no time, but have to train

[dirtcrazy]

Hi all, i need help. With winter not allowing "day riding" after 18:00, i really battle to get time to cycle.  I am a gym member, what would be the best 60-80minute training in a gym FOR A KEEN MTB`er ??

[Marius]

Come ride with me 04h15 .... or maybe  find a slower group cuz I don't wait around:-P I passed the Gym this morning at 05h40 on my Bike and felt sorry for the guys inside:-P

 

Brackenfell / Welgemoed have some nice hills to get you in shape.

 

[Gobi]

yip the early mornings is the only time during the week for me to.

 

 

[dirtcrazy]

hey thanks ,, prob is, i work untill 17:00 only get home at about 18:00!! and on teusdays and fridays we load, so then i work atleast untill 19:00 - i ride alot on weekends. just need some info on what to do in gym (ja, i know nothing compares to actual cycling) but just so that i dont waiste time in the gym....

[Jean-Jay]

i used to use the steppers quite often as well as a huge dose of running on the tredmills. The great thing about the gym is not so much the benefit from being able to train in a safe, warm environment but more the continuity it generates by way of motivation. I have always maintained that consistency is the key to success, not necessarily only quality, but more the ability to continue your program in a consistent manner.

 

Although i would say that riding on the bike is the best training for riding a bike, being able to sustain a 4am ride every day of the week for months e takes a very disciplined person who enjoys that solice / cold / danger.

 

I couldn't / would'nt do that, for me, having the social interaction of people and pleasant conditions kept me COMING BACK - and thats the secret

 

I usually did alot of the stepper machine, loads of running, a bit of core and some spinning - great fun, loads of ppl and it worked for me - i was not great - but i had respectable results

 

[dirtcrazy]

will be late for work then ( have to pick up some guys for work)

[ET08]

Hi dirtcrazy!  It might not be the best (who am I to know), but I find the spinning classes really good.  I know it's not 80min, but you can do some light weights after the spin class.  The spin class is probably the best fitness workout you'll get in the 45-60min.  I spin every morning and don't have to worry about getting cold or the dark or safety for that matter.  And I'm sure as hell not going to push myself as hard when I'm out alone on my bike...  Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[manbearpig]

2x 45min spinning classes in a row does me no harm.  I think....

[dirtcrazy]

HEY  ETO8 - remember, every cent makes a Rand!

[BrendonMyb]

okay i have a treadmil at home that is just really lying there & im also not getting time to go out & ride. Thing is i leave home already at 05:30 to beat traffic & only get home at 17:30ish which by the time im home & ready to go riding means that its already fairly dusk. Im not much of a runner/sprinter & i dont have a gym membership so would you say the treadmil would help. I guess its better than nothing ?? does anyone know a programme i could use just to get my legs going a bit. its actaully the wifes treadmil & ive never even been on it

[Racer X]

Get onto your IDT, problem solved

[PhilipV]

 

Get onto your IDT' date=' problem solved[/quote']

If you can, invest in a trainer, and start stocking up on things to do while you bore yourself to death on the IDT.

 

Ideally you would want to do at least 3 training sessions in the week, and then 2 longer rides over the weekend. In the week focus on intervals or strength training. I don't know where you live, so night riding might not be an option. I love it though, and definitely recommend it for the thrills as well as the training. A decent set of lights helps in this regard. Ride after work, I left home at 8 last night, came back at half past 9. Had an awesome time, and slept like a baby.

 

If you prefer gymming, go for spinning classes, they have different programs, and you could always do 2 classes back to back. Or ask one of the instructors  to help you with a program that builds strength that you can use on the bicycle.Cross training is good, no matter what you do, it will always help you on the bike. Wether it's jogging or a regular game of touchies, the cardio work will benefit you.

And remember to do what you enjoy, if it sucks the motivation will be lacking.

 

 

[droo]

Buy a light. You can train at any time of the night, and singletrack in the dark is a totally new experience. PM me if you're interested...

[Orvor]

Dirt,

 

Try commuting to work - there is an active thread on this at the moment. Better to use a mtb and avoid roads as much as possible and you can begin the commute at 06:30 and be at work by 08:30 depending on where you live.

 

It takes some adjustment, but you will find a way to work out the logistics if you really want to.

 

For the sacrifices made, 10-15 hours in the saddle before you hit Saturday is the reward. Obviously if you live in Roodepoort and work in Springs means you will have to wake up earlier.  Jokes aside, then you're better off in spinning classes.

 

Regards

[AndreZA]

What crap is this not being able to train after 18:00? Up here in GP we never train in the evening and do it before work. In the dead of winter they guys are out at 4:30 and training their butts off. No wonder Cape town is the gay capital of the country.

[dirtcrazy]

your name is.......