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Bell Motivator Indoor Bike Trainer: assembly free and with awesome magnetic resistance

Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle TrainerCycling fanatics like me dread the onset of winter because with winter comes dark and chilly weather that prohibits outdoor cycling. In previous years, I was unable to sustain my fitness levels over the winter months and as a result, my performance in races held in spring suffered severely.

Fortunately, that’s all a thing of the past. My wife (also a cyclist) bought me the Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle Trainer for my birthday and it has allowed me to weather the winter months without any significant drop in fitness.

Click HERE for the very best deal online for the Bell Motivator

Strangely enough for someone so interested in bicycle modification, I am absolutely terrible at product assembly. Whether it’s a wooden table or a toy robot, assembling products is an impossible task for me. That’s why I was so glad to discover that the Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle Trainer does not require any assembly, giving it a significant advantage over many other more expensive stationary bike stands I’ve seen which require extensive assembly (though typically it shouldn’t be that tricky). I had this indoor bike stand up and running in less than two minutes.

When discussing indoor bike trainers, probably the most important question is, “How does this indoor trainer compare with outdoor cycling?”

Well, the Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle Trainer provides such a smooth and steady ride, it comes as close to outdoor riding as any stationary bike trainer I’ve ever seen. This is the first indoor trainer I’ve used that employs magnetic resistance and I must say that the motion really is much more fluid and natural compared to more traditional bicycle trainers.

The magnetic resistance also makes for added realism in the indoor cycling experience thanks to the progressive resistance mechanism which amps up resistance as your cycling speed increases. I’m always drenched in sweat and panting hard at the end of each indoor cycling workout and that can only be a good sign.

Although this Bell bicycle trainer is fold-able, I found it to be extraordinarily durable. Fold-able bike trainers are notorious for their short lifespans, but this trainer has lasted me a year with no problems whatsoever. If any problems do crop up, the product comes with a five-year warranty for defects in materials or workmanship. However, given the high quality of this indoor bike stand, I’m confident I won’t be using the warranty anytime soon.

Good bang for your buck?

Of course, at the Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle Trainer’s relatively low price point (usually at just under $100), you wouldn’t expect a perfect indoor cycling experience. Definitely not in the quality league of the Kurt Kinetic Road Trainer, or our much preferred CycleOps Fluid 2, but definitely very good value at around ONE THIRD the cost.

If I had to pick one thing to complain about, I’d say that this trainer could be a little quieter. At higher speeds, the whirr emitted by the machine is almost as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Still, as long as you don’t cycle late at night when your whole family is asleep, I don’t see this being a major problem. Plus, you can always use your favorite music to drown out the noise – or just go all professional and buy a trainer tire and trainer mat!

All in all, the Bell Motivator Indoor Bicycle Trainer provides excellent value for money. This stationary bicycle stand’s relatively small size belies its top-notch quality and I’m sure I’ll be using this indoor trainer for years to come.

The FIVE best stationary bike stands your money can buy this Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching (and doesn’t it seem to get here quicker every year!), it’s absolutely the right time of year to think of the perfect indoor bike trainer for your – or a loved one’s – new training regime!

We’ve pretty much tested them all out there (and spent years reviewing them on this website), so to save you a whole lot of time and stress we’ve come up with a list of the very best indoor trainers to buy for Christmas, the ones that really will bring a smile to anyone and everyone on Christmas morning!

And yes, no matter your budget or skill level, there’s a bit of everything for everybody on this little list; we’ve got budget trainers perfect for beginners that come in under $70, and top of the range smart trainers that will set you back over $500 – but that pack an extremely professional punch for those in need of it…

With one of these trainers in your new training regime, start expecting some very decent results…

Our top tip for Christmas: the awesome CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer!

Cycleops Fluid 2 TrainerOUR TOP CHOICE

This classic bike stand from the boys at CycleOps (now rebranded under Saris) has been an old stalwart in our training regime, ever since we purchased the refurbished model in 2016. It’s simply superb at what it does best, which is keep you in shape over the winter months. It’s not the fanciest bike trainer out there, but definitely isn’t one of the cheap and budget-friendly options either, being priced at around $300. And heck, it’s also recognized as the bestselling indoor trainer in the US, so there’s a few more of you out there that have been impressed already…

Make no mistake, this trainer is a classic and perfect for the beginner AND semi-pro cyclist. Trust us on this, you’ll enjoy those indoor training sessions on this one – it really is one of the best indoor trainers to buy for Christmas!

Read our full review here.

See the latest deals and discounts for the Fluid 2 on Amazon HERE.

The perfect indoor trainer for the beginner: the budget-friendly Ohuhu Magnet Steel trainer!

best bike trainers 2017OK, so if you’re a beginner – or buying a Christmas present for someone who you’re not sure really needs all the bells and whistles of the latest and greatest bike stands – this stationary bike trainer has to be on Santa’s shortlist. Simply put, you can’t get much better value than this, as it typically comes in at under $70.

Even at that budget price, you still get a heavy-duty frame that’s easy to fold up and thus store away, adjustable internal resistance settings that you control via your handlebar, skid-resistance feet to ensure absolute stability, and yes, it’s even surprisingly quiet! A definite one to consider for that Christmas stocking!

Read our full review here.

See the latest deals and discounts for the Ohuhu on Amazon HERE.

There are plenty of other great budget options out there, just in case you’re not fully convinced by this Ohuhu trainer; check out the best THREE bike trainers for under $80!

A classic revisited: the smart-tech Kurt Kinetic Rock n Roller!

best bike trainers 2017If a top brand in the indoor trainer game is what you’re after this Christmas, look no further than the classic Kurt Kinetic Rock n Roller. And it’s recently got even better, what with the introduction of a smart technology compatible version, which lets you track all kinds of data and performance metrics thanks to its inbuilt Inride Sensor (which works awesomely with the inRide app, which provides workout options and suggestions based on the data collected). This data can be critical for serious cyclists looking to tweak their training routine to the optimum.

With the riding experience truly one-of-a-kind – what other trainer lets you rock to and fro – and the ability to support almost any wheel size, don’t be put off by its $500+ price tag. Let’s face it, some of the top level smart trainers now come in at double the price!

Read our full review here.

See the latest deals and discounts for the Rock n Roller on Amazon HERE.

You need the ultimate performer: the CycleOps Silencer is what you need!

CycleOps Silencer ReviewTHE PRO’S CHOICE

If you’re looking to spoil yourself or a loved one this Christmas, the CycleOps Silencer is the one to buy. This beast is going to have a big impact on your training schedule – and provide real results!

It’s a sleek beast too, with a revolutionary off-wheel design in matte black alloy, as well as some very tasty clean lines in a very modern-looking chassis. But what really sticks out a mile is this trainer’s ability to give you a life-like riding experience – and oh yes, we almost forgot, the pure silence! Expect to have some intense riding sessions on this one (and we didn’t even mention the savings you’ll make on training tires!)!

Read our full review here.

See the latest deals and discounts for the Silencer on Amazon HERE.

Probably the best value smart trainer around: the Tacx Vortex Smart Ergo Trainer!

Tacx Vortex Smart ReviewOK, so if you haven’t already figured it out, smart trainers are definitely the next big thing in the world of indoor training. However, most are typically pushing the $1000 barrier, which makes this awesome value trainer (priced at under $500) from Tacx well worth a look!

Most importantly – and something that has proven a bit of a problem for some – you’ll be able to get quickly connected to the smart app that comes with the trainer, meaning you can also access the now legendary Zwift, and other similar programs. Expect to crank up some serious intensity with this trainer too, up to an amazing 950 watts! There are some great things to enjoy about this one, including the amazing electro-brake system, and some awesomely accurate workout calculations.

Get smart this Christmas – get a Tacx Vortex!

Read our full review here.

See the latest deals and discounts for the Tacx Vortex on Amazon HERE.

Quick glance comparison

If you need a chart to help you compare the above models, try the table below, which summarizes the best indoor trainers to buy this Christmas, so you can see at-a-glance what ticks all your boxes before reading more about each trainer…

NOTE: The ratings are review ratings currently listed on Amazon

ImageModelProsRatingPrice Range
Kinetic Rock and Roll TrainerKurt Kinetic Rock and Roll TrainerThe ultimate realistic indoor riding experience, expensive but quality

Read our REVIEW
4.4$$$$$

ohuhu magnet trainer reviewOhuhu Magnet Steel TrainerAdjustable internal resistance levels, quiet, skid-resistant feet, wide frame, excellent value.

Read our REVIEW
4.3$

CycleOps Silencer ReviewCycleOps SilencerPerfect for pros with sleek wheel-off design, amazingly quiet, lifetime warranty from CycleOps!

Read our REVIEW
4.6$$$$$

Cycleops Fluid 2 TrainerCycleops Fluid 2Infinite resistance, self-cooling, one of the best!

Read our REVIEW
4.5$$$$$

Tacx Vortex Smart ReviewTacx Vortex Smart ErgoTrainerSmart technology, intuitive, electro-brake technology, best value smart trainer!

Read our REVIEW
4.2$$$$$

8 ways to get the BEST out of your indoor training session!

stationary bike standWhile indoor bike training is not everyone’s idea of fun – let’s face it, we’d ALL rather be out on the open road – it can have its advantages. The main and obvious benefit is it’s just plain convenient, even for die hard road and off-road cyclists. Whether you’re stuck inside for the winter, too busy to go outside, or just prefer training indoors, there are ways to get the absolute best out of those sessions.

Here are our top 8 suggestions for getting the MAX out of your indoor bike training.

Allocate time for your indoor training

As we’ve suggested, time is often a reason people choose to train indoors. Busy modern lives and the logistics of urban living eat in to every 24 hours. So once you’ve decided to buy that trainer and train indoors, do not use time as an excuse to avoid it.

You can help make time by preparing in advance, so that everything you need is ready when you want to start your daily session (and you have less of an excuse to “forget” about that session). We can highly recommend spending a few minutes preparing for your next day’s workout, either straight after you finish, or the night before.

SEE ALSO: The 3 greatest ways to stay motivated for your indoor training sessions

Set goals

As you’ll probably be training at home, it is important to not think of your training session as another household chore or routine. Even if you’re training in a gym, the best way to get the most out of indoor sessions is to look forward to them. This will prevent you thinking of training on your indoor trainer as some sort of necessary evil.

Setting goals is a great way of looking forward to training sessions. They give incentive and motivation, especially if your memory of yesterday’s session is positive. Goals can be short and long term, as long as you think you can achieve them.

Get competitive!

A good way of setting yourself goals is to compete with others. This can also help with the feeling of isolation which sometimes comes with indoor training. By competing with other cyclists who are at about the same level as you, you can challenge yourself and add an extra dimension to your training.

Probably the best way of doing that during the off-season is virtually – there are a number of great virtual ways of competing, using apps based on gaming technology. These are immersive and may help your actual performance as well as helping achieve goals. Of course, you’re going to need a smart trainer to really get the most out of a virtual ride, but they really are the new breed of trainer and definitely worth considering!

Eat properly

Maintaining your blood sugar and energy levels is vital to keep you on track in your indoor training sessions. This means eating properly all day, rather than trying to time meals and snacks with your session in mind. As you are likely to train for up to an hour, at various levels of difficulty, your body needs to have a stable base level of energy to draw on.

Carbohydrates are essential for this and are best digested from rice and pasta. Red meat is unpredictable in terms of energy because it can be hard to digest. If you feel weak during a session, eat natural sugars such as those in fruit. For more great nutritional tips, check out our guide to some food essentials for indoor training.

Keep cool

You will burn a lot of energy during a training session, which means you’ll heat up. Unlike the outdoors, this heat has to be dealt with by artificial means. If you overheat, this could even lead to fainting; but even just sweating too much will dehydrate you, which can have a serious impact on your well-being.

As well as sipping water every 10 minutes, make sure your environment can deal with that perspiring brow of yours. Modern gyms will be well ventilated, but if you’re at home, you should definitely use a fan next to your trainer (as any proper man cave should have!).

Dress right

Another way to keep cool and comfortable is to dress correctly. Again, unlike riding outside, indoor training sessions mean constant contact with your saddle. Most trainers won’t really let you stand up, free wheel and let the breeze caress the stresses on your body (although the Kurt Kinetic Rock n Roller does an awesome lifelike job!), so comfort really is the key.

So yes, padded shorts are a must for indoor training. On your upper body, remember you are indoors and will more than likely sweat like a champ. Wear something light and thin to help dissipate this and your body heat.

Train in intervals

One of the main differences between outdoor cycling and indoor training is the distance. The main focus of indoor training is to increase your fitness levels rather than see how far you can ride. Interval training enables you to push yourself over short spells. These should vary in intensity, giving your whole body a great workout over your session.

Keep yourself entertained!

Certainly one of the major complaints we’ve heard about riding indoors is the boredom. It really has put some people off , especially at home, where the repetitive nature of cycle training can let the mind wander.

Our golden tip: if you are training alone, make sure you have your favorite music or other entertainment at hand (some of the options on our top accessories list might be right up your alley). Make this one of the first things you prepare for, so that it’s ready to go when you are. This could also be a decisive factor in motivating you to keep the training sessions going, especially if you’re one of those that struggles without the wind ruffling around your ears!

My review of the Tacx Vortex Smart ErgoTrainer: an awesome smart trainer!

Tacx Vortex Smart ReviewThe Tacx Vortex Smart ErgoTrainer delivers an intuitive and effective indoor training experience, one you’re seriously going to enjoy!

I’d actually gone through a couple of cheaper smart trainers before this and was beginning to question what all the “smart” hype was about. But before I was ready to give up and dismiss the entire smart trainer craze as a passing fad, I decided to test out the Tacx Vortex and give the world of smart trainers a serious chance – and I was blown away!

>>> READ: Why you need to buy a smart indoor trainer…

This beast from Tacx has finally managed to help me get the most out of Zwift, and has seen my fitness considerably improve in the past month thanks to an awesome range of convenient customization options for your training program. It’s safe to say that this is one smart trainer I won’t be giving up on any time soon!

Click here for reviews & the latest discounts

If you’re looking for a Tacx Vortex review that doesn’t disappoint and provides you with the full lowdown on why/why you shouldn’t purchase one, keep on reading…

Smart technology that doesn’t disappoint

My major gripe with previous smart trainers was the major connectivity issues.

My cycling buddies have been raving about Zwift for months, and my primary goal in purchasing a smart trainer was to jump on the Zwift bandwagon. However, with earlier products, the ANT+ connection either kept cutting out (frequently at the most exciting bits of a race) or was unbearably slow.

There were NO SUCH ISSUES with the Tacx Vortex ErgoTrainer. The connection was lightning-fast and the trainer was so responsive to the app, I was able to really immerse myself in the illusion of being on tour-like roads and racing along at breakneck speed alongside my best friends – even when a blizzard was raining down outside my window!

Which brings me to my next point – Tacx has clearly built this trainer with Zwift and other similar software in mind.

This isn’t your bog-standard indoor trainer with a computer tacked on, but a product which was clearly built to take full advantage of “smart” training technology. With a total of 16 magnets (8 of which are electro-magnets – unusually high for an indoor trainer in this price range), resistance changes in response to the built-in software are extremely smooth, making downhill cycling a particular pleasure.

Moreover, with a maximum resistance of 950 watts, you needn’t worry about your Zwift training partners leaving you behind. You’ll be able to have a workout just as punishing as the best of them, so you’ll have no difficulties keeping up fitness-wise. Furthermore, speed and resistance calculations are extremely accurate, contributing to the tremendous realism of the Vortex indoor training experience.

Finally, Tacx’s market-leading electro-brake technology really comes into its own when paired with a smart cycling app, registering changes in speed with impressive precision. It’s the kind of attention to detail Tacx has become renowned for in the cycling world, applied to the challenging platform of smart cycling technology.

Even outside of Zwift, the Tacx Vortex Smart Ergotrainer has plenty to offer. The inbuilt Tacx software is brilliant for training on your own as it contains some very comprehensive workout programs, backed up by reliable studies, designed to cater to just about every fitness goal imaginable. I actually shaved a full 20 seconds off my 500-yard sprint timing after slogging away at the Sprint workout for three weeks!

Physical qualities that complement the tech side

Of course, the most advanced software in the world would not compensate for a shoddily built trainer.

Realistic resistance shifts aren’t much use if you’re constantly worrying about toppling over! Fortunately, despite the affordable price tag (we’re talking around $500), Tacx has brought their trademark blend of style and sturdiness to this Tacx Ergotrainer.

Tacx Vortex Smart ReviewA 2 kg flywheel, solid steel support legs and anti-slip rubber grips ensure that your ride is stable and comfortable no matter how fast you’re cycling. Even during sustained sprints, the Vortex remained firmly rooted to the ground.

In terms of style, the Vortex delivers in spades. I’m not a big fan of the stark, minimalist look – indoor training is supposed to be fun, and the Tacx Vortex Ergotrainer manages to deliver a youthful, modern look without veering into amateur territory. It helps that the entire product is made out of premium materials, ensuring the little dashes of color liven up rather than clash with the professional look of the trainer. Scratch professional – I would say this is one smart, sleek beast!

So, how much bang for your buck do you really get with this Tacx smart trainer?

Smart trainers can cost well over a thousand dollars, and I know that that kind of price scares off many a rider. Personally, I’d rather invest it in my bike for when the cycling season starts.

For that reason, at around $500, the Tacx Vortex Smart Ergotrainer was well within my comfort zone in terms of price, and coupled with its category-leading performance represents fantastic value for money. There’s little wonder it makes our list of the 5 BEST trainers for 2020!

Sure, I would have loved for Tacx to include a USB ANT+ stick, and perhaps it would have been convenient if the Tax workout apps came pre-loaded with more films so I didn’t need to download them from the Tacx website. But given the great all-round package Tacx has delivered here, all this really is nit-picking. To anyone who’s yet to be converted to the smart trainer trend from the standard indoor trainers, or for a cyclist searching for an affordable first smart trainer, I would unequivocally recommend the Tacx Vortex.

Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer: a fantastic alternative for the off-season

Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer ReviewA true cyclist never stops training. A champion trains as hard during the cold and dark winter months as he does during the warm and sunny summer months. Loss of fitness during the off-season has often hurt my early season performance, so I decided to adopt a non-stop year-round training regime by purchasing a stationary bike stand. My fellow cyclists highly recommended the Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer, so I decided to take their advice, and grabbed a second-hand deal. I was never a big fan of indoor cycling, but you can now consider me a convert.

Save some serious $$$ by buying the Schwinn Trainer on Amazon NOW

Prior to my purchase of the Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer, my only encounters with indoor bicycle trainers involved cheap, supermarket-brand trainers that did virtually nothing besides locking your bike in place so you could cycle on the spot. That’s why this Schwinn indoor trainer was such a welcome sight. I love that it offers five resistance levels for progressive training. It helps me train harder because I have a goal to work towards and believe me, getting from one level to the next is not easy. I’m a seasoned cyclist, but I still struggle to cycle at high speeds on the fourth and fifth resistance levels. This awesome stationary bike stand has not only prevented my fitness level from stagnating during the cycling off-season, but has actually helped me improve my fitness levels.

I also love how quiet this bicycle trainer is. When I’m cycling outdoors, I’m never bored because there’s no shortage of things to see, ranging from birds in flight to little children playing. Cycling indoors is another matter altogether. Without any visual or aural stimuli, indoor bike training can get boring really fast. With lower-end bicycle trainers, it’s difficult to watch television or listen to music while riding because the bike stand produces a loud, high-pitched whirring noise that completely drowns out any form of entertainment. This is not a problem with the Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer. It isn’t completely silent, but the noise it emits is nothing more than a soft hum or purr. I can watch my favorite television shows and listen to my favorite tunes without any difficulty and that helps to distract me from my physical pain, allowing me to break new physical barriers in my indoor bicycle training.

Pros and Cons of the Schwinn Magnetic Trainer

Schwinn Magnetic Bike Trainer
Click the image to see more Schwinn Trainer pictures

The only disadvantage of this trainer is its weight. If you’re looking for a portable stationary bike trainer, this is certainly not the indoor bicycle trainer for you. Although it folds up for easy storage, its heavy duty metal frame makes it a pain in the neck to carry. However, as its solid metal frame makes it sturdier and more stable, I can deal with the trainer’s lack of portability.

As far as stationary bike stands go, it’s affordable (usually selling at around the $100 mark), performs extremely well and is a fantastic alternative for serious cyclists in the off-season.

Crazy bike trainer deals for Cyber Monday that will save you some serious $$$!

OK, we’re done and dusted with Black Friday and all the chaos that comes with it (have you seen some of those videos of crazy, bargain-hunting shoppers??). But there’s no letting up in the shopping bonanza – now it’s time for Cyber Monday and even more crazy discounts!

We’re not big fans of those scary bargain-hunters out there, so Cyber Monday is a superb alternative where we still get to save some serious dollars while shopping in the safety of our home. And yes, we’ve managed to find some seriously budget-friendly deals to take advantage of – especially if you’re shopping online for a stationary bike stand or accessories on Cyber Monday!

The deals below are beyond our control in regards to price, but we have done our best to find you the BIGGEST reductions out there…and if you can’t wait to get your eyes on some of the best online Cyber Monday deals out there, click on the image below to start shopping!

cyber monday deals

$80 OFF!!! The classic Kurt Kinetic Road Machine

Kurt Kinetic Road Trainer ReviewThis bike trainer from Kurt Kinetic has been one of our long-serving bestsellers for some years, with upgrades every couple of years or so making this a must-buy trainer to have on your shopping list! We’ve spotted it’s still on sale with an $80 discount (it was also on sale on Black Friday), so now it’s well under the $300 barrier, we can’t recommend this one highly enough! Check out our review to learn more – or just take the word of hundreds of happy buyers on sites like Amazon who rate this an average of 4.8 stars…!

Current rating on Amazon: 4.8

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Save $20!!! One of the best in the business – the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer

cycleops fluid 2 trainerIt’s not a huuuuge discount from the boys at CycleOps, but when we see ANY kind of a discount for a CycleOps Fluid 2, we highly recommend you snap it up! This is a great trainer, and one we’ve had in our arsenal of trainers for a long time, a trainer we’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of without barely a squeak. Simply put, this is one of the best in the business, and a bike trainer suited to almost any level of riding experience and skills. To find out just why we love this trainer read more here.

Current rating on Amazon: 4.4

Your savings: 7%

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Save $30!!! The timeless CycleOps Mag!

cycleopsMagTrainerThis is another top quality trainer from a quality player in the bike trainer industry – the CycleOps Mag Trainer! It’s probably not at the same level as the CycleOps Fluid we mention above, but this is a classy trainer to get you started!  Provides excellent value for money – especially now it’s priced at around just $100! If you’re after a very decent mag trainer at a very decent price, you won’t go far wrong with this beast of a bike trainer!

Current rating on Amazon: 4.0

Your savings: 26%

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Save over $90!!! The Schwinn Fluid Resistance trainer

schwinn fluid trainer reviewThis little beast from bike legends Schwinn could well be worth taking a punt, considering you’re saving over $90! We reviewed this trainer some months ago and were quietly impressed. With these extra savings for Cyber Monday, we’re even more impressed!

Current rating on Amazon: 4.0

Your savings: 37%

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Save $100!!! The Nashbar Parabolic Rollers

nashbar parabolic rollersIf you’re looking for a roller trainer that will wipe the floor of other roller trainers (and hopefully not leave you sprawled on the floor like the guys in this video), then this huge saving of $100 may just be enough to convince you that these awesome Nashbar rollers are for you. We’ve listed another Nashbar roller in our list of Top 5 roller trainers, but this newer model from Nashbar is getting some rave reviews and is already rated at 4.9 on Amazon…

Current rating on Amazon: 4.9

Your savings: 37%

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3 killer ways your indoor trainer can help you lose weight!

indoor bike trainer losing weightOK, the health benefits of cycling are well-documented – higher muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness levels, better blood circulation and yes, effective weight loss.

This last benefit is a particularly important one, given that those of us a little overweight are more statistically likely to develop a whole host of ailments ranging from diabetes and high blood pressure to kidney failure and heart disease. So yes, keeping the pounds off is vital in a world that seems intent on feeding us food that is ever higher in fats and sugar.

SEE ALSO:
– FIVE awesome nutritional tricks for cyclists

– EIGHT ways to get the MAX out of your indoor training sessions
– Ride early in the morning if you want to stay lean and sexy!
– Use your indoor trainer to ramp up your SEX LIFE!

One of the most effective and efficient ways to burn those nasty, evil calories is with a bicycle – and an even better way of losing those pounds during the winter months is with an indoor bike trainer. Indoor trainers are superb in assisting you squeeze in fat-burning workouts whenever you can, regardless of what the elements are throwing at us outside.

We’ve dug a little deeper into this topic ourselves, as we’ve been down the road of trying to effectively lose weight, so here are THREE killer tips that worked for us and will hopefully do the same for you if you’re looking to turn your saggy waistline into a solid six-pack.

TIP 1: Exercise at 50-60% of your maximum capacity 

Imagine a spectrum that measures physical effort from levels 1 to 10, 1 being a slow stroll and 10 being “so exhausted you can barely walk”.

It may seem intuitive to cycle at levels 8 to 10 as they would appear to be the most effective in burning calories.

However, the “effectiveness” of a given workout depends on your fitness goals. Cycling at high intensity may be good for building cardiovascular fitness, but if fat-burning is your aim, it’s best to cycle at low to moderate intensity (somewhere between levels 4 to 6).

A good gauge is whether you can maintain a conversation throughout the session. This encourages your body to burn lipids rather than muscle and as an added bonus, leaves you less sore the next day so you can work out more often for faster results.

A golden tip for ensuring your trainer helps in your quest to lose weight: tweak the resistance!

TIP 2: Try interval training

Interval training involves alternating high and low intensity training within a single workout.

That could involve a 30 second sprint on your indoor trainer, followed by a minute of brisk strolling (say at level 4 on the spectrum we discussed above). This 90-second workout forms a single interval. If you perform 10 to 15 of these intervals in one training session, your fat-burning engine is sent into overdrive.

According to studies, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) is far more efficient at fat-burning because it sends your metabolism through the roof for up to 24 hours after your workout, ensuring your body is constantly zapping away at your excess fat.

TIP 3: Mix it up!

Invest in a decent indoor bike trainer that comes with adjustable resistance (even better, go with one of these and never worry about resistance again!), as this will give you a myriad of options with which to vary your training.

After a few weeks of interval training, your body might adjust and your weight loss might start to plateau. Switch it up with long endurance sessions at very high resistance but low speeds. Keep your body guessing, and you’ll consistently get results with your fat loss goals.

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With these 3 killer tips and a trusty bike trainer, that extra tire will be gone in no time at all!

Good Luck and Happy Riding!

See Also: The 5 BEST bike trainers of 2020