Turbo fitness

pbt150

I've just bought a turbo, and I've noticed that most of the posts on the forums are about intervals/intensity work. I was wondering if it's possible to use them for basic fitness, and if so what sort of workout I should be looking to do. I did nearly 2 hours on it tonight at around 80% HRMax - is this about right?

Alex_Simmons/RST

Intervals are mostly about basic fitness development.

The exceptions to that are blocks of training with a specific focus on very high intensity work. Even so, doing a little of that intensity throughout general training won't hurt. It breaks up the turbo session and helps pass the time.

2hrs at 80% MHR is pretty solid riding.

mclarent

Hey - I do the same at the mo, 3 times a week then a long ride on Sundays, working on my base fitness. Definately noticed the difference on the club rides. It does get boring after a while, but I have quite a high boredom threshold so still going! Going to add some interval training in Jan.

McBain_v1

I am going to be using my turbo trainer a lot in the run up to the Cheshire Cat sportive ride in March 2009. I am going to try the interval training sessions because it's hard to secure 2hrs plus of time away from wife and kids unless it's after 9pm and by then I am feeling a bit jaded anway. From reading the posts interval training sessions lasting about 1hr seem to be hailed as the most productive. There are quite a few session types if you google "turbo training sessions" but since my Heart Rate Monitor is notoriously flakey (Polar F11 - steer clear of this one) I just go on how difficult it feels rather than panic about zones and such like (not very scientific but it's such a ruddy faff).