Actually USING the trainer .....
Regardless of what trainer you end up buying, it only helps if you use it. :p I agree with Veronica that the training videos are great, but you can get tired of the same old, same old over and over unless you can afford to buy lots of videos. Some people can ride to TV shows. I get my best indoor rides when I use music that I specifically choose to ride to. I teach Spin classes and so I am always trying out music for that. I use it at home first on my trainer and then if it works, take it to Spinning. The right music can be very inspiring. You can shut your eyes and see the road or trail in your mind. Have a variety of videos, music, anything that works to keep you going! Invite some friends to bring their trainers over and work out in a group. That always makes time go by faster and everyone seems to work harder than if working out alone.
I dread the time of year when I have to move my riding indoors, but it's a fact of life here in the midwest. It gets dark so early that unless you like night riding, there's no time to get out after work. Until it is too cold, at least weekend rides are an option.
Good luck finding a trainer.
Feedback on fluid v. computerized
I'd like to see if anyone has more feedback on indoor trainers. Living in the midwest means cold weather...I do some weekend riding outdoors but that is it. I have 2 trainers and 1 will be going back -- 1.) the Cyclops Fluid2 and 2.) just bought a TACx Flow trainer (like a low end Computrainer) because once I tried it I decided to return the Cyclops.
Question I have is whether anyone has tried the fluid trainers v. the electronic trainers -- the elec trainers are just so much more smooth to me, and really simulate the road. The Cyclops to me was a bit jerky at times, adjusting the back wheel each time seems to take 3-4 tries. Plus, it is based on the fact it increases resistance as you pedal faster...which is not really the case when you are on the road. The TACx (or a Computrainer) seemed like I was really on my bike. I feel like I could control my training specific to what I wanted to do so much better. Price diff: TACx is about $120 more.
Any feedback out there on trainers? Does anyone have the Cyclops, had the same problems and got used to it?
Re: Actually USING the trainer .....
Quote:
Originally posted by annie
Regardless of what trainer you end up buying, it only helps if you use it.
Too true Annie!
I've been skipping this thread (as well as the "spinning" section) because I don't want to think about it. Denial is bliss.
I avoid the vomitron like the plague. I have some fluid thing that someone gave me (the bastard!) years ago.
In the winter I'll run, xc ski, mountain bike and swim for general fitness. Lift for strength, yoga for flexibility. I might break out the trainer 1 or 2 times a week for short (30-45 min) interval sessions.
Spokes: you mentioned you live in a condo. If you have "attached" neighbors(especially downstairs) you will probably need to find spin time when they are not home, no matter what type of trainer you choose. ALL trainers generate noise and vibration. Just be aware of that before you drop a lot of cash.