Start cycling in Costa Rica with this special iFIT beginner series
I’m taking up cycling in earnest with the Costa Rica Beginner Bike series on iFIT. Beach rides, stretching, inclined terrain, endurance, interval training: in 16 sessions over 4 weeks, John Peel teaches me everything I need to know to start training on a stationary bike. I put on my trainers and switch on my Studio Bike Pro 22: white sandy beaches and rainforests await me!
A new cycling series for beginners by John Peel
After his debut cycling series in French Polynesia, John Peel is back with 16 new and even more intense sessions, in which I will push my limits on all levels while discovering the basics: speed, endurance, velocity and more. Each week is broken down into 3 rides and a stretching session in iconic Costa Rican locations. I’m getting ready to sweat and take in unforgettable sights by following this training programme for beginners.
Week 1 – I discover Costa Rica and get my bearings
The first part of my training session sets the tone. I start to immerse myself in the Costa Rican atmosphere and get a head start on the bike:
- 3.9 km ride around the Arenal Observatory Lodge: in a tropical landscape, I work in intervals to improve my endurance and cardiorespiratory capacities
- Inclined terrain work for 3.4 km with an outing on the Cerro de la Muerte: I pedal at an altitude of 3,451 metres and overcome a 125-metre difference in altitude
- Sustained intensity endurance work: I pedal with determination for 3.9 km to the beautiful Lake Arenal
- A stretching session with a breathtaking view of the tropical landscape and the Arenal Volcano massif: I relax to better prepare myself for the intense week to come
Week 2 – I cycle between beaches and tropical forests and build on what I have learned
I now know what pace to expect and I’m getting more confident. I am diving deeper and deeper into the jungle:
- Heading to Ventanas Beach: I immerse myself in the dense rainforest, interval after interval, remembering to admire the caves in this unspoilt cove, and then give it my all at the end
- Slope walk through the Los Campesinos ecolodge with peaks of higher intensity
- An outing along Matapalo Beach: a consistent endurance run where I can enjoy the beautiful scenery as it passes before my eyes
- I discover effective dynamic exercises and recover, still on the beach of Matapalo
Week 3 – rising to the top, pushing my limits
I am starting my third week of training in Costa Rica, taking in all the advice given by John Peel:
- A series of intervals on the Sky Tram, in the forest, then I join the Arenal 1968 trail, which takes its name from the volcano’s spectacular eruption
- A sloping route over the hills: I walk along the Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in Costa Rica
- A steady pace on flat ground: I get a glimpse of the local wildlife before being amazed by the view of the La Paz Waterfall at the end
- Full body stretching in a tropical setting at La Fortuna Garden
Week 4 – a finish that takes me to the top
My bike training in Costa Rica is almost over. I can already see the fruits of my labour and am enjoying my last moments in this fascinating country:
- I set off to climb the highest point of the Pan-American Highway, Cerro de la Muerte, for my last interval ride
- The summit of the Irazú volcano is waiting for me in the middle of the clouds – nothing can stop me from reaching it!
- The ride of the day takes me along the Barú River to Dominicalito Beach where I finish with a magical view of the Pacific Ocean
- I enjoy every minute of this last stretching session
Through this exciting series, I have gained a sense of rhythm in my workout. I can now use it as inspiration to put together my own workout on the exercise bike until my next adventure on iFIT!
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