Triathletes are made in winter | Turbo tips

1. Set Up Your Space Properly

Create a dedicated training zone – good ventilation, a mat to catch sweat, and a fan are must haves. Keep a towel and water bottle within reach. A stable, comfortable setup helps you stay consistent and focused.

2. Get the Right Resistance & Calibration

If you’re using a smart trainer, do a calibration (spindown) before rides for accurate power readings. For manual trainers, adjust resistance so you can maintain smooth pedaling – not grinding too hard or spinning too easily.

3. Follow Structured Workouts

Don’t just “ride aimlessly.” Use apps like Zwift to follow interval sessions and track progress. Even short, focused workouts (30-45 min) are more effective than long, unstructured spins.

Triathlon Scotland members get 10% off a Zwift trainer through Rewardzone, and 40% off with Training Peaks that includes Training Peaks Premium.

https://www.britishtriathlon.org/get-involved/membership/partner-benefits/rewardzone

4. Manage Heat & Hydration

You’ll sweat way more indoors. Use at least one strong fan, open a window, and hydrate like you would on a long summer ride. Dehydration and overheating can make indoor training feel much harder than it should.

5. Mix It Up to Stay Motivated

Indoor training can get monotonous – vary your workouts with virtual races, climbs, or music playlists. Set small goals, like hitting a new Functional Threshold Power* or completing a workout series, to keep motivation high through the season.

*Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a cycling and indoor training metric that measures the maximum average power (in watts) a rider can sustain for about one hour.