turbo trainer ... naive question.

[drivin_me_nuts]

I'm using my TT at the moment and actually enjoying the sessions I do on it. However, I kinda get the feeling a TT is just the bikey equivalent of the 'holding pattern' for fitness. Do people actually get
- fitter
- stronger
-.increase stamina

When using one?

[okgo]

Yes
Stronger is fitter in endurance sport
Yes

I know people who ONLY and I do mean ONLY train on the turbo trainer and they're faster than 99.9% of amateur competitive cyclists.

[nammynake]

drivin_me_nuts said:

I'm using my TT at the moment and actually enjoying the sessions I do on it. However, I kinda get the feeling a TT is just the bikey equivalent of the 'holding pattern' for fitness. Do people actually get
- fitter
- stronger
-.increase stamina

When using one?

If you're enjoying the session itself then I'd suggest working harder. That's not to say you can't ride on them for 2+ hours in Z1/2 but they really come into their own when doing hard intervals or threshold/sweet spot sessions. The latter in particular as it can be quite difficult finding stretches of uninterrupted road that you can ride on for 20+ minutes. Do you use Sufferfest videos or TrainerRoad workouts?

[drivin_me_nuts]

... At the moments, neither. I do two sessions a day. 30 minutes morning higher intensity up to 170 bpm (max 220) and evenings, 45.minute z1 and z2. I think I need some guidance with the TT. I've heard of neither of those before.. I shall read more. Thanks.

[Hobzy]

Get a sufferfest vid... and a spare bowl and towel for when it makes you puke...

[okgo]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Zzzzzzzz

[Benjy911]

If you want a more specific training plan I'd recommend TrainerRoad. I've been used it for about 10 weeks now, after the first 4 I went out on my usual route and got PRs on every segment apart from one (traffic) and it definitely felt a lot easier, also got 8th on one segment which I was very pleased about! Not the most scientific evidence but I definitely feel the programs are helping me, I think you can also get your money back in the first 30 days if it isn't what you'd hoped for.

[julianm]

I`ve mentioned this before on here & suppose it`ll be considered a bit old hat but it works & will make a real difference. Being one of the original programmes for tt work it explains how the programme works. You don`t get to watch the telly & ride a virtual anything but it`s effective & free!
http://www.rogerallen.me.uk/Turbo%20Training.pdf

[Rocksteadyeddie]

If used correctly the Turbo is an instrument of self-imposed torture, and will have significant benefits for your fitness. 30 mins end to end is ample to make yourself wish you never thought it was a good idea in the first place.