Fitness tests are a thing of the past. Whether you train indoors, outside, or a mix of both, AI FTP Detection automatically analyzes every ride to detect your FTP—no tests or all-out efforts required. It’s available now for every TrainerRoad athlete.
Power-based training is without a doubt the best way to structure training for cycling, and FTP serves as a way to scale every workout to your current fitness level. But what is a good FTP, and how can you be sure that your FTP is accurate?
Training Stress Score (TSS), Intensity Factor (IF), and Workout Levels are useful ways to quantify the challenge and effect of a workout. Taken together, these 3 metrics help tell the story of your training, but it’s important to understand the differences of each. What does each metric mean, and how can you use them to get faster?
Whether you’re new to riding with power or highly versed in the ways of watts, FTP testing is one of the most important aspects of power-based training. But what is the best way to prepare for your next FTP test?
FTP stands for Functional Threshold Power and estimates the highest average power can sustain for one hour, measured in watts. For cycling, FTP is a measure of fitness and an important metric that indicates the amount of work you can sustain for long durations. Additionally, it’s used to determine power zones that are used in training.
No matter what your goals are—you should be doing threshold intervals. Spending time close to your functional threshold power (FTP) offers extraordinary benefits to your aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, mental stamina, and sustained power capabilities. Not to mention, doing threshold intervals will help to increase your FTP!
Cross-training is not usually considered as necessary for cyclists, but should it be? We’ll cover the science of cross-training, how to raise power while dropping weight and much more in this episode of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast!
Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a crucial cycling metric. Increasing your FTP improves your ability to hold higher power for longer—making you a faster cyclist. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways on how to increase FTP.
Increase your power and raise your FTP with a Build Training Phase. Totaling eight weeks, the Build Phase’s are structured to raise your FTP, improve your repeatability, and increase your work capacity. Build is also the first opportunity in a training progression to focus on the specific skills, and power capabilities demanded in your field of racing or riding.
Performing a good ramp test is a crucial first step to high-quality structured training. Use these tips to get the most accurate results possible and keep your training on track.