(relatively) maintain fitness for longer periods without a b

[Lightweenie]

Hey guys,

I was wondering, what is your way to maintain your fitness when you do not have the possibility to ride outside or on a stationary for longer periods of time, say for one, two or three months? I guess some sort of cross training (e.g. running and/or swimming) would make sense, but then again each other sport has other disadvantages when compared to cycling. Also, in case you use another sport to maintain fitness, what kind of training plan do you employ?

[xena]

I was off my bike for 2 months. So I ran.
I'm sure it helped with fitness but getting back on the bike after so long was a nightmare.
It took the best part of 6 months to get that extra zing back. I did have a bad habit of overtraining though.

[whydobearsxplod]

If you will run, perhaps try some intensity.

If you can find a track, try running 3 laps as fast as you can and then walking a lap to recover. Try to complete the 3 laps in about the same time for each interval.

4 of these and I'm spent.

A shorter session like this will also help you prevent getting injured from running many miles.

Remember to have a nice warmup and stop if it hurts (in the bad way, not the good way).

[wheelsONfire]

I don't do a thing so i fall back to square one.

I tried to do some effort on the trainer, but i think 40 min is killing me and 40 min is not much compared to a real ride.

I agree, running or cross trainer does not seem to activate same muscles.

I have asked buddies if they thought a roller would help me, or perhaps those interactive trainers.