<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--
  High Torque Training — Zwift workout
  Last updated: 2026-05-23

  Site:      https://high-torque.jelen.dk/
  Calendar:  https://high-torque.jelen.dk/content/workouts.md
  Rationale: https://high-torque.jelen.dk/content/rationale.md
  LLMs:      https://high-torque.jelen.dk/llms.txt
-->
<workout_file>
    <author>Tom Jelen</author>
    <name>Staple 3x5</name>
    <activitySaveName>High Torque: Staple 3x5 min ~90% FTP @ 50–60 rpm</activitySaveName>
    <description>Shorter version of EVOQ.BIKE's staple torque session. Three 5-minute intervals at ~90% FTP and 50-60 rpm, with 5-minute recovery between each. A good first step into the EVOQ format before moving to the full 5x5. Seated throughout.</description>
    <sportType>bike</sportType>
    <tags />
    <workout>
        <Warmup Duration="900" PowerLow="0.40" PowerHigh="0.75">
            <textevent timeoffset="30" duration="30" message="Source: EVOQ.BIKE (scaled — 3 reps instead of 5). Their staple torque session is 5x5min at ~90% FTP, 50-60 rpm. This is the shorter intro version." />
            <textevent timeoffset="90" duration="20" message="All the research behind this program: high-torque.jelen.dk" />
            <textevent timeoffset="120" duration="25" message="EVOQ positions torque training as an ongoing tool, not a one-off block. The goal: permanently stronger legs from 1-2 sessions per week." />
            <textevent timeoffset="240" duration="30" message="Key finding from EVOQ: 'If you go below tempo into zone 2, you probably won't be producing enough torque to make a meaningful difference.'" />
            <textevent timeoffset="420" duration="20" message="That's why this session is at ~90% FTP — right in the sweet spot zone. Enough intensity to drive the torque stimulus." />
            <textevent timeoffset="600" message="All intervals are SEATED. Target cadence: 50-60 rpm." />
            <textevent timeoffset="780" duration="20" message="If your knees ache at any point, stop the interval. Don't push through knee discomfort." />
        </Warmup>

        <SteadyState Duration="300" Power="0.90" Cadence="55">
            <textevent timeoffset="10" message="Interval 1. ~90% FTP, 50-60 rpm. Stay seated." />
            <textevent timeoffset="150" message="Halfway. Hold the cadence low." />
            <textevent timeoffset="240" message="60 seconds left. Hold the cadence." />
        </SteadyState>

        <SteadyState Duration="300" Power="0.50">
            <textevent timeoffset="10" message="Recovery. Spin easy at normal cadence." />
            <textevent timeoffset="60" duration="25" message="Hebisz (2024): combining low cadence with high intensity drives greater recruitment of both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers." />
            <textevent timeoffset="150" duration="20" message="EVOQ also recommend doing torque work on the same day as gym sessions. It 'activates all the neuromuscular pathways.'" />
        </SteadyState>

        <SteadyState Duration="300" Power="0.90" Cadence="55">
            <textevent timeoffset="10" message="Interval 2. ~90% FTP, 50-60 rpm. Stay seated." />
            <textevent timeoffset="150" message="Halfway. Legs working harder than your lungs — that's the right balance." />
            <textevent timeoffset="240" message="60 seconds left. Hold the cadence." />
        </SteadyState>

        <SteadyState Duration="300" Power="0.50">
            <textevent timeoffset="10" message="Recovery. Two down, one to go." />
            <textevent timeoffset="60" duration="20" message="At 55 rpm, each pedal stroke produces roughly 60% more force than at 90 rpm. That's the training signal." />
            <textevent timeoffset="150" message="Knees still fine? Final interval next." />
        </SteadyState>

        <SteadyState Duration="300" Power="0.90" Cadence="55">
            <textevent timeoffset="10" message="Final interval. ~90% FTP, 50-60 rpm. Stay seated." />
            <textevent timeoffset="150" message="Halfway. Last effort. Hold the cadence." />
            <textevent timeoffset="240" message="60 seconds left. Finish it." />
        </SteadyState>

        <Cooldown Duration="600" PowerLow="0.50" PowerHigh="0.40">
            <textevent timeoffset="30" message="Cool down. Easy spin." />
            <textevent timeoffset="120" duration="20" message="Once this session feels routine, move to the full 5x5 Torque Staple in Tier 2." />
            <textevent timeoffset="300" duration="20" message="Petr Vakoc (coached by Henderson) does torque work 'once to twice a week... three times per two weeks.' That's a good target." />
        </Cooldown>
    </workout>
</workout_file>
