<For Road Cyclists> How do you keep in shape during the winter?

Question

Especially if you live in Canada, Germany, Russia, Finland, Norway or Alaska where the winter can get snowy and your small town doesnt have any decent gymnasiums.....or you just dont like going to the gym because of the weird atmosphere. How do you keep in shape when you are stuck indoors because of the snow? What if you cant afford Nordic Skis because you spent all your money on your bicycle?

Answer 1

Rollers, rubber bands, and a wind trainer.  I got the rollers for a few bucks at a garage sale (basically unused).  I used to travel a lot for work, so I bought a set of Powerbands(?) that are essentially long strips of surgical tubing with little plastic handles on the ends.  However, I probably spend the most time on the wind trainer.  I bought a cheap desk fan to blow on my face and body to keep me from sweating too badly all over the bike.

Prowl the garage sales in the Fall (when people are looking to replace or get rid of old, sometimes unused, equipment) and Spring (when people realized they didn&#039;t use the treadmill for anything other than a clothing rack).  You&#039;re sure to find something useful.

Answer 2

i recommend a trainer

blackburn trakstands are pretty good. i have one myself

http://www.trakstandultra.com/

spinning is always fun

Answer 3

ride a small bike,not my tall bike in the snow.  

Answer 4

even in ohio where i live winter is hard.  i tend to pick up running and i ride the trainer an hour every day.  i lift weights and really tighten up on my diet.  nothing hurts you like packing on a bunch of weight over the winter.  then as weather allows i try to get out and ride some.  with short days and bad weather, you just have to take advantage of when the chance comes.  i make the focus of my plan the indoor and running, as i know they will be the things i can do consistantly.

Answer 5

I don&#039;t cycle with trainers that&#039;s for sure. It&#039;s quite safe to go a couple of months with no cycling without there being any drastic decrease in your fitness. I cycle every day I can but during periods of bad weather if I can&#039;t cycle I just do some other form of exercise like weight training.

Answer 6

stationary trainer. on good days I will ride outside. there are some club rides available year round. I may look into nordic skis this winter, a guarantee that the roads will be clear all winter! anyway, I live in New England, so one never knows what to expect..