As women, we’re often juggling a million balls, all flying simultaneously in the air while praying we don’t drop one. And inevitably when we do, looking after ourselves tends to be the first thing that drops off that ever-growing list of things we have to manage.
While we all know health and fitness is great for both our physical and mental health, finding the time in the day can be a struggle. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We were given the opportunity to try a Tacx indoor smart trainer, a fully interactive bicycle trainer with a special app that allows you to ride (and if you want, interact with friends online) while in the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is attach your existing bike to the trainer and you’re ready to go!
Three Mamamia team members gave it a go: we have a busy wife and mum of one, a single mum of two and a full-time professional with a fur baby (yours truly). We each took the Tacx Flux trainer for a spin with a new Scott Road Bike to see how it could fit into our hectic lifestyles:
Rikki Waller, Direct Sales Manager
As a mum to one and a wife to another, I live a pretty busy lifestyle. Working full time and then juggling home life and extracurricular activities, it’s pretty safe to say that something eventually gives. For me, it's been exercise. For the past six years I have had real trouble making (and finding) the time to be active. Running after my daughter, ferrying her to swimming or assisting my hubby at Nippers just simply doesn’t cut it exercise-wise. Getting to a gym just isn’t possible.
I’m not much of a cyclist (and haven’t ‘professionally’ exercised in forever) so when I first thought about trying the Tacx indoor bicycle trainer I was unsure as to whether I would be able to balance and keep myself from falling to the side, all while riding. As soon as I got on the bike, which was firmly locked into the Bluetooth smart trainer base, I did better than I thought. I felt pretty cool too, if I’m being honest.
I hooked up the Zwift app and got riding with people from all over the world. It's the kind of thing you can do at home when you've got a spare 20 minutes - well, while multitasking as mums always do (dinner on the stove, daughter reading her school work out loud!)
Getting to a gym is really tough when I’m so time poor, but the Tacx smart trainer alleviates any time stresses and, although I trained alone, watching myself ride through the Zwift app and seeing all of the other people from all corners of the globe doing the same, it feels like I’m part of a group. And you also get to do fun routes around London and California - I'd love to hook it up to a big screen to get the full effect (which you can do). Pretty cool stuff.
Valentina Todoroska - Deputy Editor
As a busy editor, I can often find it really hard to figure out where my hours go in the day. Is that just me? I hope not... I spend a lot of my time in the office and when I get home, it can be like fighting an uphill battle to muster the motivation to get up, put my activewear on and drag myself to the gym. Once I get there, I'm fine, but it's the process of having to get ready and get myself out of the house that I struggle with. Plus, I have a new puppy I like to shower with affection and attention, giving me less reasons to actually go out. Thanks, Maple.
So, the Tacx indoor smart trainer takes that uncomfortable in-between phase out of the equation entirely. Typically at the gym I like to start with cardio and then I'll do some weight training, but this indoor bicycle trainer is great because I can set it up and ride whenever it fits in with my day (and let's be honest, that's usually pretty late).
I found it to be really fun and engaging, too. Through the Zwift app you can track your progress, save your favourite courses and race against people at the same time as you. It's a great motivating factor, knowing you're not in it alone and pushing that little bit harder to race past the person next to you. The Tacx trainer also simulates the effect of riding on different surfaces and annulations in the course, which is a fun real life feature. It definitely engages my competitive side.
Laura Pulini - NSW Sales Manager
As a single parent to two young kids and working full time, exercise is often the first thing that slips off the schedule when things get busy (which is always). I keep active and consider myself quite fit - and I find that the Tacx gave me a solid workout and challenged me.
The Zwift app is easy to use, allowing me to see how I am tracking and giving me feedback and updates on my performance as I ride. The various courses kept it interesting, and when I hit a hill I felt the resistance in my legs, as I do when out riding on the road. It gave me bursts of higher intensity, making it feel exactly like an authentic riding experience.
The convenience of the Tacx is the main benefit from my perspective. The Tacx is quiet so I could use it while the kids sleep in the next room, as well as being small and light (just 7kg) so I can easily store it away when not in use, which is essential in a small apartment. And if it's bad weather out there, I'd have no excuse but to get a few moments of extra cardio in too.
So there you have it. If you struggle to get yourself off the couch and into the gym, whatever the reason may be, the Tacx indoor bicycle smart trainer may well be the solution for you.
What's your home exercise regime? Tell us below.
This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Tacx Australia.