Indoor Cycling for Fitness
Instructor: Michelle Zulim-Clark
Email: michelle_zulimclark@cuesta.edu

Welcome!

I’m your instructor, Michelle Zulim-Clark, and I’m excited to have you in this course! I teach a variety of health education and kinesiology activity classes on the San Luis Obispo campus.

This semester, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your personal fitness level while learning about key principles of exercise and health through indoor cycling.

Course Format:

This is a hybrid course, which means we’ll meet twice a week in person and complete additional work online. Please note—this is not a self-paced class. Although it’s primarily activity-based, you’ll have weekly readings and assignments to complete outside of class.

Course Description:

Presents the concepts of cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility in a cycling format. Students will use a combination of cardio-respiratory training and strength work using stationary bikes to enhance overall fitness and health levels.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Analyze how this course has helped maintain or improve personal well-being

• Develop and assess pre/post fitness goals

• Demonstrate proper cycling form, technique, and posture

• Define basic cardio-respiratory and fitness principles

Required Text:

None

Time Commitment:

We meet in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 3 total hours each week. Expect to spend about 3 additional hours completing online work. This may include online workouts, attending outside fitness classes, or researching and reporting on indoor cycling and fitness principles.

Is Hybrid Learning Right for You?

Hybrid learning requires extra motivation and time management. Students should feel confident in their ability to work independently, manage time well, and stay on top of both in-person and online components.

Computer Requirements:

You’ll need a computer or device with:

• Reliable internet connection

• Access to email and Canvas

• The ability to download/upload files, scan documents as PDFs, and watch videos

You must be comfortable with basic computer skills—assistance with these skills will not be provided.

Getting Started:

The course will be available on Canvas on the start date. You must:

• Attend the first in-person class

• Activate your Canvas account

• Complete the first week’s assignments

Failure to do so may result in being dropped from the course.

Participation and Late Work Policy:

You’re expected to stay on pace and engage with the course each week. Late work may be penalized, and some assignments will not be accepted past their deadlines.

If you face illness or another serious issue, please reach out to me early so we can discuss possible accommodations.

Communication:

I’ll be available for questions and support via email and after class.

Course Structure (Modules):

All content will be organized in Canvas Modules, designed to guide you through each week’s materials in a specific order. The syllabus will outline the schedule and assessment dates.

Evaluation Breakdown:

• Participation (in-person & online): 50%

• Written Assignments: 20%

• Behavior Change Project: 20%

• Final Exam: 10%

Grading Scale:

• A (90–100%)

• B (79.5–89.9%)

• C (69.5–79.4%)

• D (59.5–69.4%)

• F (Below 59.4%)

Academic Integrity:

Plagiarism or academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Assignments must reflect your own original thoughts and work. Violations may result in a zero on the assignment and possibly an F in the course.

Drop/Withdraw Policy:

Consistent participation is required. If you miss assignments or fall behind, you may be dropped before the “W” date. If you decide to withdraw, please do so following Cuesta’s drop policies.

Regular and Effective Contact:

You can expect regular updates via:

• Announcements

• Discussion forums

• Email

• Office hours

I’ll do my best to respond to messages within 8 hours.

Student Identity Verification:

All work will be completed through Canvas, which requires secure login with your Cuesta email (e.g., albert_einstein@my.cuesta.edu).

Online Etiquette:

• Use respectful and professional language in all forums

• Avoid texting abbreviations (e.g., "lol")

• Use full sentences, punctuation, and proper capitalization

• Don’t post in ALL CAPS—it's interpreted as yelling

• Stay engaged and contribute thoughtful responses

Technical Support:

If you have trouble accessing Canvas, contact: support@my.cuesta.edu

Accommodations:

If you have a disability that may affect your learning or participation, please contact DSPS at 805-546-3148 as soon as possible. They will coordinate with me to arrange any necessary accommodations.

Waitlist Policy:

Students on the waitlist will receive an email on the first day of class. For more details, refer to Cuesta’s waitlist procedures.

Thanks for reading this welcome letter—I look forward to an active, fun, and rewarding semester with you!

Michelle Zulim-Clark