New to Turbo Training
VinerPasso
Posts: 11
Apologies if this question has been posted many times before, but I have only just joined the forum. I have just bought a Tacx Booster turbo trainer to try and get fitter over the long winter nights in preparation for the spring and summer next year. What I want to know is, what would be the most productive form of training using the turbo? ie intervals or just doing mile upon mile, or any other type of programme that would be beneficial.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Comments
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Firstly what do you want to achieve and how much time do you have?
Now assuming the answer is fitter/faster and not much time, you probably want to do a mix of High intensity interval sessions and base endurance sessions.
First thing you need is entertainment. Youtube race videos or spin Hiit Vids are good, I usually watch a few club races and try to keep up or match my output to the riders. But there are lots of spin / Les Mills RPM style vids on you tube.
choose some good motivational music, get a fan and some water and crack on.
I put a couple of trainer vids together a while back - they aren't brilliant - see sig for playlist0 -
One of the main issues - if not the main issue - with turbo trainers is the boredom factor. While some days getting on and doing an hour at constant power might be the best thing to do, it will bore you to death in short order.
But power based intervals are going to be what you need to do to get fitter.
Trainer Road is the standard response and that will work with your Tacx Booster https://www.trainerroad.com/virtual-power this works with your iPhone/Smartphone/iPad/PC and you just follow graphs on the screen keeping your power in the correct range, they do work you hard!
http://zwift.com/ also supports your trainer. PC/Mac only, this puts you into a virtual simulated environment with other cyclists in real time. Also they've announced that within a couple of weeks they'll be testing a new structured training platform to rival that of Trainer Road.
Both Zwift and Trainer Road require a subscription of about £8 per month, but well worth it considering what you get.
What you choose will likely come down to the equipment you already have, e.g. PC, phone etc and where you can train.
Also; get a fan, a big fan, no, bigger than that!0 -
Insta: ATEnduranceCoaching
ABCC Cycling Coach0 -
Indeed, worth noting that Trainer Road has workouts which match the Suffer Fest videos so when the videos tell you to go faster, Trainer Road will be telling you exactly what that means in terms of power output.0 -
How do you decide what training to do on the road?0
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Thanks for the information guys, my aim is to get fitter and faster and time is not a problem, so will see what happens.
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What's the latest recommendation on fans these days?
My old one packed in and used one of those tower ones we had in the attic yesterday and it was awful! So need a new one.0 -
Apologies if this question has been posted many times before, but I have only just joined the forum. I have just bought a Tacx Booster turbo trainer to try and get fitter over the long winter nights in preparation for the spring and summer next year. What I want to know is, what would be the most productive form of training using the turbo? ie intervals or just doing mile upon mile, or any other type of programme that would be beneficial.
Any advice would be appreciated.
First question, what are your goals for next summer... Is it a particular sportive you are targetting? Riding time trials? Maybe just improving general fitness. Much of this will help with any advice on "what works best"0 -
Not targeting anything in particular, just want to be able to get fitter,get quicker and ride further. Might be doing a 100 miler late spring early summer0
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Not targeting anything in particular, just want to be able to get fitter,get quicker and ride further. Might be doing a 100 miler late spring early summer
Sounds like most of us! I can certainly recommend Zwift after trying at the weekend for the first time. As it's about as close to riding outside as you can get IMO. Last time I was on I thought I'd just have an easy ride, but then ended up trying to chase people down and stay with them - just like I do outside
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Not targeting anything in particular, just want to be able to get fitter,get quicker and ride further. Might be doing a 100 miler late spring early summer
The "traditional" approach is to build a base over winter and then add intervals come spring/summer. Have a read of something like this http://turbotraining.co.uk/cycling-articles/Base-miles-basics
Another school of thought is to adopt a higher intensity approach over winter and then increase the distance when the weather is nicer) come spring i.e. you go a little further at your new found faster speed.
The main thing is to find an approach which keeps you consistent and motivated. No point in thrashing yourself every time you get on the turbo if it means you will eventually hate it. I would advise firstly understanding where you are fitness wise now (http://turbotraining.co.uk/turbotrainer-workout/659). Start a training plan and then test yourself again around Christmas time. It is amazing how seeing improvement can keep you motivated.0 -
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the guidance given. Will give your ideas a whirl.0
