I got a trainer yesterday.




I had about an hour ride, and was wet from top to toes. Listened through several podcasts, but overall it was not as exiting as on the road
I think I will get myself into an endless soap opera, or TV series, or watch last world cup again.

Just have some questions:
- How to measure how what I spent on trainer?
- How often, and how long do you exercise on trainer?
thanks!

During the winter, I'm on the trainer nearly every weekday for a minimum of an hour. My longest single trainer session was a hair over four hours. I like doing intervals on the trainer, as outside factors like stop signs/lights, traffic, hills... don't effect the interval effort.

I also find having something to watch is better than just having something to listen to. Action shows/films work well for me. Also, make sure you have a good fan to help keep you cool.

Trainers suck. Big time.

Rollers are much better but still not so great.

Ride on the road is best.

/end rant

Lots of Spinervals workouts at our house. Really like 'em. The Virtual Reality series has you following Coach Troy around a course, as long as 4 hours. He also has 30 minute quick workouts. We get plenty of outdoor riding days around here but sometimes I just don't have the time to jump out or just feel like a different session.

Trainer is done in time and effort. An HRM will work, and a power meter will work better.

You ride as often as you can stand it if you're training for competition. If you're just in it for fun, ride once a week for an hour to keep your legs and body in some sort of condition. One excellent thing the trainer does is remind you how 0 degrees isn't really that miserable.

i ride about an hour daily when the weather isn't good enough to ride outside.

i measure my effort in how many "miles" i can go in an hour, just choosing the gear in which i can sustain 80+rpm

Fan is a good idea.

100% )))

+1 on HRM, or preferably a power meter.

If you go by HRM, realize that your HR will drift up as you get hot, so you may need to raise your HR target for intervals later in the workout. Use your sense of perceived effort to help with this.

As for how long, I find it a hell of a lot easier to do intervals on the trainer for 45 minutes to an hour, as oppossed to longer endurance miles.

So to the extent you can, try setting your schedule up so you do intense interval work on the trainer, and get your long rides in outdoors.

Thanks! I'll check them out

I have looked up both, and HRM probably more economical.
And 45 min daily intervals seems a good idea.
thanks!

Try sufferfest videos. Good workout, and makes the time pass easier.

https://www.thesufferfest.com/

Let's see...January I was on the trainer for a grand total of 40hrs....

I use a power meter and have a specific workout, prescribed by my coach, for each session. I'll be on the trainer anywhere from 60min to just under 3hrs.

The most difficult rides are when I am told to take it easy...Those are the ones that drag on forever! I need specific wattage targeted intervals to keep things interesting.

I have cycling videos on the TV and loud music in my MP3 player. I actually spend very little time looking at the TV and concentrate on my Garmin since I am usually trying to stay within a wattage range. The video is nice for the rest periods...

The trainer is one of those necessary evils for anyone that can not ride outdoors and is trying to keep any level of fitness....

Thanks, I will look at them too!

wow. 40 hours a month that I would probably do in a good summer month.
I don't think I will survive more than 60 minutes on trainer.
I guess you are motivated more than I am ))))

Lately I've been watching Woody Allen movies and nature documentaries (like Planet Earth). But spring will be here soon, hopefully.

1. Cycling computer with rear wheel mount. Gives speed (=power on trainer, scaled), and distance traveled (only good for comparing between workouts)

2. DVDs of all sorts, both training & entertainment. Spinervals & Sufferfest rock.

I've gotten to the point that I actually get annoyed by all the wasted crusiing and downhill sections on outdoor rides - on the trainer, it's 100% quality.

Riding inside sucks period whether it's on a trainer or rollers. Do what you can to make the time go by quicker. I've spent a good bit of time on mine the last two winters here in good 'ole PA. Do what you can to by some time. Intervals, movies, etc.. I usually sit infront of my old bigscreen out in the garage with a pair of headphones on and watch the clock to adjust intervals / my effort. An hour is what I usually do. After that, minutes seem to turn into hours & my attention becomes lost.

This is you objective:

But that is almost exactly what you need to put in. 5 minute warm up / 45 minute workout / 5 minute cool down. HR, cadance, and time are your 3 best friends on the trainer. Miles don't matter to me at least.

that's right! I do have Planet Earth and Blue Ocean series, it's great time to watch it again

Another update opportunity.... I have very simple computer, now I have to sell the idea to my wife: "Honey, I can't use the trainer without GPS bike computer...." )))))

Big screen TV, fan and rain forest airfreshner will substitute the real rides))))

Smoking hot! I have noticed the trainer mechanism is getting hot, but not that much!

Hm.... it adds up to 55 minutes.... ))))))))))

I, for one, choose death over that.