Bored on my indoor trainer

I ride my trainer in the living room and watch tv, but it's really loud and I have to have the set turned all the way up.

My BF has rollers which he rides in the garage. He listens to audio books.

Also, are you just plain riding? When I'm on the trainer, I'm doing intervals and pushing myself hard, harder, harder still, even harder, i-can't-hold-this-for-much-longer, and just a touch harder... each for anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. I don't get bored because I'm so intensely focused on the RPM and the stop watch. "Just another 30 seconds, I can do this. I'm not really going to die." Pant pant pant.

Maybe your wife just doesn't want all that sweat in the livingroom carpet.

Edited by madkat 2005-05-04 3:12 AM

Hi crazylegs....I've mentioned this on here before, but thought it was worth repeating! I bought the "spinervals" indoor cycling/training video...I bought the "Suffer-O-Rama" version, and it's tough! You most certainly will not feel bored, and you'll be amazed at the results. Coach Troy Jacobsen, who is like a 30-time winner of various triathlons, leads the class on the video, (and the class is made up of mainly triathletes) and if you're looking for your speed to increase...or your stamina....whatever it is....he has a video for it. It's great! About $29.95...and his website to order these is:
www.spinervals.com

I don't think there's any other "spinning" type video out there that will give you this hard of aworkout...unless you go to a gym. His video is designed specifically for those who use indoor trainers, but can be used with stationary/spinning bikes.

I highly recommend this for anyone who's bored and also who is looking for a challenging workout, when the weather is bad and you need to stay in to train, etc...

If you order it, please let me know whatcha think--hope it helps!!

I'm set up in the living room in front of the 55" widescreen   I'll watch sports or a movie if I'm just doing long steady rides or Spinervals DVDs if I want a specific interval, tempo, or base workout.

I watch Ironman DVD's or Euro bike racing videos. I find them more entertaining than just trying to train to music alone. It's still not as good as going outdoors, about 90 minutes or so is all I can stand. I had thought about giving porn videos a shot. The jury is still out on that one, but I'll post a report if/when it happens.

I heard the Spinerval videos are great. I ordered 2 this weekend, Nashbar has them on sale for $19.99.

Depending on which version you ordered....I think you'll LOVE THEM!!! They work you soooo hard, beyond how you might challenge yourself. I like (dare I say?) someone to "yell" at me when I feel like quitting!!! It's very helpful, and I like the instructor...he's very motivating, yet tough. It's a good combo in a trainer, I think. I hope you like them.

Which Spinnerval videos are good to buy and for what reason? Also do you need an ergo trainer to do what these guys are telling you to do?

I purchased the spinervals--"Suffer-O-Rama" which is basically interval and tempo training. Each workout has a specified level of difficulty, and you can view a portion of it online--on the website. I chose that one because I wanted more leg muscle, and strength. And I wanted something that I could grow into--I still can't complete all of the sit and stand tempo work, but I'm getting there!!! It's quite anaerobic, but not all are like that. He has more "spinning" type ones that are set on easier cadences, for more speed. But, I think the purpose is to improve speed and technique...

I'm not sure about the trainer you mention--sorry...It appears that the triathletes on the video all have various trainers that they're using for the workout.

I'm so grateful that I found this series, because it's really fun (and tough), and it challenges you (depending on the one you get) to new heights...probably would not even KNOW to challenge myself like that, because I think I basically just upped the tempo or threw some interval training into the mix--but this really is something different. Like having your own personal cycling coach in your house...

Well, here's my thought..
Keep the trainer, and trade the wife in for a more agreeable model  

I can't just ride on a trainer or a spin cycle - way too boring - I need the structure of a planned interval workout. For this reason when I ride indoors I either use a Spinervals DVD (I have 4-5 titles to rotate to keep it interesting), a pre-written interval workout taped onto my top tube, or I just go to the local gym spin class. Once you've done a few spin classes and/or spinervals workouts writing your own workouts gets pretty easy, even fun, and the challenge of finishing the workout as planned helps keep you focused and interested in the workout.

For those seeking title reviews for Spinervals I posted a number of review in the following threads:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

XBOX. ESPN College Hoops 2K5. Halo.

I'll play a couple of basketball games (1.5 to 2 hours) and then I'll realize, "Hey, I've been in the aero position the whole time".

Movie: Red Heat, Rambo II, Pitch Black, Transporter, etc ... action movies seem to work for me.

Nothing competes with the freedom one feels while riding outside. It is unique. But, honestly I feel I get a better session riding on the trainer ... even if it involves XBOX or DVD's to curtail the mind-numbing boredom.

when Im on the trainer I actually play videogames, but I don't think you guys would be willing to do that. so Ialso watch TV

I joined NEtFlix for this reason. My workouts may not have been as intense while distracted by a movie, but all I wanted over the winter was time on the trainer. I live with 2 cats, so there were no complaints from them about it.

Also, CTS (carmichael training) sells training titles for about 30 bucks apiece. My Cyclops fluid trainer came with the time trial one, which is a great workout, based on HR or power output if you have a meter. He's got about 6 titles, I think.

I got Mental Toughness because is intended to develop aerobic conditioning and Have Mercy because it was a compilation of tough drills. I cannot wait to get them!
I am not a fan of the bike, It is my weakest sport... but I am trying to overcome that.

Great!!! Again, I say...YOU WILL LOVE THESE WORKOUTS!!! They will push and challenge you...(sometimes make you mad haha) but it's such a great workout. I really think they're a Godsend to anyone "bored" with indoor cycling workouts....((I love cycling--running being my personal weakest sport.))

I can't wait to hear how you like them!!

Is it possible for you to nip down the local gym and do a spinning class? Or failing that, at least you can have a decent workout without worrying about noise levels !!

Tape Le Tour this year off OLN and ride with Lance. You can also get previous years and ride with the tour every day. There are a bunch of others out there as well....

I have a love-hate relationship with spinning classes...
I like the intensity, I do not get bored...
On the other side it is hard to get your bike fitted right. After couple classes I have some default settings but still, it is not my roadbike.
Then, the instructors... some are good, some are so-so... they come up with some funky "movements" Wow.... many times I just skip them... I keep sppining
(no push-ups on the handlebar while spinning.... last time I got a bad pain in my elbows!)
I keep spinning classes as kosher as possible

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I did in the past watch tapes of the "El Tour de Lance", but after seeing them for the hundreth time, I couldn't watch them anymore. I ordered the Have Mercy Spinerval DVD and can't wait for it to arrive. The one thing all of you said in common was that you had an actual plan for your trainer workouts, as my workouts were just a last-minute substitute for not being able to get outdoors. I train on a Blackburn fluid trainer (not an endorsement, but I like it). It is quiet enough to ride indoors, so my wife and I compromised. I can ride and watch the DVD as long as she is not watching one of her shows (Desperate Housewives). Once again, let me give a big THANK YOU to all of you for giving me the free advice. I've said it before, but you guys ROCK!!!!

I used Have Mercy Sunday.... I had to cut short my bike ride b/c of mother's day so I went on my trainer for 40 minutes to compensate. The DVD includes several 5 - 10 minute workouts you can mix and match depending on how long your workout is. Every piece is geared to improve your anaerobic conditioning. Tough! Wow it was tough. They tell you exactly when to shift your gears (and for a beginer like me, what plates to use). There is a clock on the screen and an "intensity" bar to better follow the workout.
I think they are a great complement to any outdoor training, you do not get to do that kind of stuff outdoors.