doubravsky 

Been trying to figure out a better way to train inside sometimes.... I own some older sufferfest videos. Looked at the Peloton bike. Thought about buying a spin bike that is Zwift compatible. What do y'all do to make training inside not so unbelievably boring? What are the advantages of the different content/ apps/ systems out there? Any help greatly appreciated.

OneIsAllYouNeed

I'm pretty sure this would make indoor riding more interesting.

DrIsotope

Short answer: Zwift. Apple TV + crank power meter + dumb trainer is about as cheap as it gets. You could easily spend two grand on setup, but that leads me to the...

Better question: you live in Riverside, I live in Highland-- there are literally about 10 days a year we can't* ride outside... so why do you need to train indoors?

*and that's a soft can't.

Carbonfiberboy 

I've been riding inside in the PNW for over 20 years with the same set of Nashbar resistance rollers. That keeps it kind of interesting right there. The other thing I'd suggest is that if you are bored, you aren't paying attention to what's going on. Concentration on the moment is how one gets good. Whatever system is used, I've never heard of anyone being bored doing VO2max intervals for instance. Even 2 hours of steady no-breaks VT1 work isn't boring. The pain in your legs will help keep you in the moment and if your concentration lapses on rollers, bang, you're on the floor.

Beyond that, pedaling drills on rollers are interesting, spinning as long as one can at 120 cadence for instance, 45' being a goal. Or long sets of 2' one-legged pedaling with alternate legs, again on rollers, will get your attention. Then there's all the various intervals that one can do on resistance rollers. I'm never bored on my bike. Can't imagine it.

canklecat

I've been using a Cycleops trainer all summer after a shoulder injury from being hit by a car. I can manage maybe one real road ride a week, up to 30 miles before it gets too painful.

I tried training oriented videos and was immediately bored.

So I set up an activity app with timer for interval training sessions and binge watch TV, mostly Orphan Black this summer.

Some sessions I do all out HIIT. Others a more relaxed, lower intensity interval, or spaced differently. Most rides are more like Fartlek marathon runner training -- nothing rigid, just warm up, mix up moderate efforts with occasional sprints or standing to simulate climbing for anywhere from 30 seconds to as long as I can manage (up to 5 minutes of standing to pedal). Whatever I feel like while watching TV.

This unorganized non-training training hasn't hurt me any. On my weekly road rides my fitness feels the same, my average speed is the same, everything feels like it did before the injury -- other than the achy shoulder and neck.

It's not a substitute for riding outside but it'll do for now and keeps me in decent basic shape.

If you want to maximize indoor trainer time while avoiding long, boring sessions, just do HIIT. GCN has several 30 minute training videos. Not very entertaining but if it's only once or twice a week it's tolerable.

Or watch whatever you like and set up a timer to guide your HIIT sessions.

Riveting

The latest Wahoo Kicker smart trainer has an accessory that the fork attaches to that will raise or lower the front end to simulate going up/down the hills in Zwift. And I also heard of a fan accessory (faced towards you) that will produce more airflow as you ride faster, or less flow as you slow down.

doubravsky 

DrIsotope- thanks for the suggestions! I work during the week... and although I bought a commuter bike - my work schedule only gives me the opportunity to commute to work on the bike maybe one day per week (30 miles round trip). I'm looking for mid-week rides when I can't find the time to get on the road. I just get so bored riding the spin bike inside... and I bought a cheap spin bike because I hated bringing the road bike in from the garage to the trainer. Trying to eliminate reasons to just not do it.

Machka 

I went the inexpensive trainer, garmin attachments for hub and crankarm, ANT dongle and Zwift membership route.

But before I got the stuff for the Zwift membership, I set up in front of the TV, and did 'commercial intervals'.

The next level

I broke my wrist 3 weeks ago. So I needed an outlet.
i went with cycleops hammer, apple tv and zwift.
I don't mind it at all. I used a dumb trainer and stared at the wall before. 20 min was my record with that set up. Wondering how the training will translate to the road. Doing intervals at the moment through zwift academy. It has organized training.

fstrnu

I don't get bored doing intervals ; I'm either suffering or relishing my rest intervals. I do them on a Kickr Snap in manual ERG mode using the Wahoo Fitness App.

I'm 100% indoor athlete but, tiring of Zwift, I have begun doing two-hour fixed power aerobic threshold rides while watching TV/movies and am pleasantly surprised.

I take a 30 second micro break every ten minutes or so to release pressure and change position to mitigate repetitive stress.

As a bonus, I am now more productive later in the evening when I would normally be watching TV.

A bigger bonus is the super accurate indicator of endurance that cardiac drift is when producing fixed power under controlled conditions.

chelvel

You can learn-practice track standing. It's not that boring.

doubravsky 

colombo357

Quality of the workout, first and foremost.

Indoor training is plenty entertaining if you're a good cyclist and know the power numbers you need to hit.

Weight training at the gym is not that much different. It's fun if you're strong, boring if you suck and lift less than the ladies.

colombo357

I like TrainerRoad because the plans take out the guesswork.

It'll require some commitment on your end. Even though the trial is free, if you don't have experience in structured training, I think a smart trainer is an absolute must, as it forces you to hit certain power numbers. A dumb trainer relies on willpower, and the reality is that most people don't have enough.

You'll "see the light" with TrainerRoad after a few weeks. The boredom disappears when you realize how effective it is and your immediate goals become clear. You'll have a good idea of where you'll be in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 20 weeks, and 26 weeks. Light at the end of the tunnel. In contrast, trying to do intervals outdoors without a coach is like flying blind. No guidance and no self-accountability.

If you use a dumb trainer, you may never get to that "aha" moment, and may forever wonder what the hype is about indoor training (like some folks who previously replied).

DrIsotope

Brian25

Step 1; You need a really loud stereo set with the speakers positioned at ear level. Step 2; You need some Jeff Beck (especially the Who Else CD), Scorpions and Maserati cds. Step 3; Crank it up!!!

colombo357

Says the guy who posts his KOM count in his sig.

Salty, much?

DrIsotope

Nice edit, chief. Bottom line, a VeloViewer sig ain't talkin' ish.

I don't feel like I need to get on the trainer to be "a good cyclist". I'm doin' alright.

ctpres

Now I like that!

fstrnu

TimothyH

Rollers are always exciting.

Danhedonia

I am down to a CycleOps Magnus and Kickr Snap.

Anyone want to weigh in with which might be more pleasing?