Today, I’m joined by Ben Plenge from the Strength Factory to help you create your perfect winter training plan. In this episode we look at three different types of rider, based on their goals, health, available time and energy, and current fitness level. For each of those three riders, we discuss how you should approach putting together your winter training. Hopefully you’ll be able to identify with one of the three riders in some way or interpolate a bit between two of them, to help you approach your offseason in the best possible way. We’ll be talking about strength work, aerobic base rides, metrics, fuelling and plenty more. So sit back, hit play and listen to this episode with Ben Plenge.

You can check out all of Ben’s programmes over at thestrengthfactory.uk, find him on Instagram @strengthfactory_coach and on YouTube here.

You can get 20% off the Complete MTB Programme using the code DOWNTIMEPODCAST and 20% off the Over 40’s MTB Programme using the code DOWNTIMEPODCAST40 until the 6th November 2022.

Supporting Partners

YT Industries

YT‘s bikes already represent great value for money, but as a downtime listener, you can get an extra £100 or dollars or euros, depending on where you are, off of their entire range. 

All you need to do is to select ‘I have a voucher’ in the bottom left corner at checkout and use the code ‘Downtime2008’ over at yt-industries.com. Please note that the code is valid for a maximum of 200 uses and runs until 31st March 2023.

Sprung Suspension

If you’re looking to improve the way your bike rides and to give your suspension some love after a long summer of riding, look no further than Sprung Suspension. With knowledge from working at suspension companies, bike companies and world cup race teams, Sprung will be able to sort you out and have your suspension feeling better than it’s ever felt before.

As a Downtime listener, you can get 10% off service and tuning until the 15th November. All you need to do is to use the code ‘downtime22‘ over at sprungsuspension.com.

The Strength Factory

If you want to become a better rider and a better human this winter, then you can get 20% off the Strength Factory Complete MTB Programme using the code DOWNTIMEPODCAST and 20% off the Over 40’s MTB Programme using the code DOWNTIMEPODCAST40 until the 6th November 2022.

Podcast Stuff

Downtime EP

Downtime EP issue 2 is now available at downtimepodcast.com/ep. EP takes inspiration from the guests and topics of the podcast. It expands on them, and takes them into a stunning print-only format. EP is the perfect companion for some quiet time away from the distractions of modern life. Beautiful to have and hold, and a timeless piece of mountain bike history.

Just head over to downtimepodcast.com/ep to save yourself £5 off of the cover price with an annual subscription for just £20 plus postage or you can purchase EP1, or EP2 on their own too.

Merch

If you want to support the podcast, and represent, then my webstore is the place to head. All products are 100% organic, shipped without plastics, and made with a supply chain that’s using renewable energy. So check it out now over at downtimepodcast.com/shop.

Follow Us

Give us a follow on Instagram @downtimepodcast or Facebook @downtimepodcast to keep up to date and chat in the comments.

For everything video, including riding videos, bike checks and more, subscribe over at youtube.com/downtimemountainbikepodcast.

Are you enjoying the podcast? If so, then don’t forget to subscribe. Each episode will get delivered to your device as soon as it’s available and it’s totally free. You’ll find all the links you need at downtimepodcast.com/subscribe. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google and most of the podcast apps out there. While you’re there, why not join our newsletter to get our Weekend Warm-Up email every Friday. Full of interesting bike-related stuff, competitions, product recommendations and more.

Our back catalogue of amazing episodes is available at downtimepodcast.com/episodes

Photo – JWDT Photography