I had a double workout today, Strength and Endurance.
After dropping the kids off at school I headed off the the gym for a strength workout. Before the hitting the weights I did 30 min easy spin on the stationary bike. The only thing I really like about these bikes is that they have a watts indicator. I can’t afford a power meter (yet), so I like being able to see wattage. On an easy spin, I was cranking 240w with a HR of 120-125. I don’t know if this is good or not since I haven’t been doing any power tests.
Later in the afternoon I did 1.5hr in zone 2 with cadence around 90-95 rpm.
It’s interesting how it’s so much harder to do a zone 2 workout on the trainer than it is to do on the road. For example: I can ride the Peak to Peak in zone 2 for hours. I’ve already done it 5 or 6 times this year. But on the trainer after 1 hr I’m ready to get off. I probably could have gone at least another 30 minutes, but I had to get back to work, the job hunt.
How do I do it? For one, set a goal. The goal must be realistic, more then 2hrs on the trainer will lead to burnout fast. I don’t recommend it. I’m also motivated. I have many things to motivate me. Find what motivates you.
- Staying fit. I have some lofty goals this season. I want to minize the lose of fitness I gained last year. I’ll be posting these soon.
- I like to eat. I need to make sure that I don’t put on anymore weight this season. I weigh 182lbs right now, and I’d like to be between 170 and 175 by end of June. I know it’s possible to get my goal weight, but not if I keep eating and not exercising.
- Exercise just makes me feel good. I don’t feel right if I don’t get a good workout in. I need to do something, easy or hard.
How do I stay focused on the trainer? I use the TV to get my mind off of the pain and discomfort. We have Netflix and our satellite TV service has a couple of good commercial free movie channels. I find anything that will keep my focused for the time I have planned.
This works for me, but it may not work for you. If you’d like help getting motivated and staying focused ont he trainer contact me.