Winter indoor training has started

[Helene2013]

This is my favorite time of the year. When I get to jump on my Kinetic Rock and Roll and do my planned training. Or do my muscle training. My set up is so awesome that it does not sound like training and never boring. I love Fall and Winter. :)

This afternoon we did intervalls. An hour of training on bike. It was sooo hard but rewarding when done. Then I went on to do my lunges, squats, worked the arms and finished with the foam roller. Life is grand.

[Catrin]

Sounds like fun! At first I thought you are training solo but then I read the rest of your post :D It sounds like you've all the modalities addressed! Thankfully, since I don't currently have a gym membership, I can use my kettlebell herd for everything - including cardio.

[Helene2013]

I (so is hubby) have a blast training at home, sometime by myself, sometimes I compete against him (but he wins hihi). And so much easier than head to a gym. At same time, I can take my 1 or 2 minute break in-between sets to throw a dog a ball or even use a dog as weight. hihi So combining it all is just pure pleasure. I can hop into shower or go play outside a few minutes with dogs before shower. No need to travel to get to gym, etc. I have no issue with discipline for training so it helps. Going to the gym is not working well for us.

I do have all I need to work out from home too.

This is part of it (some more on the right but does not show on pic).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/nuuk_baby/sallevelo_zpslzaaorj7.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/nuuk_baby/media/sallevelo_zpslzaaorj7.jpg.html)

I have my Bosu ball, elastic bands, free weight, etc. We use on-line videos (like Sufferfest). My PT who is also a kinesio does my program during Fall/Winter. So I have no choice as all my training is put on Training Peaks and once I'm done cycling (or other program she had prepared for x night) it goes straight to her from TPeaks. So I can't cheat much either. hihi

[Crankin]

Funny, I have almost all of that stuff, and I am very disciplined, but I have found that I work harder with the peer pressure of a group. I hate being on my trainer for more than 30 minutes, even if I am following some kind of program. Everybody's different, though. Most of the people at the gym don't do anything outside, but I go in, do what I'm there for, and leave. It's just an adjunct to riding, nordic skiing, or snow shoeing. I need to do strength/core stuff or yoga, and it's just not the same at home. And I work harder in a spin class than on my trainer.

[Catrin]

Very nice setup! All I have are 7 kettlebells, a wall-mounted Jungle Gym (a suspension system) and a few other odds and ends. Back when I could still ride and had a trainer I hated being on the trainer - so kudos to you for doing it! For me as well, a spinning class was always better. Now I can't ride and I keep looking for alternatives. I've a good number of conditioning KB workouts that are great for cardiovascular & endurance work (as well as strength), but I always keep an eye out for something that will allow me to do something different. Right now that alternative appears to be hiking, don't know how deep into the winter I can take that (cold-air induced asthma), but I will work something out. My body hates most machines in the gym and given my current limitations I hate to pay a gym membership so I can walk the track...

[Aromig]

I'm like Crankin - I hate being on the trainer. I'm going to try to do more this winter, but I say that every winter. I have what I need to do at home (I love to do Beachbody videos, there are enough to keep things changing) so when I'm short on time I can do that, but actually GOING to the gym usually makes me do more. It's like if I spent the time and effort to get here, I have to finish.

[rebeccaC]

Should I feel sorry for myself? It's 70 degrees, and we get no snow. I don't even need arm-warmers, much less a coat.

(nah nah nah na na!).

:)

i almost feel guilty when writing about my usual dry and warm weather fall/winter rides here....with the exception of pilates and yoga i'm comfortably outside year round with my exercise activity. and then i also have friends on the east coast who bike commute all winter in weather i wouldn't even want to be in anymore.....i have big respect for their tenacity and see an interesting challenge in it.

nice indoor set up helene !!

[Helene2013]

Should I feel sorry for myself? It's 70 degrees, and we get no snow. I don't even need arm-warmers, much less a coat.

(nah nah nah na na!).

I hate you! I hate you! I HAAAAATE YOUUUU!.... Well your "decent" weather that is. hihi

But seriously, we love indoor training. But I also like to use my snowshoes, do snow angels while playing with my dogs in the snow, etc. I just hate the very cold snappy weather. And having to bundle up just to get to do an errand. But if I could get a 70-72f all year long I'd be happy. Viva retirement so we can spend winter with nice climate and we can go to a snowy destination when we feel like it and not obliged like now.

[Crankin]

You know, I've often wondered if I would ride year round if I lived in a place that didn't snow. I kind of get sick of riding around this time of year, but that is just part of the cycle of the seasons. I ride outdoors until the first snow, usually through December. The last 2 years, I did not ride in January or February, but in the past, I would get a couple of rides in. But, I so look forward to X country skiing. The season is really short here, basically 8 weeks or so, and that still involves some traveling, as we often don't have enough snow for Nordic skiing, when they do up north. Personally, I would rather have the snow when it's <25 degrees. Hotter than that, the skiing isn't always great, and once it gets to 35, I will ride, hike, or snow shoe. The gym is for my muscle/core training, no matter the season.

[Trek-chick]

I am actually looking forward to my indoor training this season. We have been doing some more home remodeling and decided to turn one of the spare bedrooms into my "bike room" for storage and training. I am not totally finished with the room yet but am very excited to have all my cycling gear organized into one space.

I will post photos once it is completed.

Still have to paint and install floor/door molding and move my stuff in......

[ny biker]

I am actually looking forward to my indoor training this season. We have been doing some more home remodeling and decided to turn one of the spare bedrooms into my "bike room" for storage and training. I am not totally finished with the room yet but am very excited to have all my cycling gear organized into one space.

I will post photos once it is completed.

Still have to paint and install floor/door molding and move my stuff in......

Color me green with envy. I live in a 1BR condo. I don't want a big house, but I would love just one more room for the bikes.

In the past couple of years I have expanded my winter wardrobe and am able to ride more in the winter, down to 40 degrees or so as long as the roads are dry and not covered with salt, which causes asthma problems for me. It works well because I can ride indoors sometimes but have never been able to do it regularly throughout the entire winter. But yes last spring I reached a point where I wanted a break from cycling, until I came down with the mother of all colds and missed out on some rides that I look forward to every year.

Some folks in my bike club do a weekly Sunday afternoon ride throughout the winter, weather permitting. It's a relatively short, flat route that ends at a popular coffee place so people can enjoy a hot beverage after the ride. Last winter I started leading a semi-regular weekend afternoon ride that started from a different location which allowed me to easily the change the route for every ride and has a coffee and donuts place nearby for a post-ride treat. This year I hope to do more of those rides but also alternate them with rides in a different area that also allows for good route variety. The funny thing about leading winter rides is the looks on people's faces at the start if you have any announcements to make -- everyone really wants to start pedaling so they can warm up.

[rocknrollgirl]

We are pretty hooked up for training at home too. The only thing I attend a class for is yoga. I also do not mind trainer sessions, but we ride outside all winter. We mountain bike regularly in the teens and we have been on the road in the 20's but we have not done that in a while. I have all the gear and then some so it is not bad. I am inside all day in a classroom with no windows, so running and cycling outside in the winter save my sanity.

[Crankin]

That's exactly how I feel. When I go to the gym for a class, it's in and out in an hour, usually very early in the AM, unless it's yoga. I might do a spin class on the weekends or on one of my days off during the week, if I can't do an outdoor activity. But, I also have all of the gear, and being outside cures pretty much anything for me.

[ny biker]

I think if I had room for a good workout space at home, I would use it when the weather is really bad, like when there are severe storms or icy conditions. I typically walk to and from the gym for weight training and I used to do cardio there too during the winter, until that became boring and I started to make more of an effort to bundle up and go for walks around my neighborhood instead. But sometimes I end up stuck at home because conditions are not good for any amount of walking or driving. I would still want the variety of going to the gym or outside, but a third option of a good workout at home would be useful.

Of course I say that in theory -- there are enough days when I could ride the bike on the trainer but can't get motivated to change my clothes and set up the equipment in my living room. But if the equipment was always set up in its own space, that would definitely help get over the inertia.

This is making me think -- maybe I could come up with a bad-weather workout routine at home that could substitute for the weight training I do at the gym. I don't have room for much equipment and can't jump around and make noise in my apartment, but maybe I could do something with elastic bands, for example. I'll ask my trainer for suggestions.

[Helene2013]

Most of the weight training I do is "noiseless". Bands, free weights - although my trainer prefers bands as you work hard to control the return on the bands, exercice balls to do some of the abs/buttock works. Bosu is good for squats and stability stuff, and of course your own weight when doing planks, lunges, etc. So I think that you can get a good workout without heading to the gym when not feeling/able to do so.

Unless you must get to a gym to get some stimulation or interaction with other people. My employer reimburses me for sports activities (although taxable benefit - and not for purchasing own stuff - bummer!) but I barely use it. I used it 3x only to register to some organized bike rides. Good enough.

So I'm sure your trainer will be able to get you something for weight training. Just don't know for warm ups what you could do as I either cycle or run on treadmill for 15 minutes or so before weights.

[Helene2013]

Tonight was a Sufferfest - There is no try. faster and faster intervals. Hard! Cut the program in half as it is too hard right now for me. Did 40 minutes and then a 20 minutes of physiotherapy for my ankle and some muscle workout.

I did get a calf cramp mid-way into the Sufferfest as I was pushing so hard without thinking as I had so much fun. I just love training at home.

So hooked up on Sufferfest and cycling that during dinner (now) we are watching a new video they got out on style... 90 minutes of this training. hihi Can't wait to try that one out on a weekend.

[ny biker]

Sounds like you're having fun, Helene.

I finally got around to asking my trainer about workout equipment I could use at home given my limited space for exercise and storage. He recommended a TRX suspension trainer. I'm going to ask for one for Christmas (or gift cards to put towards the purchase, since $200 is a bit much to ask for a Christmas gift).

Meanwhile the weather here is still okay for outdoor activities, though I'm hearing that we're in for some cold weather soon.

[Helene2013]

Yep. Enjoying training at home a lot.

I can do most of the things I need to do with terra bands that were given to me by physiotherapist. They come in different colours for different strengths. I'm sure your PT could give you some or Amazon or places like this sell for cheap. Once I'm done through this program I'm sore all over. Add an excercie ball, a stability ball (I have the Bosu pro but some are way cheaper and do the trick), foam roller, and your own body weight can do the rest. You may had a few free weights but my trainer avoids them as bands forces you to control more the moves. And almost noiseless if you have to think about neighbours.

Bands take little room, you can attach them to anything of even make a knot and use a door passages, etc. Mine are on hooks when not in use so it takes no space at all.

Good luck and have fun if you get something like this for training at home.

[Catrin]

Sounds like you're having fun, Helene.

I finally got around to asking my trainer about workout equipment I could use at home given my limited space for exercise and storage. He recommended a TRX suspension trainer. I'm going to ask for one for Christmas (or gift cards to put towards the purchase, since $200 is a bit much to ask for a Christmas gift).

Meanwhile the weather here is still okay for outdoor activities, though I'm hearing that we're in for some cold weather soon.

You might want to consider a suspension system very comparable to the TRX but at literally half the cost, the Jungle Gym XT. It is also possible to find it on sale (especially at Perform Better) for even less. I've used both systems extensively and I prefer the Jungle Gym. I like the straps better, and it does have a very different foot cradle. Right now Perform Better has it on sale for $85 (http://www.performbetter.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product1_10151_10752_1005607_-1) and free shipping. I sprang for the wall anchor as well, but the straps comes with a door anchor. They also sell an extension strap but I've not found a need for that personally. I also use bands for my PT exercises, but I prefer my suspension system for other types of work.

[kernowcyclist]

Hi all, I've just had my very first training ride on our new indoor trainer set up in the lounge, as we're tight on space here. It's a Graber Mag (made by Cyclops I think). Although it took a little while to get the resistance settings right for me, I did an hour and got a decent sweaty workout. I much prefer whizzing along in scenery, but this will be adequate when the weather caves in and I put the TV on which helped.17893

[ny biker]

Outdoor rides definitely are better, but I try to remind myself that the indoor riding makes it easier to ride outside again when the weather improves.

Thanks for the tip on the Jungle Gym XT, Catrin. It's on my Christmas list.

[Catrin]

NY Biker, I think you will like it. The foot cradle is quite different and takes some getting used to but still.

My favorite gym contacted me today and offered me the opportunity to re-join without the re-joining fee. They usually only do that in January and July, but there is a full service HUGE YMCA opening that is quite close and they appear to be in direct competition with NIFS, at least as far as equipment goes. They can't, however, compete in the education level of the staff and in a few other areas. I also have quite a quite nice discount through my employer's wellness program and as winter settles in I won't be hiking much, so it is back to the gym until at least spring. I will still do most of my work at home but it will be nice to have access to more indoor options.

Friday I get the FMS and more information on my knee/gait problem. Crossing my fingers that it isn't permanent...

[Blueberry]

Catrin-

Might be worth asking if they will match the rates you would get at the new gym. Lots of fees are negotiable - particularly gyms in my experience.

[Catrin]

Actually my preferred gym is the less expensive even though we have discounts at both. I really didn't want to join the Y but was considering it. I'm happy :) The Y just doesn't have the same education standards for thier staff (I don't think anyone else does either) and doesn't have the open space and toys...tools for the functional training I like to do when I'm not playing with kettlebells.

[qcuthbert]

We are pretty hooked up for training at home too. The only thing I attend a class for is yoga. I also do not mind trainer sessions, but we ride outside all winter. We mountain bike regularly in the teens and we have been on the road in the 20's but we have not done that in a while. I have all the gear and then some so it is not bad. I am inside all day in a classroom with no windows, so running and cycling outside in the winter save my sanity.
How do you get past the wind blowing in your face? I usually like to and find comfortable riding with humidity because of the no wind factor. I would like to ride outside still but the wind cuts my energy levels.

[Helene2013]

The more you will ride under those conditions (winds) the stronger you will be and able to push further. :)

[ny biker]

It also helps to find some routes that offer protection from the wind. In general, open spaces are bad on windy days and tree-lined roads are better. Sometimes you can modify your route to avoid the worst of the wind. Rail trails are often not good on windy days because you end up going in one direction for a long time, and if that direction is into the wind it will wear you down fast. Trails and roads near water (like the Mount Vernon trail on the Potomac) also tend to be windier, and colder too.

[ny biker]

So, I got the Jungle Gym XT for Christmas. I will probably try it out on New Year's Eve when the gym will close too early for me to get there.

For use in a doorway, the instructions say to use a three hinge door that opens away from you. I have no three hinge doors in my home. The only way to use a door that opens away from me is to use it in a hallway that's too narrow, on the balcony or in the stairwell outside my apartment. None of these options is good. But I think it should work okay if I use it in my living room with my front door. It has two big spring hinges and the frame is metal. It is always deadbolted and no one opens it except me.

My trainer also will start incorporating some suspension exercises into my regular gym workout, which is good because I would like his help to make sure I'm doing things correctly.

[Catrin]

Sounds good NY Biker - and I think your front door will be fine as you've a metal frame and you keep it deadbolted. I purchased the wall-mount and paid a handy-man friend to install it for me so I would know it was mounted properly on the studs. I'm very happy with that setup, and it sounds like you've worked out something that will work for you. It does help to have your trainer teach you some suspension exercises so you know your form is correct. The foot cradle is quite different between the TRX and Jungle Gym, but I prefer the latter anyway. Not that I can use that yet so I don't overstress that knee.

Have fun and let us know how you like it!

[ridebikeme]

Congrats on getting the Jungle Gym NY biker! I've had mine about 4 years, and have used it quite a bit. I also teach some fitness classes and we use another brand of straps, but all is good. There are TONS of movements that you can do with the straps, so have fun in finding out what they are, what you like. There are definitely a good workout and shed some light for all of us.

[Aromig]

That's the exact setup I have for my TRX (outside door, opens in towards me but is deadbolted in a metal frame) and I haven't fallen on my face yet :-)