By Christina CastañedaAs a Spinning® instructor, your coaching skills will be one of the most valuable assets you will grow as part of your journey. Your coaching skills are what will bring you clients, and what will reap the priceless rewards that you receive from helping people reach their fitness goals. Below are tips from five legendary coaches on leadership and what qualities make champions:

Joe Friel | Endurance, Cycling and Triathlete Coach

Cyclists were one of the first groups of athletes that relied heavily on science and strategy for their performance, and Joe Friel was one of the leaders who encouraged this practice as he began his coaching in the ‘80s. As one of the first triathlon coaches in the US and founder of the USA Triathlon’s Coaches Association, Friel is known for “combining the art of science and sport,” a principle that we here at Spinning model through continuing education workshops and the SPINPower® program.  

This has been the secret to many athletes’ best races—a sharp focus on the present. The past is gone, and the future will take care of itself.

John Wooden | NCAA Basketball

Wooden is known for several legendary records in basketball: winning ten national championships—seven of them consecutive—over 12 years, an 88-game winning streak, and was named national coach of the year six times.Wooden had a message. Known for his quotes on sportsmanship and success, Wooden spoke legendary messages about values. As a Spinning instructor, values, purpose and intentions are a part of many of your success factors for your riders.Wooden had a plan. Wooden always had a plan, and part of that plan included a ritual of taking two to three hours to draft a plan and transfer them to index cards. It was rare to see him without them. Once you’ve established your intention, it’s important to create a plan. Having a plan for your classes today is much easier than writing index cards. Now there are apps, profiles and playlists ready to help you put this plan into action.

The best competition I have is against myself to become better.

Bill Walsh | NFL

Known for his West Coast Offense, Walsh led the 49ers to three consecutive Super Bowl Championships. He not only developed some of the greatest players in league history, but also fostered a new line of successful coaches including Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, Mike Holmgren, Mike McCarthy, Mike Shanahan, Mike Tomlin, and Jon Gruden.How does he get the results? From Walsh’s 10 Leadership Lessons, it’s no surprise that lesson number one is about creating a successful culture that is crafted by the leader. According to Walsh, “the culture precedes the positive results,” so every player, or every rider, that comes to your class has to feel that “they have a winning standard before they are winners.”

As the leader, part of the job is to be visible and willing to communicate with everyone.

Vince Lombardi | NFL

Known for his enduring work ethic and uncompromising style, Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL Championships, including victories in Super Bowl I and II. Lombardi returned later to coach the Washington Redskins in 1969 leading them to a winning season.Lombardi knew and understood discipline and ran intensive training camps to garner maximum dedication and effort from his team. Being a great coach and leading others to their goals takes discipline with your own practices and modeling it for your riders, and getting them to value the effort to reap the results through their training will create champion riders.

The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Sir Alex Ferguson | Manchester United, Soccer

Sir Alex Ferguson served as the manager of Manchester United for 26 years until 2013 when he retired. He led Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles, five Emirates Football Association Cups, the 1991 UEFA Cup title  and two Club World Cups. He was knighted in 1999.Ferguson possessed a skill that many great leaders learn to master; the art of decision-making. Great leaders, ranging from instructors to CEOs, are faced with difficult decisions, but what set Ferguson apart was the careful and decisive management style that put the best interest of the team first.

No one is bigger than the club.