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Would you use vo2 max intervals increase your functional threshold power using a power meter?

5 min read

Asked by: Jessica Hatfield

Do VO2 max intervals increase FTP?

FTP is related to, and limited by VO2max



Elite athletes tend have FTP up around 85% of VO2max. But there is an inverse correlation; where FTP is harder to raise to higher percentages of already greater VO2max – so 85% of 55 ml/kg/min will be easier to achieve than 85% of 75 ml/kg/min.

How do you increase functional threshold power?

The best way to increase your FTP is by strengthening your aerobic energy system. Since FTP is a measurement of your aerobic fitness, training that improves your aerobic capacity and muscular endurance will likewise increase FTP.

What are VO2 max intervals?

VO2 Max workouts typically fall into two categories: long (LI) and short-duration (SI) intervals. SI’s are comprised of short work intervals lasting less than a minute, while LI are typically longer — two to six-minute — work intervals.

What is VO2 max FTP?

What is FTP? While VO2 max determines your overall aerobic capacity, it doesn’t say much for your aerobic system’s real-world ability to power sustainable work. That ability is more directly reflected by your FTP, or Functional Threshold Power, the maximum wattage you can continuously produce on a bike for an hour.

How do you do VO2 max intervals?

VO2 Max Intervals: Zone 5 (105-120% of Threshold Wattage): 2 sets of 2 x 4 minutes on, 4 minutes off; 8-minute rest in-between sets. With an accurately set FTP, 105-120% should be as hard as you can go for 4 minutes (and any 3-6 minute VO2 interval).

How long should VO2 max intervals be running?

around 3-5 minutes

When engaging in VO2-max interval running training, intervals of around 3-5 minutes are usually chosen. The interval session can be run in several different ways, but what is important is that you ensure to use your energy so that you are able to run every set properly.

What does functional threshold power mean?

FTP stands for Functional Threshold Power, which is defined as the highest average power you can sustain for approximately an hour, measured in watts.

How do you find functional threshold power?

Functional Threshold Power (FTP): You can estimate FTP with your best recent 20-minute power value (either from a dedicated 20-minute test or a sufficiently hard 20-minute effort from a race or workout). Multiply that value by 95% to get your FTP. You can also estimate FTP from a recent best 45-60 minute power output.

How can I train FTP without power meter?

Quote from video: You will need an account and you will need to pay for Strava summit which is 18 pound 99 a year and then from upload in your eyes to Strava it can give you an estimate of your power FTP.

What is the fastest way to increase VO2 max?

HIIT training is the fastest way to improve your VO2 max quickly.

Are VO2 max intervals anaerobic?

These types of intervals do have a big anaerobic component, but by definition have you operating near your peak oxygen consumption, which is the key. Most athletes can work at VO2max for only about 5 to 9 minutes, so intervals at VO2max need to be shorter than that.

How long should threshold intervals be?

The 20 Minute Interval begins as soon as you bring your power up to Zone 4, not when your Heart Rate or Perceived Effort reach Zone 4. The latter should reach Zone 4 as the interval progresses.

What do VO2 max workouts do?

VO2 MAX MADE SIMPLE



VO2 max, also known as maximal oxygen uptake, is the measurement of a person’s maximum rate of oxygen consumption during intense exercise, i.e. volume of oxygen per kilo of bodyweight per minute. It is used to establish an athlete’s aerobic capacity, usually for training purposes.

Why does VO2 max increase with training?

Training results in an increase in the efficiency of oxygen transport within the body. By lowering the resting heart rate (HR), and the HR at sub maximal loads, the heart pumps more blood with every heart beat. This, in addition to other physiological changes, increases the oxygen extraction capability.

What are the benefits of increasing VO2 max are there any visible benefits?

Individuals with a healthy VO2 max are more likely to experience promising health benefits such as: increased lifespan, reduced risk for stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

How do you calculate VO2 max FTP?

Your VO2 max can then be estimated from this peak power and your body weight using the formula: VO2 max = 0.01141 * PPO + 0.435. FTP can be estimated as 0.825 * PPO.

What is your FTP cycling?

What is FTP cycling? Simply put, FTP is the average number of watts that a rider can sustain in an hour, and acts as a current measure of fitness. Ideally, it refers to a steady effort, not the up-and-down levels you might see looking at your power during a hilly ride or cyclocross race or of course, a HIIT workout.

What is the max VO2 max?

VO2 max measures how much oxygen (usually in milliliters) you breathe in while exercising as hard as you can. The more oxygen you inhale, the more energy your body can use. Higher VO2 max usually means better physical fitness.

What are my cycling power zones?

Power zones are calculated based on percentage of your Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and are commonly used for workout targets in order to give a range of intensity for an interval.



Coggan Power Zones.

Zone Name % of FTP
Zone 1 Recovery 0-55%
Zone 2 Endurance 56-75%
Zone 3 Tempo 76-90%
Zone 4 Lactate Threshold 91-105%

How often should I do power Zone training?

In general, you can do peloton power zone classes 3-5 times a week, depending on your fitness level, training volume, and ability to recover from workouts. It is suggested to do power zone endurance rides 4-5 times a week for trained riders.

How do you calculate functional threshold power?

Functional Threshold Power (FTP): You can estimate FTP with your best recent 20-minute power value (either from a dedicated 20-minute test or a sufficiently hard 20-minute effort from a race or workout). Multiply that value by 95% to get your FTP. You can also estimate FTP from a recent best 45-60 minute power output.