Spinervals Competition 16.0 - Aero Base Builder I

Length: 83 minutes

Difficulty Rating: 7.5

Type: ABB

Format:

~ 6 minute warm-up including 3x30

~ 4x 5 minutes with 1 minute rest. BR/15 (cadence 90) with some standing

~ 1 minute easy spin

~ 4 x 4 minutes with 45 sec rest. BR/21 (cadence 100) with some standing

~ 1 minute easy spin

~ 4 x 3 minutes with 30 sec rest. BR/23 (cadence > 105)

~ 1 minute easy spin

~ 4 x 2 minutes with 15 sec rest. SR/15 (cadence > 110)

~ 1 minute easy spin

~ 3 x 30 sec Build sets - 80%,90%,100% - SR/15

~ 3 minute cool down.

I admit, I do not LOVE the ABB workouts, but I do like a few of them, and this is one that I like. I definitely need this type of workout in my spinning rotation, so I am happy to have this. Doing 4 5-minute sets is bordering on boring for me, but because it is the first set, I am okay with it. The sets get progressively shorter, so I manage to be able to stick with this workout for the full 80+ minutes.

This workout is 80 minutes in duration, and I found it to be very enjoyable, especially compared to other spinervals. The set is in the museum, the same used in Lean and Mean, and Enter the Red Zone. I also really enjoyed the music, and in my opinion this may have some of the best music for a spinerval so far.

Troy says that upon completing this workout you should feel energized, as opposed to the feeling of exhaustion one usually feels after completing a spinervals workout. This base builder workout is designed to be a totally aerobic experience, meaning no anaerobic work. I found that it was actually difficult not to push myself too hard, as indicated by my heart rate montior, and at times it almost seemed that I wasn't working hard enough. Imagine my surprise when I finished and found myself covered with sweat. I also really felt this in my hamstrings.

The workout breaks down as follows:

-Warm Up

-3 sets of 30 Seconds on, 30 Seconds off (Tension 3, Big Ring 15)

-4 sets of 5 minute steady state pedaling at cadence of 90 (tension 3, Big Ring 15 - 18)

-4 sets of 4 minute steady state pedaling at cadence of 100 (tension 2, Big Ring 18-21)

-4 sets of 3 minute steady state pedaling at cadence of 105 (tension 1 to 2, Big Ring 21 - Small Ring 15)

-4 sets of 2 minute steady state pedaling at cadence of 110 (tension 1 to 2, Small Ring 15)

-3 sets of 30 second builds from 80 to 100% pedaling effort (tension 1, small ring 15)

In all of these sets, Troy emphasizes that it is important not to let your heart rate get to high. Instead, drop back a gear, or in effort if you are reaching your anaerobic levels.

I really enjoyed this workout, and can't wait to give the other base builders a try.