Indoor winter training.

[cycleguy]

HI All
During the annoying long winter here in Northern Massachusetts, I get my Silvio on my indoor trainer with a power meter. I am not getting any younger (46) but I still seem to be getting stronger. Last winder around this time, my power rating over a hard 20 minutes was 160 watts, pretty low. This winter with more intense training, i've gotten that up to over 180watts (20 watt increase is actually a lot) and I can max out at around 480 watts for a minute, I was never near that before.

One difference is the leg work outs off the bike. I ve been doing one legged squats. Just stand on one leg, bend the other one up and dip down as far as possible. These are killers. Then doing leg presses on the Bowflex.

I am also using the "Spinervals" training DVD's. they are really good... gives you a real well rounded training program between the different DVD's.

What are others doing during the winter months now ( for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere!). ANyone else using power meters?
THanks
Harold

 

[Peder Torgersen]

cycleguy wrote: HI All
During the annoying long winter here in Northern Massachusetts, I get my Silvio on my indoor trainer with a power meter. I am not getting any younger (46) but I still seem to be getting stronger. Last winder around this time, my power rating over a hard 20 minutes was 160 watts, pretty low. This winter with more intense training, i've gotten that up to over 180watts (20 watt increase is actually a lot) and I can max out at around 480 watts for a minute, I was never near that before.

One difference is the leg work outs off the bike. I ve been doing one legged squats. Just stand on one leg, bend the other one up and dip down as far as possible. These are killers. Then doing leg presses on the Bowflex.

I am also using the "Spinervals" training DVD's. they are really good... gives you a real well rounded training program between the different DVD's.

What are others doing during the winter months now ( for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere!). ANyone else using power meters?
THanks
Harold

I’m 52 (seems the years are going faster) have started doing squats but I use both legs. Might try with one leg later must be very hard. I don’t cycle indoor but I use my Sofrider in the winter. I also run when there is no ice and snow. I also use a unicycle now I can ride without using crutches to help out. So now when I go grocery shopping I take the unicycle with me in the car and there is usually an area without snow and ice where I can ride. My balance is improving and the workout is very good for the leg muscles. I have also noticed I sit differently on my Sofrider when going slow and turning I move my body more to get a better balance.
Peder

 

[cycleguy]

Last season, I wasn't able to keep up with the pack during group rides until the end of the season. This year, I want to be strong enough to peak in June instead of late August/September. I think I am on the right track.

Harold

 

[Mark B]

Sometimes, I think it makes sense to take time off the bike and weight train/spin. But I have to say I'd rather ride in cold and wind that to sit on a trainer. My hat's off to anybody that has the dedication and patience to sit on a trainer for hours on end. It does, indeed, sound like you're on the path to keeping up with your buddies, though! Good job!

Mark

 

[cannondale]

I want to use an indoor trainer but the bike doesn't seem to fit. I have a Performance trainer but I cannot get the bike to fit in this trainer.. It seems that the quick release is about 1/4" too wide to fit the trainer. Does anyone have any suggestions? I see where there are a lot riders on this forum that use a trainer? My question is how do they go about it?