Strava launches cycling training plans

Struggling for motivation this winter? Help may be at hand, as Strava last week launched a cycling Training Plans tool that allows Premium members to choose a tailored training regimen to suit their goals. The training plans are developed by Carmichael Training Systems, a leading coaching organisation that has helped buff up thousands of amateur and professional athletes.

Suitable for indoor trainers as well as out on the roads, each training plan is designed to optimise performance on a different type of Strava segment. So whether you want to set a personal best up a gruelling climb, improve on short sprints, or just build your base fitness, Strava has a plan to suit.

Members can choose from 10 plans. Each plan is 4 weeks long with a specific focus - from explosive neuromuscular and anaerobic power for short sprints to lactate threshold and sustained endurance for longer climbs. Members can customise their plan based on weekly training volume - from 5 hours per week to 12.

Once you start a plan Strava will send you an email summarising your programme and daily emails with the next day's workout. All plans include five weekly workouts that can be completed indoors or outdoors, with interval workouts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; longer rides on Saturday and Sunday; and rest days on Monday and Friday. Strava members can adjust the training days based on their schedule.

CTS Coach Kirk Nordgren, who spearheaded the development of the training plans, said: "Athletes want to continue making progress, and that's what CTS Coaches have been helping athletes accomplish for 15 years. We're excited to help Strava athletes go faster because endurance sports are more fun when you're fit."

Training Plans are the newest addition to Strava Premium. For £3.99 per month (£39.99 per year), Premium members can get unlimited access to Training Plans and other features such as Goals and training videos from FitStar and The Sufferfest.

For more information check out the Strava blog: http://blog.strava.com/shift-up-a-gear-with-strava-training-plans-9179/