Let’s face it – It’s not always possible to hop on your bike and hit the pavement for a bike ride. Whether it’s frigid cold or sweltering heat keeping you inside, training indoors is a great alternative. In fact, many athletes do the majority of their cycling miles indoors. While it’s not an identical biking experience as riding on the road, it’s quite effective and gives you the ability to put in the training miles when outdoors isn’t an option.
So what type of indoor cycling is best when training for a triathlon? Should you buy a bike trainer to use in conjunction with your road bike? Take spin classes? Should you splurge for a spin bike that promises a solid and more “fun” indoor workout?
Spin classes are a great way to increase endurance and burn calories. However, they are not designed with triathlon training in mind. While it wouldn’t hurt to add a spin class or two to your workout schedule, these classes focus more on “fitness fun”. Spinning is more about listening to music, zoning out, and breaking a good sweat. Again, spin classes can be a great workout, but not the most ideal when it comes to triathlon focused training.
Much of triathlon training is focusing on holding an indicated power for periods of time while maintaining great form. When you use a bike trainer, you are able to do that versus hopping on a stationary bike. When riding on your road bike on a bike trainer, your ride mimics actual bike riding in terms of form which is very beneficial for your training.
Compared to a stationary bike, a bike trainer is typically a more affordable option. Not only is a bike trainer more affordable but it also has more of a realistic road feel. By properly setting up your bike trainer and maximizing indoor training by focusing on your pedal strokes and form, you’ll notice that next time you hop on your bike outdoors, things may feel a bit different but you will notice no lack in triathlon training when it comes to endurance.
Whether you’re forced to take your cycling training indoors because of weather or simply want to change up your routine, investing in a bike trainer is a great idea to keep your training moving forward when you aren’t able to do an outdoor ride.
Have more questions about switching up your triathlon training? Contact me today for top training tips!
Train Right, Tri Right!
Coach MJ
