Coach Rob Manning is a racer, recreational rider, home bike mechanic, cycling coach, the owner of Tailwind Coaching, and host of the Tailwind Coaching Podcast. On top of that he’s Rob Manning, D.C.: a Chiropractic Physician with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and Pharmacology.
It is clear that Rob has a deep, hands-on understanding of the complexities of human physiology. At the same time, he’s able to distill that knowledge down for his coaching clients so they can apply them in training and see real results. Read below to learn more about Rob’s experience and the philosophies used in his coaching.
Tell me about your cycling background. What sort of riding have you done, for how long, etc?
I’ve been riding for more than 15 years and racing for about 10. I’ve ridden and raced mountain bikes, cyclocross, road races, criteriums, circuit races, stage races and track races. I’ve ridden gran fondos, centuries and everything in between.
When and why did you begin coaching?
I started coaching in 2011 after getting poor results from a traditional USAC educated coach. With my background and training in exercise science and chiropractic medicine, I realized I could apply most of those principles to make a more efficient training plan to work better with my busy schedule.
Every coach has particular philosophies which define their methods. How would you describe yours?
My methods are based on high intensity training, solid fundamentals and efficient use of your training time. I integrate cutting-edge scientific principles into my programs to give people a huge bang for their buck.
Do you use Zwift personally, and if so what for?
I use Zwift all the time during the winter as my primary training mode, and during the summer when I need a short, highly effective workout.
How is Zwift a useful tool from a coach’s perspective?
Zwift is an incredible tool from a coach’s perspective because allows me to build a workout for a client and know that they were guided in completing it. I also love it for the motivation it can provide an athlete and the ability to ride with my athletes around the world.
If you had just one piece of advice you could share with all Zwifters, what would it be?
Zwift is so much more than just a way to ride with your friends. It has the potential to be one of the best training tools you’ll ever use! Get creative with your training and use every part of Zwift to improve your fitness.
Learn more at tailwind-coaching.com
Testimonials
Coach Rob’s Battenkill training plan took me to a 2nd place at Battenkill last year…hoping to take it one more step this year! Coach Rob’s podcasts and training plans are easy for me to relate to and just make common sense.
Listening to the Tailwind Coaching podcast helped me move my way up the peloton this season. The keys to effective training are thoroughly covered, and each podcast covers one or two specific topics in training, so it’s easy to find what interests you specifically. It’s a must listen if you’re serious about training to achieve your potential!
