To Train or Not To Train

It seems to be easier to exercise/train every day than to take a day off.  At least that’s what I’m finding.

One day off, leads to two days, then three days… then pretty soon you’ve stopped altogether.  Even if it’s just 15-20 minutes, a little is better than nothing and the exercise habit is intact.

Besides, what starts out as a plan to work-out for 15 minutes may lead to a full hour of exercise.  Getting started is the hardest part of training. 

Bicycling is the same way.  The getting ready to go can be an ordeal, especially in the winter when you have to dress like an Eskimo to keep the cold out.  The wind chill effect is very obvious on the bike – and to be avoided.

There is however, the risk of overdressing, where you’re comfortable when you first go out, but 20 minutes into the ride you’re too warm.  Just as bad if not worse than being cold.

That’s why I use the spinner for cycling in the winter.  None of those issues and I can ride for about as long with the same mileage of one of my average rides in the summer – 30 to 40.

The fact is that 2 hours on the spinner is equal to 2.5 – 3 hours on a real ride.  There is no break while spinning, no coasting, just constant pedaling.  For variety you have to mix up the ride – going hard and then easy, pushing a harder gear and then working on spinning, using a video such as Real Rides or just riding to a variety of music and riding “tempo”.

It all serves you well when spring rolls around and biking outdoors begins in earnest.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself.