DVDs

[bluerider]

Hi there,

For those who have setup an indoor trainer, can you recommend any good videos? I did a search and it seems like Spinervals are frequently mentioned. Are these good? I have a CycleOps Fluid Trainer and want a more structured workout vs doing my own thing. Also, are they easy to follow? I've never done a spin class so don't really know what to expect.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[SadieKate]

Yes, Spinervals are very easy to follow. I've never taken a spin class either. I find them easier to follow than the Trainright videos but it may be because I tried a Spinerval tape first and just glommed onto ECT's "method" because I hadn't been exposed to Trainright yet.

[CeCe]

Hi... my favorite trainer dvd / workout is to watch the tour de france dvds (available from worldcycling.com) then use Sally Edward's heart rate monitor work books to structure my workout. Sally's rides are great... they are all different enough to be interesting and there's always one to fit your mood (hard and long, easy long, etc. etc.) Sallly needs to fire her editor though because there are a few typos and minutes/intervals that don't add up.

Phil Ligget announcing the TDF is the most inspiring! When i see Lance passing Jan Ullirich yet AGAIN... my legs can push any gear!! :D

[madisongrrl]

I have the Trainright Mountain Bike and Time Trail DVD's...I especially like the Mt. Bike one.

[caligurl]

we have a bunch of the spinerval dvd's... i've done a couple of them... but some are still shrink wrapped! :eek: (uhm... i hate my trainer! so i either went outside or didn't ride much in january/february during the week!)

we also have the carmichael dvd's... i've never done them.. but hubby's done them serveral times... he likes them!

[jeannierides]

I've got the Spinerval dvd's and enjoyed them (as much as you can enjoy cycling indoors) last season....toward the end of the season got the Carmichael ones...jury's still out on those. I think I'm going to ride with the Tour dvd's this season - my SO really likes riding with the pelaton, so I'm going to give it a try. No matter what, it's still INDOORS, and not my favorite...:(

[anne_77]

It's cheezy but I absolutely love watching the Tour DVD's. Last summer I timed my cardio at the gym so I could watch the Tour - it was very inspiring :)

[traveller_62]

I use Spinerval videos extensively since a large part of my training year is spent indoors on a trainer. I like the tapes because they are designed to work on specific aspects of cycling techniques. I have a tape for climbing, a few on recovery and technique, time trialing, interval training, etc. I love having the tapes for when I can't get out on the road.

I also go to Spinn classes in the winter at the local YMCA. I'm lucky to have three instructors in the area that are top notch and because they are all cyclists they teach spinning to improve cycling technique.

Sometimes I do just pop in a Tour De France tape and ride with the boys. I climb when they climb and sprint when they sprint, etc.

If you are training (working on specific techniques) I recommend getting Spinervals or something like that. If you just want to be on the trainer for an unstructured workout I think the Tour De France tapes are more fun.

traveller

[Selkie]

I highly recommend Spinervals. There are more than 20 different DVDs from which to choose---the workouts range from recovery sessions, aerobic base training, strength work on the bike, time trial workouts, sprinting/anaerobic work, endurance sessions, etc. The music, especially in the earlier DVDs, isn't the best, but I've gotten to the point where I don't even hear it. The latest DVDs have an "music off" option, so you can use your own tunes. While Spinervals are about $30 each, I've found them an excellent investment.

I think Coach Troy should consider featuring a Team Estrogen crew in an upcoming DVD.

[bluerider]

Thanks for the suggestions ladies. I bought two this weekend, Tough Love and AeroBase Builder I. And also bought a highlights thing of Lance and his seven big wins at TdF. Really motivating.

Although I findi that riding on trainer is way more tough than outside?!?!? Does that make sense? I have a fan going. Awesome looking headband rocking and towels to catch sweat from hittign the bike. Anyone done a workout of 2+ hours on their trainer? That's insane!

[Selkie]

Anyone done a workout of 2+ hours on their trainer? That's insane!

Yes, I've done 2+ hours on the trainer. :eek: I have been able to slog through Tough Love in its entirety twice. The worst part is the 5 sets of 6 minutes (1 minute sitting/1 standing). Once you're past that one, you're home free.

The Spinervals you bought are good ones. You can break down Tough Love into shorter segments if you don't want to do the entire 3 hours! Check out the two Have Mercys---lots of variety and you can break those down into shorter workouts.

[SalsaMTB]

I normally have my mountain bike hooked up to the trainer during the winter. Do the spinerval videos work well with mtbs or are the strongly oriented for a road bike (i.e. telling you to go into different handle bar positons)? I've never used a video with my trainer but I think it would help with motivation.

[VenusdeVelo]

Salsa,
You can use your MTB with the Spinervals but you may find gearing will slightly be different (mine is already different as I've got 650 wheels so I adjust accordingly). The only thing about the MTB on your trainer (if you've not done it yet) -- is the tire is loud so suggest perhaps a putting on a slick tire while you are indoors.

Changing hand positions is Coach Troy's way of breaking things up a little and he even says "if you're a triathlete, go into onto the aerobar, if you're a bike racer, go into the drops" etc. So he's just trying to get you used to hand positions you'll need for your sport.

I really like his newer DVDs (Aerobase builders etc.) that allow you to turn his music on or off, so you still hear him, but not that cheesy (sorry Troy!! :eek:) music. Turn on your stereo, pod, whatever, it keeps you engaged. I can only do those looooong rides (2 hr) if I am doing a recovery ride, and then even watching a movie while maintaining a zone 1 heart rate works well.

Troy also puts his workouts of the week every week on his site (they don't archive them tho so you need to grab them every week), so if you want to try one of his workouts, you can print it and put it to your own music. A good way to try his routines.

Have fun til the warm weather returns!

[bluerider]

Yes, I've done 2+ hours on the trainer. :eek: I have been able to slog through Tough Love in its entirety twice. The worst part is the 5 sets of 6 minutes (1 minute sitting/1 standing). Once you're past that one, you're home free.

The Spinervals you bought are good ones. You can break down Tough Love into shorter segments if you don't want to do the entire 3 hours! Check out the two Have Mercys---lots of variety and you can break those down into shorter workouts.

Thanks mickchick. Looking forward to slogging it. We'll see if I can make it through the whole DVD. Egads!