Power Cycling USA

Ride Hard. Train Smart. Be Strong.

Power Defined

By making your way to this site, you’re probably familiar with the concept of training with power – using watts to measure, monitor and maximize your training. To round out your understanding of power training and how you can apply it to your own workouts, read these frequently asked questions.

“I have worked hard, and I have learned so much from you. I appreciate all your knowledge, expertise, and guidance. It's really paid off! I took gold at the 2007 ITU World Championships. Thank you!”

- Amy Dodson

Why would I want to work with power?
All athletes and coaches experience the same challenge – knowing the right training load to optimize performance. We either under-train or over-train and thereby harm performance. Why? Because, until recently we have not had the affordable tools to measure training intensity on the road in endurance sports like cycling. Today we have the technology that can change the way you train, race and recover. Using our power meters for indoor and outdoor riding, you’ll train smarter and each ride will have a specific purpose, moving you closer to your goals. Click here for more information.

How is it different from heart rate training?
For decades, power was measured in the laboratory setting using elaborate and expensive measurement tools. In this controlled environment, there is a strong relationship between an individual’s power output and their heart rate. As power output increases, so too does heart rate. Because of this relationship, heart rate became a common means of measuring intensity outside the laboratory setting. But heart rate is only a part of the picture. In the real world, where other factors come into play – dehydration, heat stress, fatigue, excitement of competition – heart rate is not a direct and accurate indicator of training intensity and power output. Heart rate provides useful information but should not be used as your primary measure. When you use power as your primary measure, you have a true read of your ability to handle greater intensity and can adjust it to create progress, much like you would increase weights in the gym to build muscle and strength.

How will power help me?
Whether your goal is to become a better athlete or improve overall fitness, training with power will get you there more efficiently. Every athlete is different so it’s important to develop techniques and strategies that are tailored specifically for your unique make-up and your performance and fitness goals. You still have to work hard, but with power training, you’ll work smarter.