What have you done to increase your FTP in the winter months?

a month ago by 1800doctorb to c/bicycling

For those of us who are forced indoors when the ice and snow come, have you had real success training primarily through zwift or other indoor training programs? What do you think was the key to your gains? Tell me your story.

I’ve got my trainer set up in the basement and will be doing a ramp test this week. Looking to make as big an FTP improvement by Spring as possible.

riskable 11 points a month ago

Don't use FTP!

SFTP 👍

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1800doctorb 3 points a month ago

True, always enforce encryption.

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slazer2au 1 point a month ago

FTPS is also a valid option.

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fluffy 3 points a month ago

Yes, I had success. Key was learning to write my own plan. I learned a lot from books (like for example from Joe Friel) and some internet research.

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limelight79 3 points a month ago

Zwift definitely helps me. Even if I don't improve, I'm at least maintaining fitness.

They have series of workouts called Build Me Up that are apparently pretty good. A few years ago I was doing the standard FTP Builder set of workouts, which I do think helped, but apparently Build Me Up is better. The workouts scale with your FTP.

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Zagorath 2 points 15 days ago

This year? I didn't do anything. I barely cycled at all, apart from the occasional social ride or utility ride.

Instead, I did a lot of running, targeting a half marathon that took place last weekend, so in the first couple of weeks of spring.

Looking forward to getting back on the bike, though!

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muelltonne 2 points 18 days ago

In the winter, I'm doing winter sports. Cycling is awesome (and I can do it even in Dec or Jan here), but if the snow comes, I'm going onto a hike in the snow and or ice skating. That is awesome, is also cardio and is better than sitting on an indoor setup

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1800doctorb 1 point 18 days ago

Agreed. Love a good snow hike. However the past few years have resulted in fewer snowfalls and more cold dreary and icy conditions where I live.

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