Slide board for cross training

[eisenm]

Any of you use the slide board for indoor cross training? I am intrigued and looking for an alternative to the indoor trainer for the winter. Specifically, I am wondering how applicable to cycling is the training? And how technically challenging is it for a non-skater?

http://www.skatelog.com/slideboards/

[Blastinbob]

They are easy to use, boring as hell. If you can push with your leg and swing your arm at the same time then it's no problem. I had one back in my hockey coaching days and no one ever liked using it.

[Louis]

I have one. Bought it a few years ago. It's essentially a slippery piece of plastic with ends to keep you from sliding off and booties to put over your shoes. It was kind of fun at first, but after about 10 minutes got boring. I used it maybe a dozen times then consigned it to the basement. I'm not a skater either, but had little trouble picking up the technique. (FYI, compared to cycling outside I hate nearly all indoor excercise activities, so YMMV.)

I'd give it to you, but the shipping would be similar to the cost to buy one, so you might want to just try it out.

Aside: It's a heck of a lot more expensive, but IMO the best form of indoor cross-training is the Concept 2 rower (http://www.concept2.com/us/products/indoorrowers/defaultwvideo.asp?lid=<publish-loop-counter>). Not nearly as mind-numbingly boring as rollers.

Louis

[eisenm]

Maybe the equipment-less, free version is equally effective:

http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=6V5MC9oLYmU

And when this gets boring, nothing lost!

[Too Tall]

I have one. Bought it a few years ago. It's essentially a slippery piece of plastic with ends to keep you from sliding off and booties to put over your shoes. It was kind of fun at first, but after about 10 minutes got boring. I used it maybe a dozen times then consigned it to the basement. I'm not a skater either, but had little trouble picking up the technique. (FYI, compared to cycling outside I hate nearly all indoor excercise activities, so YMMV.)

I'd give it to you, but the shipping would be similar to the cost to buy one, so you might want to just try it out.

Aside: It's a heck of a lot more expensive, but IMO the best form of indoor cross-training is the Concept 2 rower (http://www.concept2.com/us/products/indoorrowers/defaultwvideo.asp?lid=<publish-loop-counter>). Not nearly as mind-numbingly boring as rollers.

Louis

Ding ding ding iding!!!! +1 for Concept2 rowing. Now THAT'S indoor cross training.

[rbtmcardle]

I made one out of plywood and formica about 20 years ago, bolted 2 x 3s on the ends and used wool socks, incredibly smooth and effective, boring but irreplaceable for off skates training.

OK - which concept 2 does everyone recommend?