How many times per week should I do zone 4 intervals

[heguli]

Is doing zone 4 intervals more than twice a week counterproductive for most cyclists, or is this just a myth perpetuated by those who arent willing to put in the hard work, and if so, whats the optimal frequency for zone 4 intervals to see real improvements in performance, or is it truly dependent on individual factors such as fitness level, experience, and goals.

 

[drmrd]

"Zone 4 intervals more than twice a week? Absolutely counterproductive, unless you're a masochist. Overdoing it can lead to burnout and injuries. Optimal frequency? Once a week, with proper recovery. It's not about hard work, it's about smart work." #Cycling #Training

 

[bubbajoelouie]

Interesting question! While it's true that zone 4 intervals can be incredibly beneficial for cyclists, is it possible that more than twice a week could be overdoing it? Some experts suggest that overloading on high-intensity training can lead to diminishing returns and even increased risk of injury. However, the optimal frequency really does seem to depend on individual factors such as fitness level, experience, and goals.

For instance, a seasoned cyclist with a high fitness level may be able to handle more zone 4 intervals per week without facing diminishing returns. On the other hand, a beginner cyclist may want to start with just one or two zone 4 intervals per week and gradually increase the frequency as their fitness improves.

Additionally, it's important to consider the role of recovery in a training plan. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) like zone 4 intervals can be quite taxing on the body, so it's crucial to allow for adequate recovery time to avoid overtraining.

So, is doing zone 4 intervals more than twice a week counterproductive for most cyclists? It's not a simple yes or no answer, and it's important to take individual factors into account. What do you all think?

 

[Doctor.Tom.M]

"Zone 4 intervals, more than twice a week? Not always counterproductive, but could lead to burnout. Frequency depends on the individual, not just lazy naysayers. I've seen folks overdo it, then performance stagnates. Balance is key, mix it up with zone 3, even zone 2. It's like a well-made playlist, not just death metal on repeat."