Aerobic capacity, power, performance vs zones

Training
1

Hi all-
I’ve come across various structured workouts for both biking and rowing that purport to target such things as aerobic capacity, aerobic power, aerobic performance, and VO2 max.
I’ve also seen both power and HR zones that use some of the same names - rarely all of them. They don’t seem to be consistent in terms of what levels of effort they target compared to FTP.

Is there a generally accepted meaning of these based on what they target physiologically or even how they’re designed qualitatively?

Thanks!
Michael

2

I think the simple answer is no… there are lots of overlapping terminology and approaches to defining physiological systems and zones etc.

I think this article by High North Performance might be of interest to you though and the graph that tries to align some of the key overlaps…its not the full picture though!

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3

Thanks - this looks very helpful. Haven’t come across the “extensive” vs “intensive” distinction before. Good to add a few more imprecise terms to the mix. :slight_smile: Still, on first glance I appreciate how they’re classifying the zones.

4

If you are interested in the extensive and intensive approaches I suggest you watch some of the (excellent in my option) WKO webinars run by Tim Cusick…

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCCGJz3HRQolggSKQkKLoXwQ

I would start with the annual planning process series from last year which introduces how you step through a season and demonstrates approaches to periodisation using these terms and others.

If you then buy into these approaches etc then I further suggest you listen to (and read some stuff) from Kolie Moore of Empirical Cycling who shares a similar school of thought.

5

Just a quick followup - that was a very helpful article - thank you very much!

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6

I rate all of the articles on their website to be honest.

I also think very highly of the digital book they published which brings lots of the articles together and more additional content into an easy to digest guide which certainly is a good reference for some key concepts and self coached cyclists.

Certainly worth the entry price.

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