Hi friends!
This weekend was absolutely gorgeous weather wise. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to enjoy any of it. My two little peanuts are battling nasty colds so Mama duty was in full effect. This is actually their first real sickness that they’ve been able to tell us they don’t feel good. Although it seems like they just say “yes” to every ailment I ask.
With the great weather, I was super jealous of all the runners going by my house in shorts and big smiles. Fifty degrees in January doesn’t happen that often in New Hampshire! Oh well, I’m on a running hiatus anyway. For three more days at least, but then again, who’s counting.
I did get a great workout in on my bike trainer. Since the Fall, I’ve been trying to get in a couple of workouts on it each week. It’s a great way to cross train, get off my feet from running and just adds variety. Some even suggest it’s harder than actual cycling outdoors since you are fighting the resistance of the trainer. However, it can be BORING! I get antsy on the treadmill and it’s no different on the bike. I have two tricks that I do to make myself stick to a workout on the bike – good music (Pandora’s Pop and Hip Hop Power Workout is one of my fav stations) and a plan of intervals to mimic outdoor riding. Variety is key to enjoying and surviving the trainer.
Here’s a great workout that I have been doing lately on the bike
Once done with the fourth round, finish with a cool down of an easy pace for 10 minutes.
If you are wondering what your easy or high intensity is, think of the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. I prefer the BORG scale that is 6-10. You want to be working in the 12-16 range for the hard intervals.
Source: mehn.org.au via Angela on Pinterest
A heart rate monitor can also be a good indicator of intensity as well.
While I much prefer to ride outside, having a bike trainer is a great tool to have. Especially in the winter and when you are confined to your house with Mama duty.
I want to thank everyone who posted comments on Friday’s post! I appreciated every single word of advice. Just another reason why I love the blog world and running community. I’ve got more research to do but I’m 100% certain I need to ditch my inserts and stability shoes. I need a fresh start that focuses on form first and foremost. It’s going to be a long process that hopefully I can withstand. I’m not a patient person but if it means staying injury free in the long run, it’s worth it.
Have a great Monday!
Are you a fan of indoor cycling?
I love spin classes! That’s one of the things I miss most about having a gym membership.
I have to say I was one of those people out there this weekend…sorry! I do like spin class even though I don’t get to do it very often!
Fancy Nancy recently posted..Monday Motivation
Jealous!!! Hope you enjoyed every single minute!
Sorry your little guys are sick–it’s always so sad to see them that way!
Nice trainer workout. For some reason I have a bit more tolerance for the trainer than the treadmill (no logic to that!) but some variety is always welcome! I have several Spinervals DVDs that help too (I’m in the first one, actually!).
misszippy1 recently posted..Making deposits
I didn’t know that you were a workout dvd celebrity! How fun!
Absolutely! I love spinning and getting on my cyclops bike trainer
Kierston recently posted..Little Things Monday #6: Things That Make You Smile
Hope the kids get better soon. Hate that you had to miss out on that weather though. I’m trying to figure out the best way to use my trainer so thank you for this one!!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Fun for Friday & Blood Clot Follow Up
It’s so tempting just to hop on the trainer and pedal with no intention. I like to have a plan to really get the most out of it. Let me know if you try this workout and what you think!
I’ve been doing a lot of tabatas on the bike trainer based on my coaches advice and it’s a little crazy I feel like I”m going to rip the bike off
hehe. but definitely an awesome workout, I will test out yours too!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..The Unrace Race Week
I’ve tried a tabatas on the trainer too. I felt the same way. I even checked a few times if I had smoke coming off the tires.
I tend to only ride my bike outside, but indoors might be a good thing to incorporate into my repertoire. Thanks!
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Happy Moment #20
I wish I could ride outside year round. Winter riding is tough in NH but I have friends who do it. Brrrr!
I’ve never ridden my bike inside. I have a trainer though, so I’ll try this!
Thanks for the idea!
Jamie @ Rise.Run.Mom.Repeat. recently posted..Kettlebell Workouts: Week 4
I am doing the RW First plan for my Boston Training and it has me on the Spin bike twice a week. I am like you in that I get antsy, so it should be a an interesting 12 weeks. I’m off to Spin right now! ha Have a good day! xoxo
RunWiki recently posted..Strawberry Napoleon with #SilkAlmond Pastry Cream
Nice plan! I’d love to hit a spin class 2x/week. Hope you have fun!
Great workout, I love spin class but get so bored on the trainer alone I need a workout plan to keep me motivated
Jen recently posted..Back to reality: Costa Rica Vacation
Hope the kiddos are feeling better. I don’t have an indoor bike, but it is nice to have our own TM for the same reasons
AmyC recently posted..#TrainingTruths: Bouncing Back
I’m a massive fan of indoor cycling! In fact I teach 5 Spinning classes a week. It is great for cross training. If you ever need cycling rides/profiles, I have them on my blog with along with the play lists. Happy riding
Andrea @ fromfltond recently posted..Allison Sipes Guest Post
Hope your little ones are feeling much better – worst feeling in the world is sick kids!!! I’m not a biker (indoor or outdoor) – I’ve tried stationary bikes and feel like I have to go 2 hours as fast and hard as possible to get anywhere. Your work-out plan looks like a good one. I hope y’all end up with some more nice weather days when you are back to running!!!
Kim recently posted..Sometimes People Baffle Me!
Great job on the trainer! Love the interval idea, that method helps me on treadmill. I have an old hand-me-down trainer that feels SO much harder than outdoors, even just riding “easy.” I might need to invest in a better one
Lauren @ mostly i run recently posted..race report: ragnar key west
I’m with you, anything cardio indoors is just NOT the same. Treadmill and bike can get monotonous, but when you don’t have a choice I do the same as you; good music and intervals. Something about intervals really helps since you only focus on a few minutes at a time…the other indoor cardio pet-peeve is swimming. Most indoor pools are too warm, so its easy to ‘get in’ but I overheat within 5 minutes. The best analogy I can give is running in hot/humid weather. Not comfortable. I think most people (like myself) prefer 60ish degrees with a light breeze to keep the sweat at bay.
Nicole recently posted..First Barre
Poor sweeties! So sorry to hear they were sick! I love me some indoor cycling. Spin classes are perfect XT for me.
Marcia recently posted..I’m Not Sick
So sorry your kiddos are sick! I feel for you as my little guy was on and off sick for the past month! He’s finally almost 100%! Hopefully they are well soon!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome recently posted..Today is Marvlous!
This icky thing that’s going around is hanging around forever. Glad your little guy is feeling better. Mine are slowly making their way out from under it.
Oh my gosh she is precious!!!! I hope they are feeling better. Doesn’t it feel like whenever you can’t run everyone else is running?? Thanks for the bike workout.
Natalie recently posted..Mezamashii Project, & Clif protein minis
Thanks, Natalie! Yes it does seem that way. When I was on modified bed rest with my twins, I swear every single person in my town was walking, running or biking past my house just to taunt me!
Pingback: Organic Runner Mom Motivation Monday-Big Goals and Little Goals
Hope the kiddos are feeling 100% soon. And glad you still got to get in a good workout. Always helps to get a sweat on with mommy related stress/worry/fatigue.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Breakfast, Snack, & Dessert In One Small Package (Recipe Included!)
I hope that the kiddos are feeling better!! This looks like a great workout. I love spin classes but can’t stand the regular exercise bikes at the gym. I usually use those when I want to read a book and “pretend” to exercise
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..How Content Brew saved my blog
I wish I could look that cute when I don’t feel well…
Me too…
Hope your kids feel better!! Super cold in Maryland today!! I just joined a gym and I love the spin classes!!!!!
Teresa @ fitnwoodbine.blogspot.com recently posted..New Website Address!
Have fun! And I’m super jealous!
What kind of trainer do you have? I have one but I don’t think it’s too good. Do you have a different tire on the wheel that rubs the trainer? I’ve heard that I should be changing that but I haven’t.
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I have a cyclops. Don’t know too much about it since I’m boring it from a friend. It’s very loud but I’m in the basement and no one hears me. I just crank up the tunes!
Great routine for beginners. I like intervals for efficient training and reducing boredom. Yes, training on a trainer may be boring, if you don’t find a way to motivate yourself.
Rider recently posted..Clipless pedals for indoor cycling