How to Return to Power Zone Training Without Taking the FTP Test
It’s been a little over 6 weeks since I had Baby K and I was finally cleared to workout again! I’m really excited to get back into working out but also do want to take it easy and not just jump right back into everything.
I love Power Zone training and am planning to get back into it – and join the upcoming Power Zone Pack challenge. However, I’m not quite ready to get back to the FTP test to get my updated Power Zones. I’m more interested in getting some fitness back first before I test again.
In this post, I’ll share with you a few different ways to return to Power Zone training without jumping right into the FTP test.
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What is Power Zone Training
First off- what exactly is Power Zone Training? Power Zone Training is a type of Peloton class where instead of following resistance and cadence cues, instructors call out zones. Zones are individually set based on output ranges so it’s almost like personal training on the Peloton!
The best (and most accurate) way to get your zones is to take what’s called an FTP test- or Functional Threshold Power – which is a 20-minute test (there are a few of these available on Peloton on demand).
However, this test can be pretty tough and demanding so sometimes might not be something to jump right into.
Related Post: Everything You Need to Know About Power Zone Training
How to Return to Power Zone Training
If you’re looking to get back into Power Zone Training but not quite ready to take the FTP test, here are a few ways to get back into the workout. There isn’t a right or wrong way so feel free to make adjustments to any of these methods.
Using Old Zones
If you already have Power Zones, you can try to do a ride with the old ones and see how they feel. You could also do a modified version of this where you adjust your zones down – for example when an instructor calls out a Zone 3 during a ride, you ride at Zone 2.
This is the approach I’ve been doing and it’s been working out great! I’m planning to do this for a few weeks with Power Zone Endurance rides, and then slowly add in higher TSS (training stress score) rides before taking the FTP test again before the next Power Zone Pack challenge.
Taking the Finding Your Power Zones Program
If you want to start over completely, you could go through the 4 week Discover Your Power Zones program on Peloton. There are 3 or 4 classes a week they selected that gradually get you ready to take the FTP test.
I chose not to do this program simply because I wanted a little more freedom in choosing my rides and workouts. I recently got the tread and know I want to use that as well as my bike, so committing to the program was a little too much for me right now. I don’t like that with the programs if you miss one workout the program resets and you lose all your progress!
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited to get back into Power Zone training and I know it will be the perfect way for me to stay active after having my baby! I hope these methods of returning to Power Zone training help you get back into it as well!
