I know this should be on the training forum but

Harry B

I think I'll get better advice here.

I'm mid forties, about 6 ft tall and weigh in at just under 14 stone. In an effort to keep some fitness during those long dark winter months I've joined a gym. I went on Tuesday and split my time between doing cardio work and working on my leg muscles.

My aim is to keep/improve my fitness and also to build up more power to help me get over those hills.

Am I taking the right approach or is there a more effective training regime I should use? I know that getting out on the bike more is probably the best approach but my time is limited and it's usually dark by the time I get home during the week. I've got a turbo and get bored after about 15 minutes. At least at the gym I can oggle any decent lycra on show

Ghost Donkey

Have you talked tothe instrctors there? There may be a cyclist amongst them or someone who knows about cycle training.

Harry B

Ghost Donkey wrote:

Have you talked tothe instrctors there? There may be a cyclist amongst them or someone who knows about cycle training.

Nah, there all about 12 years old. Probably still ride with stabilizers on!

Mike Healey

Harry B wrote:

I think I'll get better advice here.

I'm mid forties, about 6 ft tall and weigh in at just under 14 stone. In an effort to keep some fitness during those long dark winter months I've joined a gym. I went on Tuesday and split my time between doing cardio work and working on my leg muscles.

My aim is to keep/improve my fitness and also to build up more power to help me get over those hills.

Am I taking the right approach or is there a more effective training regime I should use? I know that getting out on the bike more is probably the best approach but my time is limited and it's usually dark by the time I get home during the week. I've got a turbo and get bored after about 15 minutes. At least at the gym I can oggle any decent lycra on show

Turbo can be boring if you simply get on it and pedal hard. The most effective use is for interval training. There are some useful books on it and you could see if you can get advice from one of the local coaches/clubs. If you contact them (via British Cycling's website) they may well have info on local cyclist turbo sessions. Failing that, local spin classes are a good bet - they have sufficient variety (+ music) to keep you motivated. with the added bonus of lycra ogling included, since spin classes usually have a fair proportion of wmen riding, or so I'm told.

SteveR_100Milers

Why not try to find a gymn that does SPIN classes? That way you can combine the turbo with the ogling...