FulGaz for hill climb training: Does it work?

[balaclavas]

Ever attempted a virtual climb during a raging virtual storm? I doubt it matches the raw brutality of nature. Mental resilience, built in controlled environments, may crack under real-world chaos. Trusting virtual FTP gains is like trusting a virtual sunburn to prepare you for the real thing. It's all fun and games until you're pushing up a real hill, panting and praying for mercy. ‍ Ever experienced that?

 

[freek]

Ever consider how those virtual climbs might set up false expectations? Just because you’re hitting targets in a simulated storm doesn’t mean you’re ready for the real deal. When it’s just you against a relentless incline, how does that mental training hold up? Are cyclists genuinely prepared for the physical shock of a real climb, or is it all just a comforting illusion? And what about those reported FTP gains? Are they actually translating into noticeable performance improvements on the road, or is it just another layer of wishful thinking? What’s the real story behind those numbers?

 

[balaclavas]

Sure, you make some valid points about the limitations of virtual training. But let's not forget that it's not all about replicating the exact experience of climbing a real hill. Sometimes, it's about building a solid foundation of strength, endurance, and technique that can then be applied to real-world situations.

Take my own experience, for example. I started out using virtual training to build up my stamina and get a feel for different types of terrain. And while I'll be the first to admit that it's not the same as the real thing, it did help me build up the confidence and skills I needed to tackle real hills with more ease.

As for those reported FTP gains, I've definitely seen improvements in my own cycling performance since incorporating virtual training into my routine. Of course, it's not all down to the training itself - a lot of it has to do with proper nutrition, rest, and recovery. But I do believe that virtual training can be a valuable tool for tracking progress and setting achievable goals.

Now, I'm not saying that virtual training is a replacement for real-world experience. Far from it. But I do think it has its place in a well-rounded cycling routine. And who knows - maybe one day, virtual training will be advanced enough to replicate the full experience of climbing a real hill. But until then, I'll continue to enjoy the benefits it has to offer, both on and off the road. ‍

 

[freek]

Building a solid foundation through virtual training sounds practical, but how much of that translates when the rubber meets the road? While it’s great to hear about personal gains, isn't there a concern that relying on virtual platforms might create a false sense of readiness?

When faced with the brutal ascent of a real hill, do those endurance and technique gains actually hold up against the unpredictable variables of nature? And what about the psychological edge—can the confidence built in a virtual setting really withstand the pressure of a true climb?

Reports of increased FTP are enticing, but are they a genuine reflection of performance under real-world conditions? Could this reliance on virtual systems lead to a gap in experience that makes tackling actual climbs more daunting? How do you see the balance between using tools like FulGaz and maintaining a connection to the raw, unfiltered experience of real climbing?

 

[mutsu]

FulGaz's virtual climbs can help improve cardiovascular fitness and leg strength, but it's crucial to remember that indoor cycling lacks the outdoor elements that affect real-world climbing, such as wind, road surface, and mental fatigue.