Increasing weight with the goal of increasing absolute FTP

Training
12

i think it may depend on what your limiter is. A simple model for FTP is as follows:

  • FTP is driven by VO2max and the % of VO2max you can sustain for, say, 60 minutes (Fractional utilization)
  • VO2max is driven by your cardio system’s ability to deliver oxygen, and your muscles’ ability to use oxygen.
  • The percent of VO2max you can sustain is in large part dictated by your rate of lactate production - which is driven by muscle fiber composition

If you are not cardio constrained, I’d say adding the right kind of muscle mass could increase your FTP. If you are cardio constrained, adding mass will only slow you down.

A simple check on if you are cardio constrained: when you do a ramp test, why do you stop? Do your legs get tired and you just can’t turn the pedals any longer? Or does your heart feel like it will explode and you’re about to pass out? If the latter, you’re cardio constrained.

There’s ways to improve the capacity of your cardio system, but adding weight is generally not needed.

If your legs just get tired, and your cardio system feels relatively OK, then more muscle mass may help.

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