Indoor cycling makes for a much stronger case than outdoor cycling. To start with, indoor cycling is not dependent on the weather. So, you can cycle even when it is raining outside or it’s freezing cold outside. If you are someone who does not like to be drenched in dirt and pollution, indoor cycling is the better option.
You can even target specific workouts to improve your stamina, cardiovascular fitness, speed, and so on. If you are new to the world of indoor cycling, things can get a bit overwhelming as far as equipment and accessories are concerned.
Simply put, the more you spend on your indoor cycling setup, the more realistic your training will be and even quieter. There are a lot of smart trainers out there, which can help you get very accurate measurements and even resistance that you can adjust while training.
- Training Space:
Identifying a space in the house where you can set up your trainer is the first step. Ideally, any place that is sheltered and has a shelf or table nearby. Though you can set it up in any space, keeping it away from your day to day activities is advisable.
Also, bear in mind that the equipment is usually heavy, and you will most likely sweat a lot. Thus, keeping it away from carpeted areas. If you cannot, then ensure to use a mat to cover the area.
Some of the machines that aren’t too expensive can be a bit noisy as well. If you share your house with other people, you will want to keep it away from the quiet places or maybe find a soundproof area.
- Trainer Type:
There are a few options when it comes to indoor cycling trainers. You can choose one from the following.
- Turbo Trainer:
- Indoor Bike:
- Rollers:
It is the most common type of trainer. The turbo trainer setup works with an actual bike, with a skewer at the rear axle to hold the bike down. A simple setup rotates the wheels as you pedal.
An Indoor smart bike is something that you can buy if you want to go all out with your expenses. These are quite different from the normal spin bikes or gym bikes. These bikes can measure your power output, heart rate, cadence, pedal stroke, control resistance and more.
The roller setup has two sets of free-spilling cylinders for both the wheels, on which the bike can stand. As you start pedalling, the cylinders rotate continuously, thereby giving you a very authentic riding experience. As there isn’t anything that holds the bike, it feels quite natural.
- Accessories:
Some common accessories for your indoor cycling include a bottle holder since you would sweat, a mat, a fan to keep the excess heat away, towels on handlebars, and a speaker or headphones for music.
- Workout:
Watching your favourite film-related to cycling or catching up on a show while cycling is a more efficient way of working out.
Indoor cycling is a great way to stay fit. Depending on your budget and needs, you can opt for a moderate setup or go all out and splurge.
