# The effect of hills on power **URL:** \ **Category:** Training\ **Created:** [January 23, 2020, 12:59am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449 "2020-01-23T00:59:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gary.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/gary.com/32/31172_2.png) [@Gary.com](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Gary.com)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 12:59am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/1 "2020-01-23T00:59:12Z")
So personally I find riding hills easier to put out power on the flats, so my question is: Does it make a difference if I complete a workout on a hill, rather than on a flat. Eg. I have a workout planned this weekend which is 3 x 20min @ 88-94%. I have a 5km climb nearby and I think it would feel easier to hit the numbers doing 3 x 20 minute repeats, than if I was to do 3 x 20 minute efforts on flat/rolling terrain and hit the same numbers. Would I get the same benefit? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![a59a2e9a2645dbb](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/a59a2e9a2645dbb/32/100578_2.png) [@a59a2e9a2645dbb](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/a59a2e9a2645dbb)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 1:01am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/2 "2020-01-23T01:01:33Z")
Yes, unless your goal is to learn to pace on the flats for TTs or other events. Hitting high power targets on flat roads is a skill, it’s difficult. Much easier to hold the higher power on a hill, if you have a hill available that takes 20 minutes then absolutely use it. A lot of people don’t have a place or hill that affords 20 minutes of effort with zero interruptions (lights, intersections, traffic, etc). ---
**Author:** ![Bryce](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bryce/32/72_2.png) [@Bryce](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bryce)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 2:14am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/3 "2020-01-23T02:14:43Z")
We address this question over in our FTP:FAQ article if you want to check it out: > **[FTP: FAQ](https://support.trainerroad.com/hc/en-us/articles/115005927563-FTP-FAQ#q-is-my-ftp-different-for-climbs-vs-flats)** > >   > Q:  Is my FTP different for climbs vs. flats? > A:  > Technically no, your FTP is your FTP whether you are climbing, descending or time trialing.  When climbing a hill, you may see differences in you... ---
**Author:** ![jacemano](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/jacemano/32/30118_2.png) [@jacemano](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/jacemano)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 12:14pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/4 "2020-01-23T12:14:04Z")
I wish I had a 20 minute uninterrupted hill near me for reps ---
**Author:** ![AJS914](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/919ad9/32.png) [@AJS914](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AJS914)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2020, 3:55pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/5 "2020-01-23T15:55:56Z")
Try it both ways - one week hills - the next week on the flats. I like steady state on the flats but if I were pro I’d be a classics type rider. Guys in my club with better power to weight ratios drop me on climbs but then they get dropped on the flats when it gets fast and furious. ---
**Author:** ![Gary.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/gary.com/32/31172_2.png) [@Gary.com](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Gary.com)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2020, 5:10am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/6 "2020-01-25T05:10:45Z")
Thanks guys. Ended up opting for the rolling terrain today instead of the hill. Worked well 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Gary.com](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/gary.com/32/31172_2.png) [@Gary.com](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Gary.com)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2020, 5:12am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/the-effect-of-hills-on-power/28449/7 "2020-01-25T05:12:11Z")
Must admit I’m lucky to live where I do. At the base of an escarpment with multiple climb options, or flat & rolling roads in other directions. Spoilt for choice! 😃