Training in the Dark

Training
1

Hey everyone!

So this evening I had an unusual experience on the trainer. Normally I wake up in the early morning to complete my workouts, but being a Sunday I wanted to sleep in after a long week of travel. One thing led to another and I didn’t get on the bike until 6PM. My pain cave is located in my walkout basement and is setup next to a window, so outside light naturally enters the room. I usually hit the light when I enter the room, but tonight I forgot. It was bright enough when I started, but the sun set shortly into my Baxter workout.

I had my iPad playing a movie, but it was no match to the near complete darkness in the room. Something that was quickly apparent was the inability to critique my form as I normally do during Baxter. Something else that I wasn’t expecting was the what appeared to be increased difficulty. I don’t have any experience with sensory deprivation or anything of that nature, but it peaked my interest.

Has anyone actively trained in the dark or any other out-of-the-box strategy?

2

I train in the dark 1-2 times per week, especially in the winter months. I don’t mind it at all… in fact I kind of prefer it lol.

3

I have a light on a remote, and will mix up training lit or dark. I like dark i particular if I am watching a movie, but I also do it for Zwift distraction as well.

4

I usually train early morning in my garage. In the winter it’s frequently dark. I have to say my experience is the opposite to yours. In the dark I feel more focussed and less hot. I guess my mind tricks me into thinking that dark means cold. cold means lower RPE.

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