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Spin® Life Blog

How to Maintain Your Cycling Performance as the Summer Sun Fades Away

How to Maintain Your Cycling Performance as the Summer Sun Fades Away

Posted by Spinning® on Apr 18th 2018

UPDATED: September 7, 2021.

Long summer days that include scenic bike rides and additional hours of sunlight are something even the most casual cyclists among you can appreciate. However, as summer comes to a close and the days get shorter, it’s time for all outdoor cycling enthusiasts to make a few adjustments and head indoors for that necessary cycling fix. Considering the Spinning® program was built to replicate the road bike experience, it's an excellent alternative to riding outside during the darker months of the year. 

Regardless of whether you find a Spinning® class to attend in person this fall, or decide that cycling at home with our on-demand video apps like Spinning® Digital or Spinning® Digital Plus is the right choice for you, you can look forward to homing in on a few of these keys facets below as we head into the cooler and darker months:

Improve Your Fitness

Many riders take advantage of the late sunsets and warm weather to log a ton of miles on their outdoor bikes. Some of you may even go so far as to plan a vacation revolved entirely around cycling. If so, you'll likely return to class in superb shape with plenty of enthusiasm...but your next phase of indoor cycling can still garner improvements.

Indoor cycling is the perfect way to focus specifically on weak spots you identified during the summer season. For instance, if you had no problem keeping pace on flat terrains but regularly struggled while going up hills, plan some rides that feature plenty of uphill climbs. If performance is not an issue, you can utilize the time indoors to focus on weight loss goals. Lastly, remember that recovery is key. If you have just completed a big block of summer riding, fall is a great time to schedule an easier period with plenty of rides that will maintain fitness levels.

It’s also become easier than ever to improve upon fitness by getting connected, motivated, and staying on track to crush your goals with our suite of Spinning® Apps!

Spinning® Connect™ provides real-time metrics, workout history and more when you’re on a Spinner® bike or riding out on the road.

Spinning® Digital gives you on-demand videos with motivating instructors so you can hop on your bike and ride 24/7.

Spinning® Digital Plus connects your data to the videos so you see real-time, personalized metrics, zones and calories burned, as well as your workout history.

Read here to learn more about the apps and how they can help you nail your target fitness goals this fall and winter.

Go for Better Body Balance

You may also decide to use these indoor months to recover from hard and long summer miles or even switch up your cycling routine a bit. To set you blazing on a total-body fitness experience, check out the collection Beyond the Bike on Spinning® Digital. It features resistance training, toning and core work to complement your time in the saddle.

Within Beyond the Bike, you’ll find the categories SPIN® Core and SPIN® Flex. They feature efficient workouts that combine cardio on the bike with resistance training off the bike — in an hour or less! “Beyond the Bike,” also has a category called Off Bike workouts, which are short, standalone routines that you can add on to any ride. You can also mix and match, combining two or more together to create a full workout.

Have Fun

Finally, remember to keep it fun! Returning to indoor riding does not mean countless hours toiling away in front of a fan. Spinning® is full of engaging profiles, thoughtful playlists and expert advice from industry leading instructors -- in person or on screen! It is these benefits that make the Spinning® program so comparable, and in some cases, more enjoyable than outdoor rides during the summertime.