Here’s why indoor cycling is THE game changer for cycling parents

Man training on indoor trainer with great effort
young cyclist who trains in his guest room on a Tacx Neo Smart Pro trainer, with a fan nearby to guarantee some cooling, and viewing at a smart TV that shows him racing on the software Zwift.

Welcome to the world of indoor cycling

Why Indoor Cycling? The Ultimate Time-Saver!

Indoor cycling—either you love it or you haven’t tried it yet! Seriously though, there’s nothing better to squeeze an efficient, sweaty, and totally effective training session into a busy schedule. Whether you’re juggling family, work, or just don’t fancy riding outside when it’s colder than your freezer, indoor cycling has your back.
Why is indoor cycling so amazing for your precious time? Well, first off, no more excuses about bad weather, flat tires, or searching for matching socks. Just hop on your trainer, hit start, and you’re already cruising! Plus, training indoors is super targeted. No red lights, no coffee breaks (okay, maybe just one), and no distractions (okay, maybe kids or partner will burst into your pain cave once in a while). You get more bang for your buck, calorie-wise and fitness-wise, with every pedal stroke.

No weather excuses – just hop on!
Targeted workouts without distractions
Maximize calorie burn efficiently

Indoor trainers: From affordable allrounders to elaborated smart devices

Speaking of fun: training software is your virtual playground. Apps like Zwift, MyWhoosh, TrainerRoad, Wahoo SYSTM, and Rouvy will not only save you from boredom, they’ll actually make you look forward to indoor rides. Fancy racing others from around the globe, cruising scenic routes from the Alps to the Pacific coast, or nailing structured workouts that boost your fitness fast? There’s an app for each approach. Most offer trials, so you can try before you buy. While Zwift has gathered the biggest community, MyWhoosh is heavily investing in racing with decent price money. Wahoo Systm focuses more on training finesse with specific rider profiles, Veloton gives you the chance to compete well-known pro races with avatars of road race pros.

Indoor training equipment: Keep cool

Lastly, let’s cover those little extras that make indoor cycling enjoyable, not just bearable. For me, two things are key: cooling and hydration. Unless you plan to turn your living room into a sauna (ultracyclist Christoph Strasser in fact regularly trains in his sauna, but that’s another story), get yourself a decent fan or two – preferably one powerful enough to simulate a hurricane (just kidding, kinda). A good airflow isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity! Trust me, overheating indoors happens faster than you can say “who turned up the heat?!”

And hydration? Likewise non-negotiable. You’re going to sweat buckets, so keep a large water bottle or two nearby. If you’re feeling fancy – and want to go the extra mile –, a little electrolytes mix helps you stay ahead of the game. Also, don’t neglect food: an energy bar comes in handy when training more than half an hour.

Indoor training apparel: Dress up to improve your performance

Your apparel can also be a decisive tool in heat prevention: There are dozens of brands with specific indoor clothing. Generally speaking the outfit you wear on a very sunny summer ride will be just fine. You’ll find more on indoor apparel and affordable alternatives in the guide on indoor training apparel (coming soon).

So that’s the quick-and-easy intro into the wonderful, efficient, and sweat-soaked world of indoor cycling. With the right trainer, some motivating software, a hurricane-grade fan, and plenty of hydration, you’ll not only survive indoors, you’ll thrive. Happy pedaling!

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