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I knew I wasn't in great shape, but YOWZA...

16300 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  Dalotn07
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I read up on various Peloton cycle class types while waiting for the bike to be delivered. I really like the idea of Power Zone training so I had the warm-up and test lined up for delivery day. Once I got done with the test, a pop-up came on the screen about my FTP. Based on my weight and gender the estimation is 180 watts, but based on my test, I was only at 59 watts! To be only 1/3 of where the average person is at my weight and gender was pretty eye opening. Just makes me want to work that much harder though.
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An estimate of 180 without any info other than weight and gender seems way too high to me. I wouldn't sweat it. Considering you did that on day 1 I'm sure you will advance pretty quickly.

When you do your re-test, I would suggest making sure you get a good nights sleep, are well hydrated, not sore, do the FTP warm up ride, etc.

Welcome!
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Thanks! I've really been enjoying the rides these last couple weeks. I haven't retaken the test yet but I did just increase my FTP to 70 because I felt it was needed. The zones and my output on the next ride after felt just right. Honestly my leg endurance is definitely what's holding me back, but they're waking up quickly. I have strong legs, but they haven't been put through regular cardio in years so they burn out quickly.
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Don't feel too bad, when they ask for 90-100 cadence, I can only make it up to 84 and forget keeping up with the resistance. Everyone says cadence first. On the up side took my first strength class today and did my first core class yesterday. I figure this is only the beginning.
Don't feel too bad, when they ask for 90-100 cadence, I can only make it up to 84 and forget keeping up with the resistance. Everyone says cadence first. On the up side took my first strength class today and did my first core class yesterday. I figure this is only the beginning.
What Kathy is doing I think is the way to go - focus on trying to match the cadence first and go lighter on resistance. Then when the cadence is there try getting the resistance up. That said don't do anything that really feels unnatural - for instance standing and pedaling at a high cadence if you're not ready for it.
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Thanks everyone. Hopefully once my legs finish waking up from a couple years of workout atrophy, they'll be able to keep up better.
It's been more than a couple of years for me, lol!
It's been more than a couple of years for me, lol!
Haha, I understand. It's been a couple years since I regularly worked out, so my legs used to be pretty strong, but that says NOTHING for endurance. I haven't introduced my legs to regular cardiovascular activity since high school, over 20 years ago!
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Don't feel too bad, when they ask for 90-100 cadence, I can only make it up to 84 and forget keeping up with the resistance. Everyone says cadence first. On the up side took my first strength class today and did my first core class yesterday. I figure this is only the beginning.
I am wondering where you ended up here. As a big out of shape guy, I struggle to get the cadence above 90. Even at low resistance, my legs do not move that fast. Being a Peloton owner for less than 2 weeks I have stuck in the beginner range and for many of them even at a lower resistance, I can not easily get fast legs. Working hard for a burst I can get to 105 or so, does it become more natural?
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I am wondering where you ended up here. As a big out of shape guy, I struggle to get the cadence above 90. Even at low resistance, my legs do not move that fast. Being a Peloton owner for less than 2 weeks I have stuck in the beginner range and for many of them even at a lower resistance, I can easily not easily get fast legs. Working hard for a burst I can get to 105 or so, does it become more natural?
Absolutely, it'll come with practice. The muscle memory catches up and it starts to feel more natural. Plus, 90 isn't bad, that'll still get your cal burn up plenty. Regarding resistance, I can actually sustain a higher cadence for longer if there is at least some resistance. If the resistance is too low, there's no control and my coordination suffers.
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I agree - don't stress out if you can't match cadence or resistance for that matter. Keep up with what you can and try in spurts. I wouldn't let that stop you from taking the classes that are fun for you. All of the instructors say it's perfectly fine to modify.
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Thanks! I've really been enjoying the rides these last couple weeks. I haven't retaken the test yet but I did just increase my FTP to 70 because I felt it was needed. The zones and my output on the next ride after felt just right. Honestly my leg endurance is definitely what's holding me back, but they're waking up quickly. I have strong legs, but they haven't been put through regular cardio in years so they burn out quickly.
Did you go as hard as you could in the 20 minute test? Could also be a calibration issue with the bike. 59 does seem low for 20 min HARD steady workout. Remember, the test measures your all out effort for 20 minutes. This should not feel even moderate.
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I am wondering where you ended up here. As a big out of shape guy, I struggle to get the cadence above 90. Even at low resistance, my legs do not move that fast. Being a Peloton owner for less than 2 weeks I have stuck in the beginner range and for many of them even at a lower resistance, I can not easily get fast legs. Working hard for a burst I can get to 105 or so, does it become more natural?
I like high cadence NOW but hated it in the beginning. High cadence is easier too me as it is lungs/arobic feeling. Where low cadence is strength and my legs are not that strong yet. It will come with practice. Try some of the pz indurance rides pe
I used to cycle 400-500 miles a week. That was 10 years ago. I haven’t done any sort of exercise since then.
I got my peloton today and attempted to do a beginners class. I made it about 1/2 way through before I had to quit. I thought I was going to die. Holy moly I am so out of shape.
They need an “extremely out of shape” class
I used to cycle 400-500 miles a week. That was 10 years ago. I haven’t done any sort of exercise since then.
I got my peloton today and attempted to do a beginners class. I made it about 1/2 way through before I had to quit. I thought I was going to die. Holy moly I am so out of shape.
They need an “extremely out of shape” class
I would suggest easing into it. If you are pushing it too hard, modify by going with a slower cadence, lighter cadence, skipping getting out of the saddle, etc. As you get stronger, you can work on staying in the suggested ranges. Another option is to do low impact classes which tend to be lighter (e.g. resistance doesn't go over 50).
Hang in there and don't rush it! Definitely don't want to injure yourself or get burned out.
What Kathy is doing I think is the way to go - focus on trying to match the cadence first and go lighter on resistance. Then when the cadence is there try getting the resistance up. That said don't do anything that really feels unnatural - for instance standing and pedaling at a high cadence if you're not ready for it.
I gave up trying to keep up awhile ago. I can keep a pretty decent cadence at 35 resistance. Usually about mid 80's. Staying consistent with the cadence is challenging. My knees hurt way to much to go above 40 resistance for any length of time. Could the knee pain be the wrong shoes? I'm just wearing my tennis shoes. Couldnt figure out the strap thing so if I move wrong my feet slip off.
I gave up trying to keep up awhile ago. I can keep a pretty decent cadence at 35 resistance. Usually about mid 80's. Staying consistent with the cadence is challenging. My knees hurt way to much to go above 40 resistance for any length of time. Could the knee pain be the wrong shoes? I'm just wearing my tennis shoes. Couldnt figure out the strap thing so if I move wrong my feet slip off.
Hi. That doesn't sound like a good set up if you're feet aren't connected and you slip off the pedals. I would definitely try with the toe cages. Here's a link with a video on how to do it. In addition to being safer it's a better workout since you can pull up as well as push down and you'll generate more power. https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001100163-Assembling-Toe-Cages
Hi. That doesn't sound like a good set up if you're feet aren't connected and you slip off the pedals. I would definitely try with the toe cages. Here's a link with a video on how to do it. In addition to being safer it's a better workout since you can pull up as well as push down and you'll generate more power. https://support.onepeloton.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001100163-Assembling-Toe-Cages
thank you so much. i will try that this week.
If you've ever had to switch home gym equipment, you know that most of these items aren't light. How much does a Peloton bike weigh? Despite being relatively compact and slim, the Peloton bike is considerably heavier than one would expect. The Peloton bike weighs between 135 and 140 pounds.
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