Why you should consider turbo training (even in summer)

Whilst I’m a massive fan of riding outdoors - it’s invaluable for developing skills and bike handling, as well as the mental health benefits and sheer joy of riding outside - in most cases the turbo training (even in summer) is far more effective and time efficient at building up fitness.

>> What to think about if you're considering buying a turbo

>> How to get the most out of your turbo

You can be onto the turbo and working hard within a few minutes, whereas a bike usually involves an element of faff, finding all your gear, getting the bike ready to ride, and for most people, getting past the traffic to somewhere you can train effectively.

When training effectively you’re pushing your body hard enough (but not too hard!) that it's forced to adapt to the challenge of the training session so it’s more able to deal with that demand the next time. And so you want to be specific about what you’re asking your body to adapt to (which energy systems you’re using) and, over time, increase the amount of time you’re spending in that zone (so that you’re always asking your body to do a little more than the time before).

On the turbo you can do structured intervals where you hold a specified power for a certain amount of time, rest, repeat, building up the time you can hold at that intensity for increasing amounts of time, whereas (for most people in the UK at least) it’s very difficult to hold constant power, given the constantly changing terrain, wind and traffic, plus the fact it’s a lot harder to follow a structured workout when you’re busy looking at the road.

Many people have more access to data when training indoors, and this allows you to get used to what a certain effort should feel like, or for example check your heart rate at a certain power (if you don’t have access to power outdoors) to then apply to racing or outdoor riding.

It’s a great equalizer. On an outdoor ride people worry about getting dropped, having an accident and mechanicals. On a turbo there’s far less barriers to entry and because a set is based on your level of fitness, Bradley Wiggins and my gran could both be doing the same session, and if I say work at 9/10 level of effort, whilst they’ll be putting out very different power, they’re both be working as hard as each other relative to their level of fitness.

And you don't need to worry about the weather!

Try structured training sessions to achieve the most from turbo training

>> Give me a shout about my Light Touch Turbo training plan