Zwift uses gaming features to keep indoor cycling and running exciting and motivate you to keep exercising. You participate via an avatar in races, group or solo rides, and in a live or on-demand format.
There are currently 11 different worlds such as Watopia, New York, and Paris. These 11 worlds have over 140 routes and over 1000 workouts. You can also join a virtual cycling or running club and meetup with your friends in Zwift to virtually ride or run together.
To use Zwift with your bike, you’ll need a trainer, a speed sensor, and a device to connect to Zwift. If you want to fully participate in Zwift races, you’ll need a power meter or a smart trainer. Compatible smart trainers can connect with Zwift and have resistance automatically changed to match virtual terrain.
There are 15 cycling training programs such as: Prep for Zwift race, Functional Threshold Power (FTP) Builder, and Build Me Up. All training programs start on Monday, regardless of when you enroll in the plan. There is also a Multisport Mixer training plan for those looking to combine cycling and running.
To run with Zwift, you’ll need a treadmill, a foot pod or smart shoe, and a device. There are eight training plans for runners to participate in, including Running 101, 5K, 5K Record Breaker, and Half Marathon. There is also a Cyclist to 10K program designed for cyclists looking to start running.
Reviews of the app generally praise the idea and the available features. Members found the gamification to keep them entertained and motivated during indoor exercise, noting that this was the first time they didn’t find indoor rides/run long and boring.
Many people had trouble with the app crashing nearly every time they used it. Some people using smart trainers had trouble with calibration; their avatar would either move much faster or slower than they were pedaling.
People also complained that the app wasn’t great on phones because the screen was too small. They also wished that all the rides were always available rather than rotating between worlds depending on the day.
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