Sufferfest "Rubber Glove" -The Last FTP Coach You'll Ever Need

Remember when we use to think riding as fast as possible, as often as possible, would make us fit as possible? Remember when every out door ride was a "drop ride" and every spin class was a "race day?"

Those sure were some good times weren't they? Well, as it turns out, maybe not so much!

Today our time is limited. We need to build endurance, stay fit, get faster and actually live normal lives with our families. Whether you're an outdoor rider like myself, spin class junkie, or just looking to get the most out of your training sessions, you need a basic understanding of your current fitness levels if you want to improve. Enter the "Functional Threshold Performance" (FTP) test!

FTP shouldn't be a new concept to anyone whose been training with me. In fact, if you've been to my indoor cycle classes you likely know all about Zone training and have likely tested for FTP several times. But what if you are new to the group or missed a test day? What if you can't make the next test day? FTP tests are meant to be excruciating occurrences, not to be repeated every week. What if you're stuck in cycle classes where the instructor isn't focused on improving threshold performance?

Should your fitness be forever damned to a state of plateaued training? Hell no! Thanks to the good people at Sufferfest Studios you can easily participate in your own intense one hour FTP test! All you'll need to do is download their creation, "Rubber Glove," strap on a heart rate monitor (or power meter) and be ready to suffer!

Everything from the ride profile, to the race footage and soundtrack will push you to the limit. I've done several FTP tests on my own with my iPod and thought I was pushing myself, but discovered pushing and suffering are two very different things. So, if you're not 100% sure what your FTP is, or you've hit a plateau and are looking for some help you bust through, check these guys out. If you know I'm scheduling a test day in class and you can't make it, load this puppy onto your iPod, head to the gym, and suffer through!