{"id":70888,"date":"2021-11-01T11:54:40","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T18:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/?p=70888"},"modified":"2022-10-14T16:29:07","modified_gmt":"2022-10-14T23:29:07","slug":"progression-levels-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/progression-levels-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Progression Levels: What They Are and How to Use Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"lead\">Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is a great way to measure overall cycling ability, but sometimes, your relative strengths and weaknesses can change, even while your FTP stays the same. That&#8217;s where Progression Levels come in, tracking your current capabilities in each power zone to monitor every aspect of your cycling fitness. Adaptive Training uses your Progression Levels to pick the right workouts to make you faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<center><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-large margin-bottom--8\">Try TrainerRoad<\/a><\/center>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Sign Up Risk-Free for 30 Days<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-progression-levels\"><strong>What Are Progression Levels?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In TrainerRoad, your unique range of cycling abilities is reflected in your <a href=\"https:\/\/support.trainerroad.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/4404665021595-Progression-Levels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Progression Levels<\/a>, a dynamic metric that quantifies your fitness and training progress across <a href=\"https:\/\/support.trainerroad.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/115005942786-Understanding-Power-Zones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seven power zones<\/a>. As you train and your fitness subtly changes, your Progression Levels adjust to reflect those changes. Progression Levels help  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/adaptive-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adaptive Training<\/a> give you the right workout each day, and provide insight into your abilities as they grow and change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"572\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/progression-levels-chart-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-73346 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/progression-levels-chart-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/progression-levels-chart-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/progression-levels-chart-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/progression-levels-chart.jpg 1358w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/572;\" \/><figcaption>Example of a TrainerRoad Progression Levels Chart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll find seven Progression Levels on your career page (one level for every power zone). Each level is individually measured on a scale from one to ten, with one representing the baseline and ten representing the highest level of ability at any given FTP. In general, your Progression Levels will start out in the lower range as you begin a training block. As you progress through workouts and training weeks your Progression Levels will change to reflect your development in each zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Insights Beyond FTP<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>FTP is a powerful tool to see the big picture of your fitness and is still an excellent way to set the overall intensities of your workouts. But Progression Levels offer an additional level of detail, reflecting aspects of your fitness that may be overlooked by a broader view. Progression Levels track the specifics of your abilities <em>at<\/em> your current FTP, and let Adaptive Training personalize every workout to your unique needs. As a result, Progression Levels help make you faster than ever before!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-affects-progression-levels\"><strong>What Affects Progression Levels?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Progression Levels adjust based on the relative difficulty of the workouts you complete, and on how successfully you complete them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Workouts in TrainerRoad are categorized by difficulty and training zone with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/introducing-workout-levels-a-new-way-to-understand-a-workouts-difficulty\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Workout Levels<\/a>. Each time you complete a workout, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/adaptive-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adaptive Training<\/a> analyzes your performance. If you successfully complete a workout with a higher Level than your current Progression Level in that workout&#8217;s training zone, your Progression Levels will adjust upwards in response. Likewise, if you struggle with a workout, your Progression Levels may adjust downwards slightly to ensure your next workout in that zone is a bit easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Progression Levels also respond to FTP changes and time off. When you spend an extended period away from the bike, Progression Levels adjust to reflect the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/detraining-what-happens-when-you-lose-fitness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural decline in performance<\/a> that happens when you aren\u2019t training, helping to keep your workouts productive when you do get back on the bike. Similarly, when your FTP increases your levels will adjust downwards in proportion, so your upcoming workouts aren&#8217;t suddenly more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-benefits-of-progression-levels\"><strong>The Benefits of Progression Levels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Progression Levels are a complex calculation of many factors, using them couldn\u2019t be simpler. Here are some benefits you can expect when you take advantage of Progression Levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-understand-your-developing-fitness\">1. Get the Right Workouts&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Progression Levels help inform Adaptive Training&#8217;s personalized adaptations. As you progress through your training plan, your workouts will adjust to match your Progression Levels, ensuring that every workout is right for your current fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re building a training plan or choosing workouts on the fly, Progression Levels can be a great tool, too. You can use the filters in the TrainerRoad workout library to find workouts that match your Progression Levels, and if you don\u2019t want to go through the effort of manually choosing a workout, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/trainnow-intelligently-recommended-workouts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TrainNow<\/a> uses your Progression Levels to inform its intelligent workout recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-understand-your-developing-fitness\">2. Understand Your Developing Fitness&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>With Progression Levels, you can thoroughly understand your fitness and how it\u2019s changing. That way, when it comes to time to race, reach for a goal, or simply go out and conquer a big training ride, you\u2019ll have a better understanding of your capabilities. Knowing how your abilities are developing in response to your training can help you grow your strengths and target limiters too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-gain-insight-into-your-training-plan\">3. Gain Insight Into Your Training Plan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Every TrainerRoad plan follows a specific progression, designed to develop the fitness you need to reach your goals. Checking your Progression Levels after each workout is an excellent way to gain insight into your progress through your training plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"at-cta\" class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"adaptive-training-cta-image\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"cta__copy\">\n        <p class=\"cta-title\">Adaptive Training<\/p>\n        <p><strong>Get the right workout, every time<\/strong>\n        with training that adapts to&nbsp;you.<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/adaptive-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"btn btn-primary\">Check Out TrainerRoad<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Sweet Spot Base includes lots of workouts that are designed to develop your sustained power capabilities. As a result, you&#8217;ll see more growth in your Endurance and Sweet Spot Progression Levels than your Anaerobic Capacity or VO2 Max Levels. Watching how quickly each Level changes can help you understand how you&#8217;re improving as you train.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"progression-levels-faq\"><strong>Progression Levels FAQ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Where Can I Find my Progression Levels?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll find your Progression Levels on your TrainerRoad Career page, available on the TrainerRoad app and your online TrainerRoad account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Why Didn\u2019t My Progression Levels Change After a Workout?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your Progression Levels don\u2019t always change after every workout. When your performance in a workout aligns with your current Progression Levels, those Progression Levels won\u2019t change. That&#8217;s not a bad thing\u2014it simply means the workout perfectly matched your current needs. When you do successfully complete a workout above your current Progression Level, your level will adjust to reflect your higher capabilities.<strong><br><\/strong><strong><br><\/strong><strong>Q: Why Did my Progression Levels Adjust After a Ramp Test or FTP change?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your FTP is a decisive factor in how challenging your workouts are relative to your abilities, and Progression Levels reflect the details of your fitness <em>at your current FTP<\/em>. That&#8217;s why when your FTP goes up, your Progression Levels adjust downward proportionately, preventing a sudden increase in workout intensity caused by a higher FTP. This makes your progression through your training plan smoother, more sustainable, and more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Why Didn\u2019t My Progression Levels Change After My FTP went down?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you complete an FTP test and your new FTP is lower than your previous FTP, your Progression Levels won\u2019t change. A lower FTP naturally lowers the overall difficulty of your workouts, and Adaptive Training will lower your Progression Levels if you still have trouble completing workouts at your new FTP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group key-takeaways is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group key-takeaway is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adaptive-training-help-guide\">Adaptive Training Help Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.trainerroad.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/4409099184283-Adaptive-Training-Help-Guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Complete Adaptive Training Help Guide&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.trainerroad.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/4404665021595-Progression-Levels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Frequently Asked Questions About Progression Levels<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.trainerroad.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/4404977149211-Why-did-my-Progression-Levels-Adjust-after-an-FTP-change-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How FTP changes affect Progression Levels<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to measuring ability, your Functional Threshold Power doesn\u2019t tell the whole story. In fact, your power-based abilities are a lot more dynamic than you may realize. That\u2019s where Progression Levels come in\u2014Progression Levels are a real-time measurement of your power-based abilities in each power zone. You can use them to train your strengths, target limiters, and better understand how your training is impacting your fitness.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":73347,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3243],"tags":[3830,4255,335,3838,4254,720,3966],"class_list":["post-70888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trainerroad-basics","tag-adaptive-training","tag-how-to-use-at","tag-indoor-training","tag-progression-levels","tag-progressive-training","tag-training-plan","tag-workout-levels"],"cc_featured_image_caption":{"caption_text":"","source_text":"","source_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/73347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}