Spinning® Cadence, Heart Rate & Class Design

Spinning® Cadence, Heart Rate & Class Design

Online Course

Course Overview

Master the art and science of class design with this essential Spinning® continuing education workshop for certified instructors. Understanding the relationship between cadence, resistance, and intensity (heart rate) is fundamental to coaching classes that meet your riders' diverse training goals whilst delivering safe, effective, and engaging experiences.

What You'll Learn

• Cadence Fundamentals – Understand optimal RPM ranges for different training objectives, from strength-building climbs to high-speed sprints
• Heart Rate Training Zones – Master the five Spinning® energy zones and how to coach riders through each intensity level effectively
• Resistance-Cadence Relationship – Learn how resistance and cadence interact to create specific training stimuli and physiological adaptations
• Class Design Principles – Apply evidence-based programming strategies to create balanced, progressive, and goal-oriented class profiles
• Energy Zone Application – Design rides that target specific energy systems, from recovery to anaerobic threshold training
• Heart Rate Monitoring – Teach riders how to use heart rate data to personalise their training intensity and track progress
• Periodisation Concepts – Understand how to vary intensity, volume, and recovery within individual classes and across weekly programming
• Cueing for Intensity – Develop effective coaching language that guides riders to appropriate effort levels without relying solely on numbers
• Music Integration – Select and structure music that supports your class design objectives and enhances the rider experience

Course Format & Delivery

This Spinning® continuing education workshop combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants engage in instructor-led sessions, hands-on class design exercises, and practice teaching scenarios. The course is delivered by certified Spinning® Master Instructors with extensive experience in exercise physiology and programme design.

Who Should Attend

• Certified Spinning® instructors wanting to refine their class design skills and broaden community inclusivity
• New instructors seeking to build confidence in creating effective class profiles
• Experienced instructors looking to add variety and structure to their programming
• Group fitness coordinators responsible for scheduling and programming indoor cycling classes
• Personal trainers incorporating indoor cycling into client training programmes
• Studio owners wanting to ensure consistent, high-quality class experiences across their instructor team
• Instructors looking to grow class attendance through specialised knowledge focussing on participants' unique needs
• Anyone needing to earn continuing education credits for their Spinning® certification

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Design Spinning® classes that target specific training objectives using appropriate cadence and resistance combinations
• Coach riders through all five Spinning® energy zones with clear, effective cueing
• Create balanced class profiles that incorporate warm-up, progressive intensity, and proper recovery
• Apply heart rate training principles to help riders personalise their workout intensity
• Explain the physiological rationale behind different cadence-resistance combinations
• Develop weekly programming that provides variety whilst supporting rider progression
• Use music strategically to enhance class design and support training objectives
• Adapt class intensity in real-time based on rider feedback and observed effort levels

Why Class Design Mastery Matters

Effective class design is what separates good instructors from great ones. When you understand how to manipulate cadence, resistance, and heart rate to create specific training effects, you can deliver classes that truly meet your riders' goals—whether they're training for endurance events, building strength, improving cardiovascular fitness, or simply seeking an effective workout.

Well-designed classes also reduce injury risk, prevent overtraining, and keep riders engaged and progressing. Riders who see results and feel challenged (but not overwhelmed) become loyal participants who return to your classes week after week. This specialisation gives you the tools to create that experience consistently.

Course Materials Included

• Comprehensive digital course manual with class design templates and heart rate zone reference guides
• Sample class profile resources across all Spinning® energy zones and training objectives
• Cadence-resistance programming charts and intensity guidelines
• Music selection and BPM reference guide for class design
• Access to ongoing instructor resources and community support
• Spinning® Cadence, Heart Rate & Class Design certificate upon completion

How It Works

After you enrol, you'll receive an email from Spinning.eu within 24 hours with a link to start the course and complete it at your own pace. Upon completion, you'll receive confirmation of your continuing education credits earned.

Continuing Education Credits

This course provides valuable continuing education credits recognised by leading fitness organisations:

	0.40 ACE CECs
	5.00 SPIN® CECs

Course Procedure

1. Enrol in the course through your Athleticum account
2. View the course content at your own pace
3. Take the final assessment (80% pass mark required; unlimited retakes available)
4. Download and print your certificate of completion

Course Content Modules

• Getting Started
• Part 1 – Cadence, Heart Rate and Energy Zone Fundamentals
• Part 2 – Class Design and Programming Application
• Learning Activities
• Conclusion

Flexible Learning Experience

Investment in Your Professional Development: This course provides the foundational knowledge every Spinning® instructor needs to create safe, effective, and engaging classes. Whether you're new to teaching or looking to refine your skills, mastering class design will elevate your instruction and deliver better results for your riders.