Lorig20

I got my Cycleops Fluid 2 over the weekend and have it set up. From getting on it and peddling a couple of minutes, I can tell I need some kind of structured program to get me going.

I've been looking at the Virtual Training ap, that there was a flyer for in the package, and am overwhelmed with the website. I can't figure out how to get started. What all do I need? I just use a Cateye Strada smart with my iPhone and Strava for a computer, I don't have any sensors attached to my bike. It looks like most I've looked at need some thing like that.

I just want something simple to get started. I would imagine there's stuff I can find on YouTube as well? Even after 2 years of biking in the summer, I'm still not much of a cyclist, which is one reason I got the indoor trainer, I'm hoping to gain some conditioning to make my cycling next spring more enjoyable.

superdex

My setup includes a box fan and tv connected to a PC and dvd player. box fan to keep you cool-ish, tv for immersion:

Commercial intervals are popular: ride medium-hard during the show, then hard during the commercials
I used to watch Warren Miller ski movies, LoTR, Matrix Trilogy, etc.

then I found Cycling Training Videos: The Sufferfest Structured, hard, and totally immersive. Well worth it. For a 'first' video I'd recommend either Local Hero or To Get To The Other Side ...

valygrl

You are going to need a speed sensor of some kind and some connectivity to your computer (ANT+ dongle) if you want to do anything like that Virtual Training program. The strava/cateye connection isn't going to work if you are not actually moving. You might want a heart rate monitor too. You don't *need* anything except a fan and something to look at (TV, whatever) but training software makes the time go by a lot faster and can help you tune your efforts towards being good training.

TrainerRoad, Zwift and Sufferfest are all things you might be interested in. I don't every hear of anyone using Virtual Training, not that I know anything about it, it's just not popular. Zwift and TrainerRoad are the most popular right now, for good reason. Zwift is a virtual reality racing game, it's really immersive and fun, and you can really get a great workout without getting bored, which is the biggest enemy of trainer use.

RomansFiveEight

Solid advice above. I find, sometimes, I need to change things up a bit to keep myself 'motivated'. I like the sufferfest videos myself. I know that I tend to put out more power with those videos.

I just moved my setup to the basement, planning on adding a TV but just using my laptop today. Definitely makes a difference not having that TV! Sure helps alleviate some of the boredom. Headphones are nice too.

Get yourself a bar stool to put next to the bike. Put your remote, cellphone (If you need it. I often respond to e-mails and texts during 'recovery' intervals. The aim of the game is to put power out without going stir crazy!), etc. there.

And like others said, that fan is a must. Even if you're in a cooler part of the home (like a basement or a garage). You'll actually created a hot pocket of air around your body and will sweat more, your heart rate will be higher for a given effort level, and you'll be hotter. Keeping airflow is important.

Don't forget to bring a towel!

Ravenwing

Lots of good suggestions. I find that a powerful fan is a necessity, as well as a good rubber mat to keep the trainer noise down. I picked up a sturdy music stand on Amazon to hold my 2in1 laptop, and I have a stem mount for the phone. Been using TrainerRoad for structured training, which seems to help me a lot. Between that, the TV, and headphones for music, I can usually stay sufficiently distracted from all the pain. Gotta tell you though, when your talking about doing 2 and a half hours or more, it still gets pretty mind-numbing. I tell myself it'll all be worthwhile when Spring arrives.