Need your opinions/input

[PacMan]

Hi all. I have a question to ask and would very much appreciate your input/opinions.

I ride 3-4 times a week: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and usually 1 other ride squeezed in somewhere else. Because of time constraints (picking my kids up from school, etc), my weekday rides are short -- 7 to 9 miles and only about 45 minutes total time. I only get in about 30 or so miles a week. Because of this shortage of miles, I want to start using my trainer to get in more spin time.

I have a nice Blackburn Fluid Trainer that I have never used (won it in a raffle). I am going to break it out and start using it for 45-60 minutes at a time, but am unsure as to how often I should. I don't want to overdo it. I know I don't ride that many total miles, but the legs need some rest.

What are your recommendations on how often I should get on the trainer? Thanks for any input you have.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

good question!! i have a trainer also, with my hardtail on it, but hardly ever use it that explains the gut. i definitely need to just get on it, no matter what.

I'd also like to hear what others have to say about this subject

[LBmtb]

Trainer is a great idea as long as you don't get too bored (which is easy to do on the trainer).

How often you should ride the trainer also depends on how long you'll be riding it and at what intensity. If your legs are still sore from a ride or something you can always work out on it at a lower intensity. Such workouts could also speed up recovery.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

i watch my music DVDs to kill the boredom , but still, i don't do it often

[pshloss]

My recommendation would be to use a heart monitor with it. Get yourself up to a high aerobic zone and stay there for at least 1/2 hour at a time, 1 hour if you can stand it. I think you will see some improvement. Without the heart monitor I find that on a trainer or road riding it is very difficult to tell how hard you are actually working.

[RidetheRAAM4]

i used a trainer last year when i was training for my triathlons, i used to use it for an hour when i would watch seinfel (from 6 to 7)....sometimes i would just do a high candence consistently, sometimes i would start easy and build up to the highest gears and go back down...its more fun to simulate hills...they have some training DVDs and here is a link http://trisports.com/spincycvid.html its more for competetive cycling, but maybe trying one out might give you an idea on where to start....or try going to a spin class at a local gym to try it out, you can usually get in a trial class for free, and that can get you started on a good routine

[Big Guy]

I go to a spin class once a week. I love the landscape:cool:. The girls look at me weird with my baggy shorts and my muddy shoes, but I don't really care

Originally Posted by Big Guy

I go to a spin class once a week. I love the landscape:cool:. The girls look at me weird with my baggy shorts and my muddy shoes, but I don't really care

That is awesome Serge!!! I may take your idea!


(do you wear your Camelbak too? )

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

Originally Posted by Big Guy

I go to a spin class once a week. I love the landscape:cool:. The girls look at me weird with my baggy shorts and my muddy shoes, but I don't really care

Hey Big Guy,

I've heard about the scenery at those classes, damn, talk about killing 2 birds with one stone!!