There certainly isn’t
anything wrong with moving your workout indoors, especially during cold, winter
months. Indoor cycling is an intense cardiovascular exercise but after some
time, you may find yourself getting bored, especially if you are used to the challenges
of cycling outdoors. This is only normal and is something that many cyclers
experience. Instead of throwing the towel and turning into a couch potato, you
can spice up your regular workouts to keep you challenged.
Break out of Exercise Boredom
with these Moves
Over and Under Interval Workout
Traditionally,
threshold interval indoor cycling workouts are performed at a steady pace for
about 15-45 minutes. If you are getting bored with this, then add a little
twist by doing over and under intervals. How does this work? Start with anaerobic
threshold intensity for 5-10 minutes, then increase your effort over your
threshold for about 3 minutes, then go back to the threshold level and
alternate this routine for 30 minutes.
Spin Ups Workout
This workout is normally
performed on a bike with a minimal resistance setting. It helps increase leg
speed and pedalling efficiency. “This is an old routine!” you say. Well, you
can spice up this workout by modifying it into spin ups. In the first 30 seconds,
using little resistance, try to build up the highest cadence that you can
reach. Do this while keeping your form smooth. Keep that cadence for about 1-3
minutes and rest for another 3 minutes before repeating. Keep going at it until
you reach your highest pedalling speed.
Breakaway Simulation Workout
Usually, these VO2
max interval indoor cycling workouts last for 3-5 minutes. It is meant to
enhance your ability to maintain high intensities over anaerobic threshold. To
add a twist to this exercise, you can do a breakaway simulation, where you
begin with a fast acceleration and maintain it for 30 seconds. Afterwards,
shift to an easier pace and maintain for 2 minutes, then accelerate again for
another 30 seconds.
Make-It / Break-it Interval
Workout
A one-minute maximum
effort workout is often done for improving anaerobic capacity. If this type of
routine bores you, level it up by transforming it into a make-it / break-it
interval. These types of intervals are meant to push you physically and
mentally, so it’s meant to push you to your limits. Begin the workout with a
high resistance level and give it your all. For 30 seconds, pedal hard at 60rpm
giving 100% effort. Then quickly drop but still give 100% effort during the
next 30 seconds.
If you are getting
bored with your traditional routines, try these alternative routines to give
you that boost. You will find cycling a lot more challenging with these! And
you won’t be bored for one second.