Customer Reviews

Workouts in a Binder for Indoor Cycling

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

i've just started a second off season of using this book while on the trainer. i've found the workouts to be fun and effective. makes an hour or two on the trainer fly by. my overall speed in races went up quite a bit after using this book during last year's off-season. i do triathlons and duathlons, but am planning on doing some road racing next year. i have no doubt that these workouts will help my overall performance.

as for pushing too hard or going too fast for beginners, there are base building schedules at the beginning of the book, and each workout has a target heart rate zone and a target rpe (rate of perceived exertion), so its just up to the rider to monitor.

i also have the swim workouts in a binder, but i have gotten much more use out of the 'workouts in a binder for the indoor cyclist.'

I don't think I would ever say this, but I am excited to get on my trainer. I have been a big fan of the author's father, Joe Friel, so I really like Dirk's coaching style. I especially like this book because it allows me to incorporate Joe Friel's workouts onto a trainer.

The book is organized into seven different types of workouts to suit different weaknesses. The workouts are well thought out and will certainly help beat the boredom of riding a trainer. Most of the workouts are about an hour, except for some of the longer endurance rides. These workouts appear to be geared for someone who is pretty fit, but there are notes that allow you to tailor them to those just getting into high-intensity training.

While I don't believe you will be come an exceptional cyclist on the trainer alone, this book certainly will help you get the most out of those days you are forced to endure trainer hell.

This book could be used alone or as an additional resource to Joe Friel's book, the Cyclist's Training Bible. This book focuses on specific workouts which include endurance, speed skills, muscular endurance, power, force, and anaerobic endurance, all of which are part of Joe Friel's book.

Any level of cyclist could benefit from this book, but I think it is probably intended more for the serious recreational cyclist or racers. If you follow the workouts as written, many of them can be very intense and grueling, especially the power and anaerobic endurance workouts. I've been using this book for about two months and have increased by intensity over the last several weeks, and I have definitely seen noticeable improvements in my cycling out on the road.

For anyone who is serious about getting stronger and faster on the bike while developing better technique, this book is a must have resource.

I ordered this booklet because I wanted to get a couple of new ideas for my indoor cycling. Some of the workouts are way too long, but most are really good. The workouts are printed in a way that a fast glance onto them is enough to go on. Everything is described accurately. My indoor bike does not have a computer showing rpms, so I can only do anything easy to count with a regular srop watch - the book often suggests 85rps, 95 rpm etc, which is quite a counting chore. If you are good estimating, it still is great.
And it gives every workout another focus, using all of these through the winter you have your base period down...

As a cyclist and instructor, I used this book last winter for an indoor cycling group that ranged from the first time triathlete to experienced ironmen! We used a 12 week program and followed the book as a guideline. Because everyone works at their own intensity, it works and motivates for all levels.

I even emailed Dirk, who responded with some recommendations! I still use this book in my basement for routine and guidance. It gives structure to workouts that can meander and go "no where", building strength, endurance and power for spring riding. Highly recommend! Don't let the jargon scare you, Dirk and Wes give many objective and subjective measures to self guide thru workouts.

I want a second edition!

I have enjoyed the book and the workouts. I think it helps to have read the author's father's book The Cyclists Training Bible. The only thing I wish he had included was the "build period" workouts that coincide with the same section in The Cyclist Training Bible. This book is a natural extension of the CTB.

The problem with most workout books is that they aren't designed to be used while in the process of a workout itself. Enter the spiral-bound, lay-flat and smaller 'Workouts in a Binder' series, of which FOR INDOOR CYCLING is the most practical. Here workouts are presented which use and also combine the three methods of heart rate, perceived exertion, power output for maximum results: workouts which can either stand alone or blend into an overall training regimen. Any cyclist involved in gym workouts needs this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This is a great tool to use for trainers... I am very impressed. The workouts are tough, and there is enough variety so that you don't get bored. The different types of workouts ensure that you get the right kind of workout... I am so excited to have something to help me get through the winter 'blahs' of cycling!

I use workouts in the binder a couple of days each week when the weather does not cooperate. Every time I have selected a workout I am reminded how much I like the variety between all of the workouts. There are a number of workouts to address power, endurance, threshold, climbing, etc. Great investment!

Workouts in a Binder for Indoor Cycling I lead a spin class geared toward triathletes and road cyclists - this guide has changed the way we work, targeting the things we need for the road in this area. A great resource for your indoor training that gives you a real edge in the early spring outdoor season.