Hi,
This winter I have made it a habit of hopping off the bike every 20 minutes during trainer base sessions. This allowed me to comfortably extend the time I was on the trainer. What effect do you think these 2 minute off the bike breaks with have on the effectiveness of tempo intervals, which is the next phase of work. The breaks include light core, bar hang, high knees etc.
Don’t know what effect for you, but I incorporated a similar theory but with easier riding and then added off-the-bike squats, lunges, other P-90-X leg style drills.
My legs have come off feeling BLASTED. We’ll see how that helps on the Pennsylvania hills once the weather breaks.
Regardless, after 20+ years of this stuff (for me), I don’t see any harm in trying some new once in a while. In fact, I think it’s a great idea.
If doing this keeps your motivation up and helps you spend more time in the saddle, you are absolutely doing the right thing.
Some might say to HTFU and get the job done, but I save my HTFU account for April rides in the pouring rain, important long rides in the cold, and early morning wake-ups when my ass is dragging.