In the modern age of fitness, technology has opened up new avenues for home gym enthusiasts to enhance their training experience. Among the plethora of training apps available, Zwift has emerged as a game-changer.
Whether you're a cyclist, a runner, or a triathlete, Zwift offers a virtual training platform that brings the thrill of outdoor workouts right into your home.
What is Zwift?
Zwift is a groundbreaking training app that seamlessly blends the worlds of fitness and gaming to create an immersive training experience. It's a virtual platform that allows users to participate in interactive workouts, join group rides, and compete against other athletes from around the world.
With Zwift, you can experience the thrill of cycling, running, or even triathlon training in a virtual environment that simulates real-world routes, terrains, and challenges.
Imagine being able to cycle through the picturesque landscapes of France, climb the iconic Alpe d'Huez, or sprint through the streets of London—all from the comfort of your own home.
Zwift brings these experiences to life through it's graphics, realistic physics, and a vibrant community of fellow athletes.
How Does Zwift Work?
To use Zwift, you need a few things: a samrt device like a tablet or smartphone, a stationary bike or treadmill, and some sensors or compatible smart exercise equipment such as a smart trainer or select exercise bike that can connect to Zwift.
Once you're set up, you open the Zwift app and choose a virtual route or training session.
As you start pedaling or running, the sensors on your bike or treadmill send information to the Zwift app. This information includes things like how fast you're going, how hard you're pedaling or running, and how steep the virtual terrain is.
Zwift takes this information and uses it to create a virtual version of you, called an avatar, in the virtual world. You can see your avatar on the screen, and it moves along the virtual route just like you're actually there.
The app also adjusts the resistance on your bike or treadmill based on the virtual terrain. So, if you're going uphill in the virtual world, it feels harder to pedal or run. And if you're going downhill, it feels easier.
How Much Does Zwift Cost?
Zwift is a subscription-based pricing model. At the time of writing this post, when you first sign up you can take advantage of a 14 day free trial. Then the monthly cost of Zwift is £12.99. This subscription gives access to one user to all the features and functionalities that Zwift has to offer.
Please note that pricing can change, so it's always a good idea to check the Zwift website or app for the most up-to-date information on subscription costs.
What Are The Different Types of Workouts Available?
With your Zwift subscription there are a various types of workouts to choose from, such as:
Course Rides
Course rides on Zwift allow you to explore virtual routes inspired by real-world locations. You can pedal or run through iconic places like the French Alps or the streets of London.
These Zwift world routes provide a variety of terrains, from challenging mountains to scenic flats, giving you a diverse and immersive workout experience.
Group Rides
Group rides are a fantastic way to connect with friends and other Zwift riders from around the world.
You can join scheduled group rides or create your own. Riding with others adds a social element to your workouts, as you can chat and encourage each other.
It's a great opportunity to make new friends, challenge yourself, and enjoy a sense of community while pursuing your fitness goals.
Structured Workouts
Structured workouts are designed to help you achieve specific training objectives. Developed by professional coaches, these workouts focus on different aspects of fitness, such as endurance, speed, or interval training.
Zwift provides a library of pre-designed workouts tailored to various fitness levels. Following these structured plans can help you make progress and stay motivated as you work towards your goals.
Racing
If you enjoy a competitive spirit, Zwift offers virtual racing opportunities. You can enter races with other Zwifters, competing against them in real-time.
Races vary in distance, terrain, and difficulty, allowing you to challenge yourself and test your skills against others. Racing adds an exciting element to your workouts, pushing you to give your best and improving your performance.
Pace Partners
Pace Partners are AI-controlled riders on Zwift that help you maintain a steady pace during your workouts.
You can choose a Pace Partner based on your desired speed and intensity level. Riding alongside a Pace Partner can provide a consistent and motivating experience, allowing you to focus on your training without worrying about variations in speed.
These different workout options make Zwift versatile and engaging, catering to various preferences and fitness goals.
Whether you want to explore virtual routes, enjoy a groudp ride, race professional riders, follow structured training plans, compete in races, or train alongside a Pace Partner, Zwift offers a range of options to keep your workouts enjoyable and effective.
Upload Your Zwift Workouts to Strava
After completing your Zwift workouts, you have the option to upload your activities to Strava.
This allows you to track your progress, analyze your performance, and share your achievements with the wider fitness community.
The connection between Zwift and Strava enables you to sync your workouts effortlessly, enhancing your overall training experience.
Finding Compatible Equipment With Zwift
Zwift is compatible with a wide range of bike brands, allowing you to enjoy the virtual training experience on various equipment. Some popular brands that work seamlessly with Zwift include Wahoo, Tacx, Elite, and many more. These Smart Turbo trainers allow you to use your road bike and connect to Zwift to practice using your real bike.
At Home Gym Supply, you can find a selection of high-quality compatible smart bikes, such as Tunturi and BH Fitness. These brands offer durable and feature-rich stationary bikes that can be used with Zwift to elevate your indoor cycling and running sessions.
How To Steer In Zwift?
When Zwift fist launched, there was no way to steer in your virtual workouts. But Zwift recently added the ability to steer through using a steering plate.
Currently there aren't many steering plate options available on the market but the the Elite Sterzo Smart steering plate would be our recommendation and seemlessly connects to Zwift and allows you to steer if you are using a smart trainer and bike set up.
Elite Sterzo Smart steering plate
It's important to note that it is an optional feature. You don't need a steering plate to use Zwift, as the app will guide your avatar automatically without it.
The steering plate adds an extra layer of immersion and control for those who want a more interactive experience. It allows you to physically steer your bike, mimicking the movement you would make on the road. The Elite Sterzo Smart steering plate, in particular, is compatible with Zwift and can enhance the realism of your virtual rides.
Rounding Up
Zwift has redefined the concept of indoor training by providing a virtual world that combines the physicality of fitness with the engaging elements of gaming.
Whether you're looking to maintain your fitness during poor weather conditions, supplement your outdoor training, or simply enjoy the convenience of working out at home, Zwift offers a versatile platform that keeps you motivated, challenged, and connected with a global community of like-minded individuals.
So, if you're ready to take your home gym experience to the next level, it's time to explore the immersive world of Zwift and unleash your potential as an athlete.
Note: The pricing, features, and availability of Zwift may vary, so it's recommended to visit the Zwift website or app for the most up-to-date information.
