smile is the easiest form of communication to learn.

Spinning is a universal non-verbal language. At WSSC Miami many Americans attend rides presented by Brazilian MI's. During the first 20 minutes of her presentation at our R4R event Angie Sturtevant did not speak and you couldn't see her face because she was wearing her now signature black hood and cape. She presented through her actions and her music and proved you do not have to talk to provide a successful ride. By not talking she turned up the volume on every riders focus.

A few shreds of Cheeze for you to sample

[ArcticBiker]

Sometimes you don't understand what the instructor is trying to say, even if you both speak the same language...

Most of my customers do not have the same first language as I, and I always give the classes in their first language (which is my second language), and for that reason I try to keep my verbal instructing very simple.

However, I've also had customers who don't understand the language I'm instructing in at all, and most of the times they've done great.