Trainers... Do any of you use them?

[ChinoEd]

I need to get into better bike shape.... Does anyone out there use one?

[gurp13]

I haven't but only because I assume that riding on an actual bike in an actual trail (*coughorroadcough*) will be the best thing to get me in better shape.

It worked for a while, but I hit a plateau because I didn't change my eating habits. Still need to lose the rest of my gut. But, I *did* drop at least 25 libbies as near as I can tell.

[uzziboy]

I actually use rollers they are great for balance and you gan use your gears for resistance. you can also buy a resistance box if you dont want to do that. check the big websites you will probably find one fairly cheap.

[Wrecker]

I have a trainer; I'll use it on rainy days, after work (if I'm compelled to get on after work), or days when I'm just lazy cause the wind is over 20mph.a

But, I do get bored easily, so I usually use it with a video. What can I say? I have a bit of ADD or something <heeheeh>

[0gravity]

I partly don't use the trainer out of shear principle; knowing my buddies back east HAVE to use a trainer in the winter, when I can ride everyday if I make the time for it. I used mine when I lived in New Hampshire but I don't use it here since it's SoCal and the weather is so rarely bad (What rain?). But I'm willing to brave the roads on my road bike when I just need to whip out a quick workout. I'd rather be on my mtn bike, but that takes longer. I also night ride at least once a week, which doesn't interfere with work. You could consider getting a light and finding a crew that night-rides nearby.

In short, just make the time to ride more regularly. Plus, since a real ride is so much less boring, you'll probably end up riding harder and longer and getting into better shape. Good luck!

[Edog]

If you have a Gym membership go take a Spin Class insted, that really kicks ass & is great interval training. You can normally squeeze them in before work.

[roadkillross]

i use a trainer while at work at my LBS.

[Pain Freak]

I tried and I tried, but it's like going to the dentist. I can't seem to get it done!

I hate that trainer!

[cru jones]

Riding on a trainer makes me feel like im getting ready for a road race. Honestly though, make that same effort you would to ride on your trainer and put it towards actually getting on your bike and riding. You wont get burnt out(trainers are really boring) and you will also gain bike handling skills in the process. Trainers are ok if youre in a jam for time but i wouldnt make a habit of it.

[Evel Knievel]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

I tried and I tried, but it's like going to the dentist. I can't seem to get it done!

I hate that trainer!

For me it is the human equivilent to a hamster wheel.

[fueleater]

I used one before, it was a Kurt Kinetic. But I'd rather ride my bike. Even if its raining out side, I can still do a road ride and when it clears up, hit the trails. Trainers are boring.

[Impy]

Trainers are boring as heck, but necessary for me. I work 10+ hour shifts and finding trail or road time is impossible during workdays. At least I can fit in a 30 min ride on a trainer that is a decent workout.

Like chelle says, videos of some sort are a must. Even still, I am ready to scream after an hour.

[Padre]

Originally Posted by cru jones

Riding on a trainer makes me feel like im getting ready for a road race. Honestly though, make that same effort you would to ride on your trainer and put it towards actually getting on your bike and riding. You wont get burnt out(trainers are really boring) and you will also gain bike handling skills in the process. Trainers are ok if youre in a jam for time but i wouldnt make a habit of it.

On the other hand, trainers are more efficient time-wise. No stop lights, no flats, no coasting, no cold. Every hour on the trainer is an hour of pedaling...not simply an hour sitting on the saddle.

Also, while they are more boring, it could be argued that it makes one more mentally tough.

Trainers are generally a part of the competitive cyclists repertoire.

And another thing...bike handline skills are one thing...but try riding some rollers... that'll learn ya' some balance!

[Edog]

Thats the great thing about trainers or the gym, or even road riding. If you use a heart rate moniter you can hit your fat burning (zone 3) heart rate, & maintain it. Once your are working out 3 times a week for 45 minutes, you'll drop lbs super fast. You can also compare your calories burned, to your daily intake. Burn more, eat less!!
It's hard mountain biking, to maintain a constant heart rate to loose fat!

[cru jones]

Padre, i agree with you. Trainers are very efficient and important in ones training regimen. The point i was trying to make was to not lose sight of why were on the trainer in the first place. Get out and ride. For any beginner thats the best advice I can think of. Stop lights,coasting,flats,cold,dirt, I dont know what id do without them. Its all part of the "experience". Im not saying you were implying not to ride but it sounds like the original poster is newer to cycling and the biggest benefit would be to be on the bike as much as possible. This is a mountain bike forum right?

[Padre]

Originally Posted by cru jones

Im not saying you were implying not to ride but it sounds like the original poster is newer to cycling and the biggest benefit would be to be on the bike as much as possible. This is a mountain bike forum right?

Oh, to me it sounded like he was just fat or just out of shape needing to get back on it.

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by Padre

Also, while they are more boring, it could be argued that it makes one more mentally tough.

Hmm, never though it that way but I guess it makes sense. Looks like I failed at the mental toughness though - I sold my trainer.

[Keith B]

I would have said the opposite - it takes more mental toughness to get out there when you dont want to rather than head down to the garage sit on the trainer and watch TV for an hour.

Originally Posted by LBmtb

Hmm, never though it that way but I guess it makes sense. Looks like I failed at the mental toughness though - I sold my trainer.