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Winter Training? Me?
By Dennis Tate
With winter rapidly approaching, we can reminisce
about our rides of the past summer from the comfort of the sofa.
Our thoughts begin to focus on the upcoming holidays rather than
winter training and fitness. WINTER TRAINING? ME? Winter Training
can be fun and will maintain or lay the foundation of fitness
for the upcoming cycling season. The training can be divided into
outdoor and indoor sessions.
With the proper accessories, you can cycle outdoors
all year round. Layering clothing is the key. A wicking fabric
for the first layer will keep the dampness away from the skin.
Other essential clothing are tights (with or without a wind-blocking
front), shoe covers, gloves (I recommend the lobster design),
ear muff band, and a breathable jacket. Depending on the weather,
you may need additional layers. Remember, you should feel a slight
chill before you ride. You WILL generate heat. Please, do not
forget the lip gloss. So, you’re all dressed up and ready
to ride. Take those same summer routes but at a short distance.
Shift into an easier pedaling gear and spin. Enjoy the scenery.
You may say, “That’s not a workout.” A workout
is what you want. Let’s move indoors.
For indoor training, you will need a trainer stand.
Trainer stands are divided into wind, magnetic, and fluid for
their resistance. The stand clamps onto your rear wheel and allows
you to use your gears as well as the trainer’s resistance
for your workout. You can ride and watch television or read but
if you really want a workout, put a specifically designed training
video into your VCR. Be prepared to feel your muscles burn. These
videos concentrate on different aspects of cycling. The length
of the video workout varies. Most range between 40 minutes to
an hour. Why train by yourself? Think about throwing an indoor
cycling party. All you need is a TV, VCR, training tapes, and
enough space to accommodate your friends’ bikes and trainers.
Your cycling party may become a weekly event! If not, there is
always a seat next to me on the sofa.
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