Carmichael Training Systems CycleOps/CTS Climbing

The DVD was great, shipping on time. About a week after I bought it I found all of the CTS DVD videos free on the CTS website.

Perfect for winter indoor training. I've gotten more out of these training dvd's than my previous works outs done on my own. They definitely push you to the limit and beyond

I really like this dvd. It gives me a good workout in a shorter period of time. I would recomend it.

Very good DVD.

I've had the video for a few years and used it perhaps 10-15 times. Chris Carmichael is a low key coach, so don't look emotionally charged, in your face motivation. Having a HR monitor is required, and cadence is helpful (although cadence can be estimated with the rpms in 10 secs times 6 method). The workout consists of a warm up, then "muscle-tension" intervals that are done around 60rpm in a very high gear -- simulating climbing --, with 95rpm spin sets in an easy gear between them. Elapsed time is displayed on the screen. The last set is 5, one minute on, one minute off 60rpm/85rpm sets intended to peg your heart rate a few beats below what you can personally sustain, which is determined through a CTS field test that Chris explains. The purpose of each series of sets is explained pretty well. Video ends with cool down. I find that the workout doesn't beat me up, but I feel improvement.

OK. Having spent conservatively over 1000 miles each year on my trainer during the winter, I have tried many DVD training systems. CTS's series appeals to my sensibilities. If I'm willing to ride that many miles, I'm not the type who needs some bouncy- or drill-sergeant-like coach cheering me on or telling me that I'm weak. What I need is a calm, methodical, scientifically-based coaching that provides an outstanding workout without senseless thrashing. This video provides it and is geared for those serious cyclists who undertand the principles and know that only nomimal gains are achieved through mindless suffer-fests. I strongly recommend this product (and the entire series). In fact, I'm going to ride one of the series right now.