The 2019 NICA NY season is officially underway. This year Vent Fitness of Clifton Park has graciously donated their spin room for us to hold practices. This is a great opportunity for us to remain active and build teamwork for the upcoming season.
Spinning is a great way to keep in shape during the winter months when ideal riding conditions outside are limited. Spinning and other exercises don't only have to happen during team practices! You can spin on your bike/trainer at home, run, jump rope, ski, snowshoe, play other winter sports...the list of activities is endless. While spinning inside may not be as fun as riding outside, there are some ways to keep motivated.
Keeping your mind preoccupied with an entertaining flick can help your forget you are spinning inside and may help you work harder. You would otherwise just be sitting there watching it, so you might as well get your workout in too!
Sometimes seeing how much time you have left on your workout can be daunting. Counting down the minutes until it is over can make your workouts seems like they take forever. Try to "break up" your workout and look at it as multiple "shorter" sections. If you plan to work out for an hour, in your mind, break it up into smaller sessions, such as 4 15 minute sessions. Set a pace or mileage as a goal and give yourself a reward for hitting it. Setting shorter goals can be more motivating and make the time go faster.
Drowned out your surrounds and immerses yourself in some upbeat tunes. Studies show that listening to music increases effort by 20%...and the best part is that you don't even notice it!
Make sure you stay hydrated. Indoor air can be very dry and dehydration can cause fatigue very quickly. Water, electrolytes and sports drinks can help replenish sweat and give you energy to complete your workouts. Water and low calorie electrolyte drinks are best for workouts less than an hour. Try to limit sugary sports drinks as your body really only needs them for longer endurance workouts longer than an hour.
Feeling the wind on your face is one the best feeling in cycling, so why not try to create it indoors! Not only will it feel more like you are riding outside and moving it will cool your off and make you feel better!