Spring is almost here is it is time to ride. Unfortunately, at this time some people can’t get out and ride, so we are bringing you five indoor training tips to make the hours pass. You’ll appreciate it when summer comes and everyone is burning off frustrations being cooped up.
Indoor Training Tip #1 — Use Chamois Cream
Indoor training is hot and sweaty … which can be brutal in many ways; especially sitting on the saddle that long. It can also be vital for the season’s improvement especially with so many events being canceled. Maximizing your training time can be contingent upon your ability to stay on the trainer longer. It’s a well-known fact that friction happens in places that will linger long after the day’s work. The best way to reduce the uncomfortable “undercarriage” issues is chamois cream.
Indoor Training Tip #2 — Be Comfortable
In order to own the indoors, you must provide the comfort for the stress points on your body. One being your hands. While it might be a smoother ride than the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix, blisters, hot spots, tingly, or numbness happens to pressure points when you grip a bar for hours. Consider a bar tape that was designed for this type of training and provides the thickest cushioning foam on the market. ENVE designed their bar tape that provides maximum ride feel without compromising comfort and ensures grip in wet and sweaty conditions. Their tape is 3mm thick, and consists of a silicone-backed compound that provides comfort for a 2 to 3-hour ride. Learn more at Enve.com.
Indoor Training Tip #3 — Stay Hydrated and Consume Calories
Water. No brainer … but what is in your bottle. If you are headed out for a 2-hour ride outside and take a sports drink with you, then why not do it inside. Hydration is key for Indoor Training and keeps your body performing at the best optimal level. Is your water bottle half full or empty? Be sure to fill it during indoor rides with a product like Hammer’s Heed Sports Drink. HEED is a healthy, subtle-flavored alternative that consists of complex carbohydrates, a balanced electrolyte profile, and essential nutrients. These essential ingredients balance blood sugar, buffer lactic acid, and ensure long-lasting energy. Learn more at hammernutrition.com.
Indoor Training Tip #6 — Try Zwift and Indoor Races
Zwift is a massive multiplayer online cycling and running community experience. It is a physical training program that enables users to interact, train and compete in a virtual world. It is a game-changer when it comes to indoor cycling and a big motivator for athletes. When you hit a hill be ready to shift and get your climb on. A descent? No problem. Hit the big ring and put your head down and get ready to descend. Want to ride gravel on Zwift, they have it!
Zwift includes six virtual worlds (Watopia, Richmond, London, Innsbruck, Yorkshire, and New York – a seventh world, Bologna, is available for certain time trial events, and an eighth, Crit City, is available for short, criterium-style, races).
Please note with Zwift, you will need a smart trainer such as Wahoo’s Kick’r Core.
Indoor Training Tip #5 — Clean Up
Imagine what the all the salty sweat on your bicycle post will do. Gear wipes are the universal clean-up cloth for all your bike components and parts. Tub O’ Towels heavy duty cleaning wipes easily break the mess down and wipe away the sweat and salt. Loaded with a proprietary high-performance blend of detergents and emulsifiers this product works to dissolve grease and grime upon contact. These towels enable cleaning while foaming agents lift away all the residue of your ride. It’s never been so easy to stay clean, no matter where you ride. Learn more at cyclingwipes.com.