Okay I got a bike trainer- so what do I do with it?

[ktzmoh]

Do you have structured workouts that you like for the bike trainer? Where do you get them, just write them down and do it or watch in YouTube or somewhere else?

Or do you just get on and start pedaling? Also, does a 45 min trainer session replace a 45 min ride on my schedule (sorry if that's a dumb question)?

Also, I'm taking bets on how many times I bite it before I get the hang of the fancy pedals and shoes...

[joenali]

Sometimes the trainer can be a better workout than the road. However, it doesn't replace the road. On a trainer you don't have to stop for lights, you can't coast etc. I use Spinervals DVDs for my trainer workouts. You can get them on Amazon. Or you can make your own workout. Trainers can get very boring, so using a structured workout is my preference.

If you really want to go balls to the wall you can buy a computrainer. Lots of money but you do your rides with power rather than heart rate or rate of perceived exertion.

[reginaphalange72]

Sufferfest workouts are also great. Fair warning: They are appropriately named.

www.thesufferfest.com/

[ktzmoh]

Thanks ! I really liked it this morning! I got up with the kids and was able to get my workout in while letting H sleep in. I got brownie points without missing my workout!

[Brit]

I use mp3 workouts from Trihardist: www.trihardist.com/p/cycling-workouts.html?m=1

[Brit]

May 25, 2015 12:47:06 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Thanks ! I really liked it this morning! I got up with the kids and was able to get my workout in while letting H sleep in. I got brownie points without missing my workout!

How old are your kids? I want to use my bike trainer more, but DD is 3 and I am scared she will stick her finger in the wheel or something.

[ktzmoh]

May 25, 2015 13:41:06 GMT -5 Brit said:

May 25, 2015 12:47:06 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Thanks ! I really liked it this morning! I got up with the kids and was able to get my workout in while letting H sleep in. I got brownie points without missing my workout!

How old are your kids? I want to use my bike trainer more, but DD is 3 and I am scared she will stick her finger in the wheel or something.

They are 4 and 7. I put the trainer in the garage and left the door to the family room open so I could keep my eye on them while riding. They were too invested in their cartoons and drawing to care what i was doing lol!

[joenali]

May 25, 2015 13:41:06 GMT -5 Brit said:

May 25, 2015 12:47:06 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Thanks ! I really liked it this morning! I got up with the kids and was able to get my workout in while letting H sleep in. I got brownie points without missing my workout!

How old are your kids? I want to use my bike trainer more, but DD is 3 and I am scared she will stick her finger in the wheel or something.

They would only do it once and never again!

[ktzmoh]

May 24, 2015 23:24:16 GMT -5 joenali said:

Sometimes the trainer can be a better workout than the road. However, it doesn't replace the road. On a trainer you don't have to stop for lights, you can't coast etc. I use Spinervals DVDs for my trainer workouts. You can get them on Amazon. Or you can make your own workout. Trainers can get very boring, so using a structured workout is my preference.

If you really want to go balls to the wall you can buy a computrainer. Lots of money but you do your rides with power rather than heart rate or rate of perceived exertion.

I think for me as a beginner, this is probably super important. I'll still try to get two road rides in a week and maybe supplement with the trainer. I just feel like with all the hills near me and traffic lights/stop signs, I have trouble getting a sustained effort in at a controlled heart rate KWIM? Of course riding on our roads is probably great for my nascent bike handling skills ...

[sadlebred]

Since I mostly use it in the winter, I do some structured and some unstructured training on it.

I like this book I got a few years ago. I'll pick and choose a work out from this occasionally:

www.velopress.com/books/workouts-in-a-binder-for-indoor-cycling/