Each year shorter days and low temperatures drive us into our basement – One thing we have learned over the years is the best way to ensure regular workouts is to have a dedicated space with equipment that is ready to go with minimal setup.

But because we don’t use our indoor workout space regularly, the start of “trainer season” means we (Kristin) inevitably have to spend time cleaning and organizing the space which, because it leads to the rest of our basement, often becomes a dumping ground for bikes, tools and other “stuff.”

Fortunately, setting up the space was primarily cosmetic as our tech hasn’t changed much in the last two years. Both bikes use “smart” trainers – Steve uses the Garmin Tacx NEO 2T and Kristin is on a Saris H3 – paired with Zwift on Apple TV units connected to 50″ flatscreen televisions. Heart rate date is driven to Zwift with Bluetooth/Ant+ chest monitors. While Steve just listens to the music and sounds coming from Zwift, Kristin prefers to listen to her workout playlist using wireless running headphones.

This year we have a goal of increasing strength training and stretching to our fitness routine, so added a set of adjustable dumbells from Bowflex, and, thanks to a coupon code from our health insurance, signed up for a year of Apple Fitness+.

We also made a few decorative changes, adding a vintage Lemond flag as well as a shower curtain that hides the rest of the basement while providing some extra motivation.

Now our space is setup, we are looking forward to making the most of our time inside!

Do you have questions about setting up for riding inside? Talk to Steve the Bike Guy and we’ll help get you sorted.

Please note: We included links to the products we use in our fitness room. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through any of our affiliate links.