Training & Nutrition - Training DVD's

Does anyone use Train Right or Spinervals DVD's to train? If so is one better than the other?
How are your results? Just wondering if they are worth buying.

I recently purchased Spinervals 1.0 DVD. It contains tempo sets, super spins, race simulations and ladders. Its 45 minutes long and perfect for those days you can't make it outside. Its a good intensity for me...a 9 out of 10 on their scale. I like it because it keeps me motivated throughout the ride.

Doing the same one time after time gets a little monotanous (sp?) so I'm interested in getting a couple more to incorporate some variety. I'll be watching the responses to see what others like.

In my opinion, the Spinerval DVDs tend to be a little more intense, and less focused on cycling technique, etc. They seem more work-out oriented. The CTS DVDs have more cycling-specific stuff. The downside of the CTS DVDs is Carmichael's relentless salesmanship. He's always pitching CTS coaching and Powerbars. It strikes me as ludicrous (sp?) when, before the last 10 minute interval of a +/- 50 minute workout he tells everyone it's time to eat your Powerbars. I mean, it's not even an hour workout, and that Powerbar really isn't going to get into your system soon enough to help get you through the last 10 minutes of the workout.

By the way, there was a thread last winter or spring asking people to describe the contents of various workout DVDs. The thread didn't get very far, but you might find some useful info there. Sorry, I don't remember any specifics to search for.


Re/your question on whether the DVDs are worth buying, I think so. The DVDs make the trainer time go faster than just listening to music, and like riding with others can help encourage intensity. Also, particularly in the case of the CTS DVDs, they give you a demonstration to augment the text descriptions from training books, etc. The downside is that many of the workouts are too intense (IMO) for much of the season (late fall, winter) when you'd be using them the most.

We have about 3 of the Spinnervals DVD's. They are quite different (and different lengths as well). "No Slackers", "Hill Climbing" and "Tough Love". Tough Love seemed to get a lot of votes last winter as I recall.

Arer they effective? Hard to tell - I only use them during the winter for the most part. To be honest, I'm not sure that I've ever completed one start to finish with the intensity that they suggest -- they are generally pretty tough, but not impossible. At least, you won't feel guilty afterwards ;-)

I have the original Cyclerobx and the follow up Cyclerobx tape that Coach Troy did before he started making his own. I also have Spineravals 1.0-No Slackers and Spineravals 2.0-Time Trial Special too. I like them alot. the 2nd Cyclerobx tape is better and longer than the first one. One of my ride buddies got 3.0-Suffo-rama and 4.0 - Mental Toughness. Thats the one you do when your rained out on a Sat/Sun ride in the winter. I have no experience with any of the later ones past 4.0. I think they helped me immensley in the offseason. I used to get together 2x a week with a regular group of riders and we'd suffer these workouts together. Thats the best way. They suck doing them alone.

Thanks for eveyones input. I'm trying to decide what to get for this winter. So tired of
just TV and or music. Sounds like any of those DVDs will make indoor time more fun.

Oh yea, Spinervals rock. I have some of the higher intensity as well as the lower intensity Aero Base Builder DVD's. I use them during the season when there are thunderstorms or late at night and I don't want to be out on the roads or trails here in DC. Great for off season too. the web site www.spinervals.com has a good description of the videos, but I usually order them through nashbar or performancebike; you'll get a cheaper prioce than ordering them directly off of the spinervals web site.