by John Brown
Snow, ice, and cold make for excellent conditions for many outdoor adventures, but how do you keep in shape when outdoor fun isn’t your thing? Luckily, there are many fun activities, exercises, drills, and products that can help keep you in shape through the winter months.
Fitness ideas if winter activities isn’t your thing
Even the most minor efforts can help you stay fit. Trying things like taking the stairs rather than the elevator, parking on the opposite side of the retail center and walk when shopping, or taking time in the evening to walk around the neighborhood will make a big difference until the riding season returns. You can also start putting some time in at the gym. In the past, I had a gym membership that I would turn off, except for three months a year. I enjoyed yoga classes, weight training, treadmills, spin classes, and other gym-related activities.
On a bike trainer vs. winter riding
Another winter bike riding option you can enjoy through the winter is buying an indoor trainer. An indoor trainer holds your bicycle upright and offers resistance when you pedal, thus turning your bike into a stationary bicycle. When using an Indoor trainer, you can ride from the comfort of your home or in a group setting. Most bike shops have trainer nights in their stores through the winter.
If you join a shop’s group trainer ride, there is usually a leader. However, riding alone can still be fun. Most people start riding their trainer while watching TV, and it’s a great plan at first, but that quickly gets boring. I find it interesting to use trainer-specific workouts online. There are plenty of free and for-pay versions. Additionally, depending on the trainer you buy, some of those workouts will change the resistance through your trainer.
Spin classes
Most gyms offer spin classes. These classes use a stationary bicycle, music, and instructors to guide a course through a one-hour workout. These rides are enjoyable and offer an intensity that is difficult to achieve while alone at home.
There are, however, a few downsides to spin classes to keep in mind. One issue is that a spin bike won’t fit the same way your bike does. Many riders install their saddle and pedals on a spin bike before each class. Another potential problem is that the courses you can select are not tailored to your personal goals. The levels are usually high-tempo, high-effort workouts that might not fit your training plan.
Fun in the snow on warmer days
If you live in a colder climate where snow is the norm for months, you can enjoy the white stuff and keep your fitness. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating are fantastic ways to increase your heart rate. I love skating on our pond with my boys because I’m not good at it, so I get to use new muscles, and two, I have to work hard to keep up with those rascals.
However, enjoy your time off the bike if you find your fitness through the winter. The brief time between fall and spring is perfect for strengthening new muscles, working on flexibility, and letting your body recover from an entire cycling season. Additionally, time off the bike always excites me to get back on it once the weather clears.
About John Brown, the author
John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN, and is a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and that fever is still there. Now and over the past 30 years, he has worked at every level of the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then became a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts, or share your latest ride. You can also see John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.