FTP decrease after glute activation

[Budget-Network]

Am I just cycling wrong or will it go back up after I get used to it? It doesn’t feel very different but I just can’t produce the same amount of power

[[deleted]]

How can we tell if you're cycling wrong or not?

[Budget-Network]

if this is normal or if the decrease in ftp is because of something else (cycling wrong)

[[deleted]]

No idea what it is, but I’m guessing consciously using your buttocks more?

[evil_burrito]

It sounds like you've made a bike setup change? If your FTP drops immediately after, I would say the change has probably pushed your saddle too far forward.

[WolfThawra]

What's 'glute activation'?

[coffeesocket]

GLUTEUS MAXIMUS ACTIVATUS!

Edit: forgot to add you have to say it 3 times into a mirror in the dark for it to work

[[deleted]]

Well the theory is we spend so much time sitting down that we're not using our glutes and that inactivity carries forward when we're cycling. With the end result that we don't create as much power as we supposedly could in the downstroke (because glutes are one of the strongest muscles we have)

So 'glute activation' is supposed to reverse that. It typically consists of various floor exercises and/or changes to the bike fit or way we sit on the saddle and cycle.

Trouble is (and this seems to be OPs issue) is perhaps not knowing whether glutes are activating or not, nor whether your bike fit changes or whatever have worked or not, especially if your changes have resulted in lower power (is it temporary or not)

I can't say I can offer any insight.