[OvrlndrF250]

Hi, I just did my first 45 min Power Zone workout. I’ve tried to find my answer but can’t and hoped for a steer.

I started the workout and found the output that put me in the requested zone, Zone 3. So I memorized that number. As the “intervals“ went on, I noticed that the same output pushed me into the higher zone 4 in the final two intervals. Clearly I need conditioning. But here’s the question: When that happens, should I decrease my output to stay in the requested zone, or should I keep the output with the hope that later on in my training I’ll stay in the requested zone.

Thank you

 

[kwelsh1]

I think you might be mixing up Heart Rate Zones (typically 1-5) with Power Zones. The Power Zone classes are focused on your power output, regardless of your HR. If you are interested in getting the most out of the power zone training then you should do the FTP test. There are a bunch available, I prefer Matt W. Do a 10 or 15 minute FTP Warm Up ride then the 20 minute FTP test. This is an
ALL OUT effort so be mentally and physically ready to have at it. Once the test is completed the bike will automatically prompt you to update your FTP (which is your average watts for the 20' test - 5%).
Once that is done there will be no question what your Power Zone 2, 3, 4 etc are. As for how that will relate to your HR, you are correct that as your fitness improves you will find that you can maintain the same wattage at a lower level of perceived effort and HR. That is the whole point of the training
Good luck!

 

[OvrlndrF250]

I think you might be mixing up Heart Rate Zones (typically 1-5) with Power Zones. The Power Zone classes are focused on your power output, regardless of your HR. If you are interested in getting the most out of the power zone training then you should do the FTP test. There are a bunch available, I prefer Matt W. Do a 10 or 15 minute FTP Warm Up ride then the 20 minute FTP test. This is an
ALL OUT effort so be mentally and physically ready to have at it. Once the test is completed the bike will automatically prompt you to update your FTP (which is your average watts for the 20' test - 5%).
Once that is done there will be no question what your Power Zone 2, 3, 4 etc are. As for how that will relate to your HR, you are correct that as your fitness improves you will find that you can maintain the same wattage at a lower level of perceived effort and HR. That is the whole point of the training
Good luck!

Thanks, Kwelsh. I just discovered DYPZ. Going to start this week with the warmup and test.

 

[OvrlndrF250]

I think you might be mixing up Heart Rate Zones (typically 1-5) with Power Zones. The Power Zone classes are focused on your power output, regardless of your HR. If you are interested in getting the most out of the power zone training then you should do the FTP test. There are a bunch available, I prefer Matt W. Do a 10 or 15 minute FTP Warm Up ride then the 20 minute FTP test. This is an
ALL OUT effort so be mentally and physically ready to have at it. Once the test is completed the bike will automatically prompt you to update your FTP (which is your average watts for the 20' test - 5%).
Once that is done there will be no question what your Power Zone 2, 3, 4 etc are. As for how that will relate to your HR, you are correct that as your fitness improves you will find that you can maintain the same wattage at a lower level of perceived effort and HR. That is the whole point of the training
Good luck!

Holy moly I was really mixed up. Thanks again! I thought the zones at the top left of the screen were the power zones. Nope. I get it now. Gotta take the test.