Review: Indoor Training for Cyclists

David Ertl has made an ebook about indoor cycling training to provide you with tips and tricks for your indoor training sessions. Ertl is a USA Cycling Level 1 certified coach. This is the highest level of education as a coach offered by USA cycling.

Now let’s take a closer look at what Ertl has written about.

The ebook starts talking about the differences between indoor and outdoor training. Indoor training is not enough if you want to be a strong cyclist.

Ertl doesn’t try to hide this fact, though he illustrates the situations where indoor training can be helpful/adviseable. I think that is a fair presentation of the benefits and limitations of indoor training.

The following chapter looks at different ways to train indoor cycling (spinning, ergometer bike, rollers etc.)

Most cyclists are probably already able to train at least one place indoors, but for inspiration, you can read about different alternatives to your preferred indoor training solution. This chapter is not the most interesting, but I think it’s a mandatory chapter in an ebook about basic principles for indoor cycling training.

50 Different Indoor Training Workouts

After reading the first introductory chapters, you will probably find the section about workouts much more enjoyable. Fifty different workouts are done specifically for indoor training.

I think several great programs can be completed within 1hour of effective training. I like that. The workouts are themed, so you can pick precisely the activity you are looking for.

E.g. If you want to do threshold intervals, pick one of the threshold workouts, and you will have a great and time-effective training session.

Pros: There are more than 50 different indoor training workouts in this ebook, including recovery, leg speed, endurance, tempo, threshold, anaerobic, strength and power workouts.

The training programs can be performed using either a heart rate monitor, power meter or just by perceived exertion. That’s great.

Cons: It seems a bit odd to recommend a submaximal test (for healthy reasons) when 2 of the six training zones are performed above this training intensity. The layout could be more user friendly. I would have preferred some graphic illustrations for the workouts.

Conclusion: This ebook is a cheap way to get some inspiration for your indoor workouts. The workouts are themed, so you can pick precisely the workout you are looking for. Click here to buy Indoor Training for Cyclists now.

Jesper Bondo Medhus

I am a medical doctor with a special interest in cycling training. I work at the Hospital of Vejle using clinical physiology and nuclear medicine to diagnose cancer and heart patients. I have written two e-books: Time Effective Cycling Training and 12-Week Winter Training Program.

View Comments

  • Good review. I personally like the way David explains RPE and how you can use it in place of a heart rate monitor or power meter.

    Do you have any other recommendations when it comes to training indoors on a bike trainer?

Recent Posts

The Power of Structured Training: Why Your Cycling Plan Needs a Roadmap

Every rider—from the weekend warrior to the seasoned pro—wants to improve in the cycling world.…

1 month ago

Balancing Structured Training with Spontaneity

If you know me, you know I’m a big believer in structured training. I’ve spent…

2 months ago

Unlocking Cycling Performance (data insights)

When comparing power outputs across different terrain types, the influence of course profiles on pedaling…

2 months ago

The Unexpected Truth Behind Race Power Profiles

When it comes to improving your cycling performance, it’s not just about working hard—it’s about…

2 months ago

The 5-Minute Interval Workout: My Secret to Boosting VO2 Max Anywhere

If there’s one workout I keep coming back to, especially when life gets busy or…

3 months ago

Streamlining Training: A Practical Guide for the Busy 40+ Road Cyclist

As we venture through our 40s, balancing our passion for cycling with life's ever-increasing demands…

9 months ago

This website uses cookies.