Does Zwift still make sense for strength and fitness?

With a month to go before my London to Paris ride, I decided that it was time to make myself stronger on the bike. Was a month long enough though and how much, if at all, did Zwift push my FTP and is the platform still value for money with the recent price increase?
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[@Markhypnosis1]

That's an impressive ftp increase for 4 weeks of structured training. It's amazing the difference structured training can make, as it maximises the efficiency of each ride.
For myself, I've never used Zwift. I use Trainerroad. I only started cycling 3 years ago at age 49 after having done no cardio whatsoever (just bodybuilding). After two years my FTP was up to 300 watts. Now at age 52 it's hovering between 280 and 295. Last summer I was able to average 270 watts for 90 mins on a 32 mile TT.
Can't say that it's solely down to Trainerroad, I may have got the same result with Zwift. But what I love about Trainerroad is the AI workout adaptations based on how each workout goes.
Well done on your epic Essex to Paris ride. 👌

[@petertreadway]

I haven’t tried trainerroad but I’ve heard lots of good things about it. I’ll have to give it a try.
That’s an awesome FTP though Mark. I’m hoping I can continue to increase mine across the summer. 👌🏻
And thanks Essex to Paris was a real challenge but what an adventure. 💪🏻

[@andrewbolton2636]

Well done Peter 👏🏻👏🏻 a 20w increase in a month very impressive. Good luck on the challenge

[@petertreadway]

Thanks so much, Andrew. I was really pleased with the result. 👌🏻

[@martincburns]

Fair play Peter 👏 could not recommend stuctured training more, stick with it and u'll continue to see gains. Started riding last May, first FTP test 260w, up to 326w now and continuing to make progress slowly each month.

[@petertreadway]

Cheers Martin. Definitely going to continue with the training, though I'll probably throw a bit of light weight training in with it too. Genuinely so impressed with the gains.
260 up to 326 is incredible though. Chapeau!

[@martincburns]

Always good to keep the strength training up, I do two sessions a week no matter what 🙂 something I had been doing for many years before I took up cycling

[@marky_onabike]

Some good efforts there👍 loving the channel.

[@petertreadway]

Cheers Mark, really appreciate that. 👌🏻🌟

[@richardgitz2264]

Great job with your training goals Mr. Treadway! I can't image how complicated making this video was for you, that too I complement you for bringing it to us.

[@petertreadway]

Really appreciate you saying that, Richard, as this was probably the most complex and challenging video I’ve put together. Really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for watching. 🌟

[@paulsweeney5642]

Admire your training discipline. 11 pm training, must be hard to get to sleep afterwards

[@petertreadway]

Yeh, it was a challenge on some days, Paul but, as I say, life gets in the way sometimes and you just have to roll with it. Felt good to savour the results at the end though. 💪🏻
Thanks for watching

[@lewisA76]

Well done Peter, starting 1st Jan this year I did the 6 week ftp builder in prep for the spring / summer. Managed an 18% fpt increase. It definitely works and the outdoor rides I feel more than 18% stronger. Ill do the same again autumn / winter this year.
Also did 24 hr L2P, FANTASTIC. I know you've done before but enjoy again

[@petertreadway]

Cheers Lewis. An 18% increase is huge, so well done.
You’re right about feeling stronger than the numbers too. There were some very challenging climbs en route to Paris but for the most part I felt pretty strong on them. None of them took me out completely, so I was very happy with that. 💪🏻

[@lewisA76]

Well done. Look forward to the video

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

Your a beast , REST < RECOVER do it all again

[@petertreadway]

😂. Beast might be overstating, but I love your enthusiasm and support! 😉💪🏻

[@mallardzoom2890]

Well done Peter, now you're going to destroy everyone for the first hour on your 24hr Paris ride and then struggle to push 100W for the remaining 23!!😁😁
Seriously though that's a great achievement, I'm very impressed by your dedication. At 11pm, faced with the choice of bed, youtube then bed or sprint interval session on indoor bike, I definitely would not be doing the intervals!

[@petertreadway]

Yeh, it was definitely tough some days, especially so for the evening ones but it’s all in the name of personal improvement, so we get it done. 💪🏻

[@nimshaabdulmajidsudheer7821]

Gud luck peter

[@petertreadway]

Thank you! ❤️