Spin video or audio for ipod?

[Starfish]

Zen, yes, there are instructions.

There is a brief warm-up (I do more warm up than theirs), but during warm up the workout is described a bit so you know what is coming...also a little instruction about spinning a high cadence.

Then, there is music (edited to add...wait...is there music with this one? I can't remember!), with voice-over guiding you through the interval session: timing the intervals, giving instruction as to what cadence, giving tips on retaining form throughout the interval, and also giving encouragement.

They also remind you to take a drink of water during the rest periods after some intervals, etc.

[Zen]

i read the Zooming description.
It sounds rather strange and complicated. I don't think I can spin that fast and breath that slow at the same time.
Is it doing anything for you?

[Starfish]

It actually is not complicated at all. The spin is not super fast...90rpms. The breathing is timed to the rhythm...not super slow, but rhythmic.

The music and voice over are very relaxing...much more wonderful than Coach Troy from Spinervals. And, along with the breathing and the spinning, there are prompts about stretching a variety of small muscles that are easy to forget while riding...things that get tense, but that we can actually stretch on the bike.

It is a paradox...working hard and keeping a decent spin, and breathing from the diaphragm...while also practicing relaxation techniques.

I read an article by Ian Jackson, the guy who made these, about once when he had just finished some kind of endurance event...either an Ironman or maybe one of those double IMs. Anyhow, someone (a reporter? I can't remember) asked him how come he looked so refreshed or peaceful or something at the end, and he said he had just completed XXX number of miles or hours of breathing meditation.

Anyhow, it is interesting. I haven't done it for awhile, but I need to get back. I noticed a better spin, much better breathing, lower HR at the same power, and much more mindfulness and peacefulness during the ride. The CD is something like 90 minutes, and it goes by quickly.

[rij73]

I too have a workout from iAmplify that is really good. It's the Indoor Cylcing 101 from http://store.iamplify.com/index.php?...93b183f4f9d21b

Another good pay-as-you-go service is at itrain. Check out http://store.iamplify.com/index.php?...93b183f4f9d21b and click on iCycle.

Then there is always PodRunner.com that has music at a specified speed so can keep a steady cadence. They also have tracks that have "intervals" at a faster speed.

I've been using these three tools for a few weeks now to get in shape for the spring. It's been much more fun than just spinning along with no purpose.

[April]

I have been trying to save some time by riding indoors and wasn't sure if I wanted a DVD or audio for my iPod. I found this website http://www.highintervalworkouts.com/ They have 4 different types of spinning workouts each 60 min long. I have downloaded their ultimate package which included all four workouts, speed, power, endurance, and recovery to my iPod. I love them all. I can do the workouts at the gym or home. It complements my training for the Wildflower triathlon upcoming in a few months.