RPE, professional judgement and rider diversity

Intensity is a defining feature of indoor cycling. When used appropriately, it supports fitness, motivation and progression. When applied without sufficient judgement or context, it can compromise rider safety, confidence and long-term engagement.
In group indoor cycling, instructors are responsible not only for setting challenge, but for managing how that challenge is experienced by a diverse group of riders within a shared environment.

Why intensity is often misunderstood

Intensity in indoor cycling is frequently discussed in terms of numbers, cues or energy levels, but its practical application varies widely between instructors, sessions and venues.
Common sources of confusion include:

• Treating intensity as a fixed output rather than an individual experience
• Assuming all riders respond similarly to the same workload
• Over-reliance on speed, gears or levels or external targets without sufficient context
• Using motivational language that unintentionally discourages self-regulation

In group settings, these issues are amplified by music, atmosphere and social pressure.

A calm, reasoned view

The Indoor Cycling Institute’s position is that intensity in group indoor cycling should be guided, not imposed, and managed through informed professional judgement rather than rigid prescription.
Appropriate use of intensity recognises that:

• Riders experience effort differently, even when performing the same task
• Perceived exertion (RPE) remains a valuable and accessible tool for managing intensity across mixed groups, and is more accurate, accessible and appropriate than using number gears or levels, or a range of these. 
• Instructors have a responsibility to create conditions where riders can regulate effort safely and effectively
• High intensity has a place, but only when it is purposeful, contextualised and supported by adequate recovery
• Power and FTP should be used only by those instructors who have enhanced their entry-level training with significant development around power in indoor cycling.
• Heartrate training should be used only by those instructors who have enhanced their entry-level training with significant development around heartrate training in indoor cycling.

Intensity should serve the aim of the session and the needs of the riders, not the other way around.

What instructors should consider

In practice, appropriate use of intensity may involve instructors:

• Using RPE to help riders interpret effort rather than chase external targets
• Offering clear guidance on how intensity should feel, alongside options to adjust
• Acknowledging that riders may be at different stages of fitness, experience or fatigue
• Designing sessions with logical progression, recovery and purpose
• Using language that supports autonomy rather than pressure or comparison

Effective instruction allows riders to engage meaningfully with challenge without feeling compelled to exceed safe or appropriate limits.

Judgement matters

This position statement does not suggest a single correct intensity model for all classes or contexts.
Instructors are expected to apply professional judgement, taking into account:

• The session aim and format
• The experience and diversity of the riders present
• The environment, equipment and time available
• Employer or venue guidance where applicable

Appropriate intensity is context-dependent and cannot be reduced to a single number or cue.

Review note

This position statement will be reviewed and updated as practice, evidence and professional understanding evolve.

Further reading: 

• Position Statements.
• Code of Conduct
• Professional Standards 
  

This position statement sits alongside the ICI Professional Standards and related guidance, including the Code of Conduct and other published Position Statements.