Brand new cyclist, but low volume is too much

[Jonathan]

Yeah, this is a relatively rare situation for the customer-type we serve. I’d personally suggest either Traditional Base Low Volume and swap to shorter workouts with Workout Alternates, or more likely just encourage them to do TrainNow Endurance rides with consistency.

[TooManyDogs]

@Dubadai

Totally agree!

I would do this, first 1-2 months, just get them to ride easy rides (RPE 3-4 maybe), and at a pace where they can comfortably keep a conversation during the riding.

It just makes me think of 10-12 years ago when I was getting back to exercising and I started running. I just started with easy short runs Tuesday and Thursday. Then longer easy runs on the weekend. No pressure. No structure beyond running on those days. Just get in the habit of that consistent week to week plan. Many months later I would start to add a few sprints sprinkled in to those runs.

[Jonathan]

@wintermute

Cycling (unless it’s your job) is something we do for fun, and fun is what we should be encouraging new cyclists focus on. That will bring about more happy healthy cyclists that, at some point in their journey might turn to TR to get them fast.

It very much sounds like OP is an experienced person who has been turned to by someone new for advice, but who is exporting what is right for them onto what is right for someone else. I’m not convinced that’s something we should be encouraging.

I agree on that! It should always be fun for all of us, and just because one thing works for somebody doesn’t mean it’s the best option for others.

My message was specifically addressing that TrainerRoad would be “miserable” compared to other software options.

There are many ways to use TrainerRoad for many different situations.

[JoeX]

@wintermute

It very much sounds like OP is an experienced person who has been turned to by someone new for advice, but who is exporting what is right for them onto what is right for someone else.

I think they’re doing exactly the right thing for their friend, and it’s you who are assuming too much about their wants and needs. Check out the details of the OPs posts.

[WindWarrior]

@jmeissner

I have a friend that wants to get into cycling, but after a long hiatus from excersise is intimidated by even the low volume plans. They are certain that they couldn’t finish a 60 minute indoor workout, let alone a 90 minute. They know that it will take them time to build up to a low volume plan and are committed to do that, but they also said that they need a plan to follow, otherwise they will give up quickly.

Believe someone mentioned Traditional Base LV, adding my vote for it. Great way to rebuild a base of fitness. Riding is training, so if hard intervals are intimidating don’t fight it just ride endurance and start building consistency and volume which are first principles in this sport (LOL I’ve just dispelled the myth of having to train with hard intervals).

For myself, its better done outside or simply letting Zwift control my Kickr and doing a flat route with power targets on Garmin 530. Just ride and toss in some accelerations. I did Tempus Fugit route last night for about ~100 minutes, first inside ride in months. Could feel the gentle 1% inclines and declines. Tossed in a couple short/hard efforts on some under 1-min segment because I did the full route twice. So much better than being locked into erg. Your mileage may vary.

[Dr_Alex_Harrison]

My wife and I don’t use TR software, or Zwift really.

But Zwift is a wonderful gateway drug to TR when encouraging people through their cycling adoption journey