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Oct. 28, 2009

What's the Best Offseason Training for Inline Skaters?

Dear Bill: What kind of cardiovascular training is best for skaters during the offseason and preseason? I do indoor cycling four times a week for about an hour. But it's getting boring, so I am searching for an alternative. - Thank you in advance, Lauri

Hi, Lauri: How you train during the offseason depends in part on where you live. Harsh weather may keep you indoors. But if you can, try some outdoor road cycling. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best offseason training for inline skaters and provides great cardiovascular benefits.

Many top skaters cycle during the offseason, making sure to incorporate lots of hill training into their workouts. My children, for instance, do a 100K ride and a 20K bike race on Wednesdays, another 20K bike race on Thursday, and a 40-60K race on Saturdays.

And if you can, compete in some graded cycling races. Competitions like these, which involve competing against different athletes over different distances and terrains, will help you keep your racing edge and avoid boredom.

If you can't get outdoors, you may want to modify your indoor routine. Instead of indoor cycling four times a week, cut back to once or twice a week and pick up the slack with a plyometric/offskate program. Plyometrics will help you build flexibility and power and are good cardiovascular training. (For complete instructions on starting a plyometric program, see the Beggsport videos on Bonttv.com.)

Cheers, Bill

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