by Brian Maslach
André Greipel puts in work on his SRM Indoor Trainer.
It’s that time of year when many of us retreat indoors to train, whether it’s to avoid riding or running in the dark, or to escape freezing temperatures. Since indoor workouts are often shorter and more intense, it makes sense to get the most out of every minute. Whether you’re Zwifting, strength training, or tackling another indoor routine, the following tips will help you start strong and build power over time.
Fuel Smart Before You Start
To perform your best, make sure your blood sugar is rising as you begin training so you can hit your workout at full strength. That means consuming a carbohydrate-rich meal or snack beforehand.
My go-to is a nutrient-dense smoothie (you can find the recipe in a previous post here). For longer sessions, I’ll add avocado toast or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for extra staying power.
A typical view of my kitchen counter as I prepare pre-workout smoothies.
I used to rely on a big bowl of oatmeal, but over time I realized I perform better with less bulk before training. This discovery came by accident; I overslept one morning before the Saturday Acacia Park group ride in Colorado Springs. With less than an hour to spare before the 10 a.m. start, I only had time for a smoothie as I scrambled to get ready.
To my surprise, I felt great. I could breathe more freely, push harder, and ride stronger without that heavy, full feeling. That day changed how I think about pre-exercise fueling. I learned that while some nourishment is essential, too much can hold you back. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your body, not just follow what I or any influencer says.
Training races like the now-defunct Pikes Peak International Raceway Series helped me learn that a full belly doesn't lead to optimal performance.
Power Up with Beta Red
Food aside, Beta Red Pre-Workout Formula has become a cornerstone of my pre-training routine. That shouldn’t come as a surprise; it was developed based on what helped me keep up with fitter, more talented training partners in Colorado Springs. (I have been the original test subject for all Enduro Bites products!)
That pinkish hue is a tell tale sign that my smoothie is fortified with Beta Red.
Beta Red’s nitrate-rich beet juice powder helps increase oxygen delivery to your working muscles, which is crucial for performance. If you need proof, try holding your breath during your next workout. Oxygen matters!
Just as important, Beta Red includes a performance amino acid blend of beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and betaine to boost muscular endurance and speed recovery between efforts. Together, these ingredients make the perfect training partner for hard sessions, indoors or outdoors.
Since indoor workouts are typically shorter, I recommend drinking Beta Red about 60 minutes before training to maximize results. I usually blend it right into my pre-workout smoothie to keep things simple.
Finish Strong
Intense offseason workouts can be the difference between staying the same and stepping up your game next season. Set yourself up for success by fueling smart, staying consistent, and giving your body the nutrients it needs to perform and recover.
What strategies have helped you improve your indoor workouts? Share them below. I’d love to hear what works for you.
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