It is the Parkinson’s Cycling Coach’s job to create a comfortable environment. This coach needs to be a motivator and an educator to help the Parkinson’s Cycling Participants adopt and adhere to this exercise protocol.
- Lead the class with a caring and positive attitude. Greet the Parkinson’s participants with a smile and their name before each class. This encourages more positive perception in this type of class environment. This positive beginning sets the tone for the class and provides less social anxiety.
- Be organized and prepared to lead the class. Have the music, profile, and tools easily accessible.
- Stay current on each individual’s health and personal challenges. Most participants will share this information easily.
The coach can use a Student- Centered Instruction. Allow the necessary information to be given to the participants to allow them to be successful. Try not to foster dependence, intimidation, or unattainable goals for the riders. The coach will encourage independence, encouragement, and only attainable goals.
The Parkinson’s Cycling Coach will be using auditory learning skills to establish success. Always cue the parameters of the ride distinctly and feel free to repeat the directions. Explain the “why” of each segment and how you want the riders to feel during the ride.
Example: “We are bringing our RPMs down to 65 now and turning our resistance knobs to the left. We are recovering. We will be here for @ 2 minutes or until you feel you are breathing at a level of intensity that feels similar to the beginning of class. Take some sips of water to stay hydrated. We want to feel good for our next interval.”
Another example: “We are beginning our longest interval. We want to gradually bring our pace or RPM up to 80. We will stay here for 1 minute. Allow the body to get used to this cadence before we add our resistance to bring our heart rate up. We will be more successful if we slowly build our intensity together. Breathe deeply and evenly.”
- Walk throughout the room while instructing the class. This creates more interaction with the participants and helps the coach monitor each participant appropriately. The coach will soon develop an emotional connection with the riders as well as watching the intensity levels and the RPMs.
- Coaches should establish a good emotional atmosphere in the cycling room. The words and actions of a good coach will convey the message that coming to the Parkinson’s Cycling Class is always a positive action.
Examples:
- If the rider is having a challenging day, “You made it to class. Good job!
- If another rider is struggling to bring their cadence up that day. “Do the best you can! Good job! “
- A rider is reaching his successful parameters for the first time. “It feels good to work hard!”
Each rider who makes it to class is successful in his or her own way. That is the coach’s job to make that quite clear.