Fifty Plus (50+) - Anyone else on the trainer or doing spinning classes?

I always find time to ride on either Saturday or Sunday. Just a bit of a habit I seem to have acquired.

Unfortuately we have a cover of several inches of snow, covered by a good bit of sleet and ice-with that covered by more snow. Tarwheel tried the knobby tire deal and I agree this stuff is just too dicey to attempt without studded tires. It is very much akin to ice.

Pulled out the dreaded trainer and my TT bike. I wanted to work on the positioning of the bars some anyway so why not. I don't have an option of riding in front of a TV, video etc so just got out in the garage facing the walk through door so I could see outside. As hard as I pedaled I just could not get that bike to come off the trainer and out the door.......I'm glad I did it-now that it's over-but it's certainly at the bottom of my list in terms of favorite riding activities.

.......I'm glad I did it-now that it's over-but it's certainly at the bottom of my list in terms of favorite riding activities.

Me too. I have to sternly lecture myself on the "happy you did it" to get my tush on the trainer.

I did an hour of Coach Troy yesterday. It' ls like getting your teeth cleaned. You know it's good for you but...

Going to spin twice a week, I like doing it that way much better than the trainer in the basement. It's the social thing I guess, or it could be the 5'2" instructor. Too bad my wife does it too.

I couldn't force myself to drag the trainer into the house so I signed up for a three month program with a personal trainer. Hopefully I'll still be able to get on a bike when this is over:rolleyes:

135370

I love rockin the trainer. My new deal is to go into the basement, set the timer for 3 hours on longer ride days and turn off the lights and ride enjoying listening to my heart beat.

I love rockin the trainer. My new deal is to go into the basement, set the timer for 3 hours on longer ride days and turn off the lights and ride enjoying listening to my heart beat.

:eek::twitchy: WTF??

Between the Mrs. and I, we have 486 miles on the trainer, we fondly call, "The Klingon Torture Device"! for the month of Jan., Arrugh! Southern Colorado has iffy weather at best from Dec-April (What is SPRING like, we'd really like to know) so sadly the balance of "trainer miles to bicycle miles" is going to be lopsided till it turns to summer in May!! ;) Like Ozzy Osborne says, "The Road To Nowhere, Leads TO ME"! :)

I love rockin the trainer. My new deal is to go into the basement, set the timer for 3 hours on longer ride days and turn off the lights and ride enjoying listening to my heart beat.

You Sir are a GOD!! I can at best do 1 hr. on my trainer, (that's with trying to keep a 15mph. avg. speed and a couple of 25-27mph sprints!), I'd be in traction or have a massive HEART ATTACK , if I had to ride a trainer for "3 HOURS"!! I bow in your presence!! :O

Well, got back in the torture chamber again today and did some intervals. Ugh.

This Winter I've set up the Team MagTurbo II (that I picked at Goodwill for $10) and used it for the first time in, maybe, 8-9 years. Not fun! But I am able to spin for 20-30 min. (looking at a TV) on days when I can't get out. I was able to get out this weekend - 10 miles yesterday and 5 today - and that exempts me from trainer tedium for the weekend.

Going on 31 days straight. As part of my New Years resolution was to get up every day at 5:00 and spin. Dress for the cold weather, make coffee and go spin for 45 minutes regardless if I make it out for a real ride. I view the spinning more as part of my weight program then conditioning, but I will be better prepared for when if gets warmer. 45 minutes is boring and pure torture.

Joe - Doin' the "roller derby" with the new acquisition, posted some observations here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?612934-You-CAN-teach-an-Old-Man-new-tricks

But even when it feels like I'm doing "good" for myself on the trainer, rollers or in a spin or comp -u trainer class, I remind myself that, no matter how hard I work -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYFFc5ZyRQA

We're doing Coach Fred's (RoadBikeRider) Power to the Pedals 12 week routine on spinner bikes at the health club this winter- twice a week one hour sessions; did it last winter and results were pretty amazing. ALso do one of the aerobics spinning sessions on Sat AM, and ride outdoors on Sat or Sun when weather permits (just rode outdoors today for the first time in Jan).
edit: not as an organized class, just my wife and I, and a riding buddy.

Mon-Wed-Fri night, one hour at the local gym, also Saturday am. Hate it, but I can't stand riding in the cold. So I loaded up an MP3 player with a slew of tunes and crank till I'm ready to puke. It should at least help the cardio conditioning, and I'm getting used to higher cadence levels. Can't wait till spring.....

After years of riding the trainer each winter, I am so over it. I haven't given a thought to riding it this year and I doubt I will. I just can't stand it anymore. I've been doing some running lately as I have to do something, but I haven't been on my road bike in months. So I guess it will take me a little longer to find my fitness this year. The roads are a mess and I don't expect I'll be on the bike until sometime in late Feb. Cie la vie.

I was using a trainer with the backup mountain bike I have until the crankset became loose. It's just too hard to bring my commuter bike in and out of the basement....we have a really small rental home, and bringing the bike in and out of the house is pretty hard, let alone the basement.

I suppose I will have to get the mountain bike fixed once again. I really would like to just give it to someone who wouldn't mind fixing it up. I have an old Schwinn I would like to try and fix up and use to commute....so, I haven't used the trainer in about 2 weeks. I used to use it an average of once every 2 days or so for about an hour? Something like that.

I attend a 2 hour trainer class two times a week and ride the trainer and rollers several times a week at home. I've found that having a plan when riding at home helps greatly. Starting out the session with some high cadence drills, lactate ladders and single leg drills followed with intervals and recoveries helps the hour go fast. Just riding at the same intensity for an hour would probably be considered torture if administered by the CIA.

I always find time to ride on either Saturday or Sunday. Just a bit of a habit I seem to have acquired.

Unfortuately we have a cover of several inches of snow, covered by a good bit of sleet and ice-with that covered by more snow. Tarwheel tried the knobby tire deal and I agree this stuff is just too dicey to attempt without studded tires. It is very much akin to ice.

Pulled out the dreaded trainer and my TT bike. I wanted to work on the positioning of the bars some anyway so why not. I don't have an option of riding in front of a TV, video etc so just got out in the garage facing the walk through door so I could see outside. As hard as I pedaled I just could not get that bike to come off the trainer and out the door.......I'm glad I did it-now that it's over-but it's certainly at the bottom of my list in terms of favorite riding activities.


I ride the spinning bike at the club or at home 5 out of 7 days a week for 15 to 18 miles each time. To cold and icy out. One almost fatal bike accident is enough for me. I do not mind the spinning bike. Its not as much fun as riding one of my road bikes but I must stay in shape for riding season. :)

After years of riding the trainer each winter, I am so over it. I haven't given a thought to riding it this year and I doubt I will. I just can't stand it anymore. I've been doing some running lately as I have to do something, but I haven't been on my road bike in months. So I guess it will take me a little longer to find my fitness this year. The roads are a mess and I don't expect I'll be on the bike until sometime in late Feb. Cie la vie.

Good to see you have electricity to be able to get online. I was wondering if you might have been affected by the weather Friday-lots of folks were without power for a while over your way.

In Jan., 10 days on the bike and 12 at spin class. I figure that I've done a total of about 500 effective miles this month.

I enjoy spin class, to a degree. They're really great for concentrating an hour of effort. Our gym has Keiser spin bikes that give a power calculation, plus HR, cals, cadence & time.

It's nice to be able to do both during the winter. Yesterday I did a spin class and was starting to feel a little sluggish. I thought that I may need a break from riding. When I rode outside today, I felt terrific. The change of scenery really did me good.

I hate trainers.

Found a new way to increase the torture; breaking in new Brooks saddles while riding a trainer.:eek:

I broke down and bought a new trainer yesterday so I can get in some workouts prior to spring. The bike is set up and ready, now I just need to get psyched up to ride without going anywhere! I was planning to "ride" a half hour tomorrow night, but I've got to complete some online applications for my oldest son. He's entering college this year! It's always something, eh?

I rode outdoors in the cold last year but just was not consistent enough to have a good base before springtime. I want to be in better condition this year, and I hope the trainer will let me dial in my new saddle as well.

Besides using iPods/MP3 players and books or videos, how do you guys pass the time while on the trainer?

You Sir are a GOD!! I can at best do 1 hr. on my trainer, (that's with trying to keep a 15mph. avg. speed and a couple of 25-27mph sprints!), I'd be in traction or have a massive HEART ATTACK , if I had to ride a trainer for "3 HOURS"!! I bow in your presence!! :O


I use to watch TV/movie or listen to music but I'd rather not anymore. I'd rather do intervals but some days ya just got to get in the time.

Besides using iPods/MP3 players and books or videos, how do you guys pass the time while on the trainer?

A 101" screen with surround sound helps some::thumb:

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr256/sru75/IMG_0835.jpg

I've been doing a spin session 3 days a week and find it quite addicting. I've been combining it with some running, swimming and lifting. The holiday softness is gone and I'm in the best shape I've ever been for the end of January. One thing that I think is really important is to use the off season to work on non-bike forms of fitness. This is the time to strengthen the areas of the body that don't get worked when riding. Developing those muscles now helps revent injuries down the line.

I download podcast and watch or listen to them on my laptop.

It is a great way to get in a 30+/- training ride.

My question is why it seems so like so much more work?
After a 30 min ride on the trainer I am wet and finished yet I normally ride a 25 mile course outdoors and don't mind it.

I download podcast and watch or listen to them on my laptop.

It is a great way to get in a 30+/- training ride.

My question is why it seems so like so much more work?
After a 30 min ride on the trainer I am wet and finished yet I normally ride a 25 mile course outdoors and don't mind it.

It's because there is no coasting on the trainer. It may not seem like much, but when you are on the road you can back off a little here and there and maintain your speed...on the trainer when you stop pedaling you stop. Trainers are like a constant uphill climb.

Nope, never, not even once.

My question is why it seems so like so much more work?


And there's no wind to dry your sweat as you have outside. I ride a set of resistance-equipped rollers 5x a week and I have 3 fans blowing on me. It's a little cool until I get warmed up, but it's really helpful during the ride. And, it keeps the gym-type smell away.

I do spinning 2xweek with an instructor (and friend) who is an ex-racer & bike shop owner. He makes it closer to an actual ride than most instructors. Also try to ride my rollers at least once a week. Now if I could only give up beer. Oh, well.

Hour spin class @5:45AM Mon-Fri before work. Tues/Wed night Level 2 Vinyasa yoga class. After yoga class, Tues night 2 hour velodrome motorpaced workout. Sat 50 mile club training ride. Sun 50-75 miles recovery. Getting ready for the 2010 velodrome season. Such is life in San Diego.

Now if I could only give up beer. Oh, well.

Why the heck would you want to do a silly thing like that? ;)

And there's no wind to dry your sweat as you have outside. I ride a set of resistance-equipped rollers 5x a week and I have 3 fans blowing on me. It's a little cool until I get warmed up, but it's really helpful during the ride. And, it keeps the gym-type smell away.

I was thinking about setting up a fan, might give it a try.

The last training I did I stopped every 15 mins got off the bike and had a quick drink of water. Doing that I was able to ride 45 mins.

We're doing Coach Fred's (RoadBikeRider) Power to the Pedals 12 week routine on spinner bikes at the health club this winter- twice a week one hour sessions; did it last winter and results were pretty amazing. ALso do one of the aerobics spinning sessions on Sat AM, and ride outdoors on Sat or Sun when weather permits (just rode outdoors today for the first time in Jan).

With winter confining me way more than normal, I have been using that Coach Fred program too. For several weeks now. I've been using just parts of it (ILT, 3s, seated sprints mostly). I have some days when the spin is just mostly a recovery ride too. Staying on the spin bike for more than one hour just does not compute with me. I am hoping to go up hills better and ride faster, if and when I ever get to ride outside again!

I do have a pleasant place to spin though and the HR monitor gives me something to pay attention to.

Just went for a swim in the deep end of the pool:

40 minute warm up then 3 x 15 min. @ LT+ It hurts sooooooo good.

I think a guppy could swim on the floor under my bike now.

Unfortunately we can't use the trainers as clothes hangers like we did with our nortic skiiers and treadmills.

I bought a used trainer for $35 a couple of years ago. Used it a couple of times and sold it with the stipulation that it be sold for $35 when he realized he won't use it.

Joe, my pigeon, sold it last year for $35 and made the buyer promise to do the same.

We're doing Coach Fred's (RoadBikeRider) Power to the Pedals 12 week routine on spinner bikes at the health club this winter- twice a week one hour sessions; did it last winter and results were pretty amazing.

Care to elaborate? I wouldn't mind some amazing results myself this year!

Besides using iPods/MP3 players and books or videos, how do you guys pass the time while on the trainer?

I swear by Spinervals, especially their Virtual Reality series.

Care to elaborate? I wouldn't mind some amazing results myself this year!

Hills that I used to granny out on, I now motor up 3 or 4 above granny. Hills I used to downshift on I don't, or upshift on. Speed up most of my climbs up several mph. I was by no means a climber before, nor am I one now, but I can highly recommend this routine, especially to those not following any structured training.

Routine is geared to a trainer or on the road, but we managed to convert to spinner fairly easily.

edit: if you decide to give it a try, I'd be interested in your results next spring.

Unfortunately we can't use the trainers as clothes hangers like we did with our nortic skiiers and treadmills.

I bought a used trainer for $35 a couple of years ago. Used it a couple of times and sold it with the stipulation that it be sold for $35 when he realized he won't use it.

Joe, my pigeon, sold it last year for $35 and made the buyer promise to do the same.

I think trainers are tough but a great way to keep in shape.
I am not selling mine!

I have been doing spin classes - I seem to be able to do them as a regeme rather than the trainer. they occur twice a week.

Care to elaborate? I wouldn't mind some amazing results myself this year!

It is a series of structured routines to do on the trainer or spin bike. There are five specific exercises that you work into a one hour indoor ride in various combinations over a 12 week period. The program is designed to build power more than endurance. So far I am pretty pleased with the results but I will know much more when I can ride outside again.

To make a long story short, you get on the trainer or spinner for no more than one hour with a specific plan in mind, as opposed to just pedaling along aimlessly for X amount of time. A HR monitor is very helpful in doing the program, as is a towel and water bottle. The legs are deeply sore and tired at the end of each of these sessions and rest days (or VERY easy recovery rides) are pretty much mandatory at our age. The program actually warns you against overtraining by using the workouts too often.

It is a series of structured routines to do on the trainer or spin bike. There are five specific exercises that you work into a one hour indoor ride in various combinations over a 12 week period. The program is designed to build power more than endurance. So far I am pretty pleased with the results but I will know much more when I can ride outside again.

To make a long story short, you get on the trainer or spinner for no more than one hour with a specific plan in mind, as opposed to just pedaling along aimlessly for X amount of time. A HR monitor is very helpful in doing the program, as is a towel and water bottle. The legs are deeply sore and tired at the end of each of these sessions and rest days (or VERY easy recovery rides) are pretty much mandatory at our age. The program actually warns you against overtraining by using the workouts too often.

BD, thanks, I totally misinterpreted the elaboration request, nice summary.

I'd add that a fan also helps a lot. We use spinner bikes, outside the classroom, near a window with a ledge type sill. Water bottle, towel, timer (or clock with second hand), and cue sheet go on the ledge next to the bikes. We made single week cue sheets for the entire series, and printed then off for reference while doing each routine. As BD said, the routines are tough, when you're done you're spent. Two hours a week... what a deal!

PB, this routine is available for 4.00 USD at http://www.roadbikerider.com/bookstore.htm#Power_to_the_Pedals
I'd also highly recommend the RbR newsletter- once a week on Thursdays via email. And free.

not to side track the thread but .... what are you guys paying for the spin classes?

not to side track the thread but .... what are you guys paying for the spin classes?

It's in cluded with the YMCA membership, for the family plan, it's $80 a month. That also includes use of the other facilities, and other locations. Not a bad deal.

ANd they're included in our health club membership, ~ 40.00 month. If you're not a member, they're 7.50 (for a day's access)

I belong to the rec center at a nearby university. It's a beautiful, well-maintained facility and I make use of the free spinning classes, swimming pool, equipment room, and indoor track. I've found spinning to be a lot more of a workout than my typical cycling since there are no downhills and some of the exercises are not "natural" cycling things (mainly the "jumps" where you stand up and sit back down at 2 to 8-second intervals).

Generally the mid-morning spinning class is mostly other 40+ people, but yesterday a few students actually showed up. I ended up next to a coed who was wearing very short shorts, and then she proceeded to strip off a couple of upper layers as we started getting warmed up. Of course, I tried not to notice (ha!), but it was tough (especially since we face a wall-sized mirror in the spinning room!). By the way, I've observed that people our age are totally invisible to the college-age kids -- they actually get startled if you so much as say "good morning!" to them. :)

I belong to the rec center at a nearby university. It's a beautiful, well-maintained facility and I make use of the free spinning classes, swimming pool, equipment room, and indoor track. I've found spinning to be a lot more of a workout than my typical cycling since there are no downhills and some of the exercises are not "natural" cycling things (mainly the "jumps" where you stand up and sit back down at 2 to 8-second intervals).

Generally the mid-morning spinning class is mostly other 40+ people, but yesterday a few students actually showed up. I ended up next to a coed who was wearing very short shorts, and then she proceeded to strip off a couple of upper layers as we started getting warmed up. Of course, I tried not to notice (ha!), but it was tough (especially since we face a wall-sized mirror in the spinning room!). By the way, I've observed that people our age are totally invisible to the college-age kids -- they actually get startled if you so much as say "good morning!" to them. :rolleyes:

I take a spinning class at the local YMCA three times a week. I have noticed that I'm the only one in the 70+ category. It's a good workout, certainly not like being out on the open road. It beats being a couch potato in NW PA during the winter and the scenery can't be beat.