Keeping Muscles during Winter

AmpedCycle said:

Hi
Since it's winter time my riding time has been cut way down. I've been riding all year 5 times per week (I'm new to cycling), and I've got some great results/progress. Now I'm wondering how to keep my muscles/strength now that I feel burnt out and tired, and it's raining so much that getting out 2 times a week is about all I can manage. How do I maintain my strength and muscles?

Try an indoor trainer. For non-competition training the magnetic type seem to be perfectly acceptable (highest percentage of "trainer type" users on this board I think?).

Here in the UK they cost around £100 (150 euros).

I am also new to cycling this year and am getting 4 good indoor sessions a week in, which for me is fine (fitness cycling only).

AmpedCycle said:

Hi
Since it's winter time my riding time has been cut way down. I've been riding all year 5 times per week (I'm new to cycling), and I've got some great results/progress. Now I'm wondering how to keep my muscles/strength now that I feel burnt out and tired, and it's raining so much that getting out 2 times a week is about all I can manage. How do I maintain my strength and muscles?

I have posted this reference before ,but here goes. An out of shape guy named Nutti, non athlete trained only on an indoor trainer for two years , joined the Phonak Team and became a top time trialist.
Of course he trained for hours a day, but a trainer is a very good tool.

I use a mag trainer that has its own computer so I can set goals for myself.
A trainer makes a difference. It's up to you how much difference.

AmpedCycle said:

Hi
Since it's winter time my riding time has been cut way down. I've been riding all year 5 times per week (I'm new to cycling), and I've got some great results/progress. Now I'm wondering how to keep my muscles/strength now that I feel burnt out and tired, and it's raining so much that getting out 2 times a week is about all I can manage. How do I maintain my strength and muscles?

[font=Times New Roman]One thing I learned this last year, is riding in the rain is not that bad, as long as the temperature is warm enough. I just wear a rain coat and leg warmers. My legs and shoes are totally soaked, but the leg warmers help keep my legs warm even when they are wet. And core are arms are warm and dry under the rain coat.[/font]

[font=Times New Roman]And last winter I learned it’s OK to ride when it’s cold. This year the coldest temperature I have ridden in is 27F (-3C), and I was too warm since I overdressed. [/font]

[font=Times New Roman]So you can just keep on riding, that’s the simplest solution. [/font]
[font=Times New Roman][/font]
[font=Times New Roman]And when it’s too cold, then I ride my rollers. [/font]