I was thinking of getting a computrainer for the winter (lots of snow November-May). I’d like to maintain my fitness, build some strength and speed. Now from my understanding - off-season work-outs should be long, slow stuff and strength stuff. Seems like long/slow stuff would be hard on the computrainer - better suited for shorter/focused interval type work-outs. What do you all do/recommend? I was thinking of doing some muscular endurance work-outs (as described in Gordo’s forum) twice each week and then just some spin work-outs (like an hour or so) to work on my pedaling and maintain some fitness. Any use in intervals or other work-outs off-season? How about adding some powercranks and use the off-season to get used to them (cuz it’ll be awhile before you can ride on them anyway).
Everything you mentioned except the long slow stuff is good Computrainer time. I would personally do an 8-week cycle of strength work twice a week (40-50 minutes on the bike), with maybe a 30-40 minute spin thrown in. Then I might follow with the muscle endurance stuff. You’ll hit springtime strong and with a solid enough base to jump right into long rides.
It’s “nice” to think about the winter as a huge base-building effort, but in real life, people in the wintry climes can’t get those miles in.
I did alot of hill work on the CT last hear getting ready for a 24 hour MTB race (relay). I also did some long slow stuff. I rented movies or taped shows and watched while riding. It is a good way to pass the time if it is not possible to ride outside. Many times I would ride and watch a football game, trying to keep riding til the game was over. that is a way to get a 3 hour ride in.