Summer Indoor Training
We all know some of the best cycling happens outdoors. There's nothing quite like fresh air, warm sunshine, and beautiful scenery to keep us motivated, inspired, and excited about riding. When you think "indoor training" it's far easier to conjure images of riding inside during cold, dreary winter months. But your trainer can be just as useful during prime summer riding and racing seasons as well. Here are a few reasons to keep your trainer handy all summer long:
- Train at any hour, day or night - Perhaps a work schedule limits your training time to early mornings or late nights. The summer months may also coincide with prime vacation time, and you might have family schedules to consider in addition to your own. Having a trainer at home can help you take advantage of available free time to assist your training and keep you on schedule and in shape, without worrying about gearing up for the outdoors or finding your lights without a charge.
- Avoid heat/humidity - Power output may diminish as your core temperature rises. If you have specific, high-power training scheduled but limited time, you're likely to achieve better results with an indoor workout. Make sure to hydrate just as you would on an outdoor ride. (A good indoor fan can also help mimic headwinds while keeping you cool.)
- Take control of your training - Riding a trainer allows you to monitor your workouts more precisely and effectively. You won't need to worry about changes in road conditions, sudden stops, or unplanned mechanicals affecting your intervals.
- Train smarter - Smart trainers can help you train for specific races more effectively. Upload your race route to a cycling computer and pre-ride the course while training, or create custom workouts to help you master the terrain before you even line up to start. Plus, apps like Zwift and Garmin Connect make staying accountable to your training plan (and your teammates!) fun and easy.
- Improve recovery - Your post-workout recovery time is just as important as your training or race. A steady 10-15 minute spin on the trainer when you get home can help you transition to rest and keep you healthy.
- Keep up your cadence - Low-resistance training can make any irregularity in your pedal stroke more evident. Indoor training workouts will help you develop a more fluid cadence. You can also do single-leg workouts with greater ease and safety.
If this has you rethinking your warm weather training plans, take a look at our selection of trainers and rollers, and check out our suggestions for trainer workouts. If you have any questions or want to know more about a specific trainer-just contact us at 1-800-682-0570 or [email protected].