Is the conventional approach to building endurance through indoor cycling actually efficient, or are we just pedaling in circles with high-intensity interval training and zone-specific workouts? It seems like every trainer and coach has a different opinion on the best way to structure an indoor cycling regimen, and Im starting to wonder if theres any real science backing up these claims.
For example, some experts advocate for long, slow distance rides (think 2-3 hours at a moderate intensity), while others swear by shorter, more intense sessions (20-30 minutes of all-out effort). And then there are those who insist that you need to mix it up with a combination of both, but whats the ideal ratio?
Furthermore, how do we account for the lack of real-world variables (read: wind resistance, terrain, etc.) when training indoors? Are we simply building endurance in a vacuum, or are there ways to effectively simulate the challenges of outdoor riding on a stationary bike?
Im curious to hear from those who have experience with indoor cycling training plans: are there any approaches that have proven particularly effective (or ineffective) in building endurance, and what are the underlying principles that make them work?