Can I Keep Cycling Fitness During a Business Trip?

Question: I’ll be in China on business for the next three weeks, with only a stationary bike in the hotel’s fitness room. The best I can hope for is 45 minutes a day of boring pedaling. Prior to this trip, I’ve been averaging 150 miles a week with interval work and climbing. Any suggestions for maintaining form? — Gary S.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies: If you can ride the hotel bike 3-5 times per week, you won’t lose substantial fitness.

I suggest that you continue the interval training and climbing-like intensity. Hard efforts are the best fitness producer and best preserver of the fitness you’ve built before the trip.

Two qualifiers to keep in mind, though:

• First, don’t overdo it on the nowhere bike. It’s easy to burn out on hard indoor riding, even if you only do it for three weeks.

• Second, you’ll lose some endurance during this time because you’re doing shorter workouts. You should restore it with a few longer rides when you return home.