Is Zwift really that much better than just watching TV while you train?
Jthanmyfitnesspal
Posts: 3,522 Member
I've been training indoors for many years without anything like Zwift. I've done a spin class. I've also done my own workouts both on the spin bikes at the gym and on my bike on a basic fluid-resistance trainer.
When I do my own workouts, I've fallen in the habit of 2m-on/3m-off intervals for nearly the whole workout. I find that this is the only way I can get my HR up to the 80% level. (I can't do it while seated, for example.) While I do this, I watch some sort of action drama (e.g., "The Americans"). It's pretty fun!
So, now I try Zwift. I am missing some of the "fun" because I don't have a smart trainer. I have both a spin bike (brand new, still in the box) and my road bike is back on the "dumb" trainer (with speed, cadence, and HR sensors).
It may be just me, but I find watching the Zwift screen is really boring relative to watching TV. Can anyone tell me what is supposed to make this so compelling? What am I missing?
When I do my own workouts, I've fallen in the habit of 2m-on/3m-off intervals for nearly the whole workout. I find that this is the only way I can get my HR up to the 80% level. (I can't do it while seated, for example.) While I do this, I watch some sort of action drama (e.g., "The Americans"). It's pretty fun!
So, now I try Zwift. I am missing some of the "fun" because I don't have a smart trainer. I have both a spin bike (brand new, still in the box) and my road bike is back on the "dumb" trainer (with speed, cadence, and HR sensors).
It may be just me, but I find watching the Zwift screen is really boring relative to watching TV. Can anyone tell me what is supposed to make this so compelling? What am I missing?
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Replies
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I have never used Zwift, Peloton or similar, have never been a big exercise class person in real life. To me watching those things on a screen while biking would be about as exciting/motivating as watching paint dry or corn grow.
I'd favor regular TV. Just me.1 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »I've been training indoors for many years without anything like Zwift. I've done a spin class. I've also done my own workouts both on the spin bikes at the gym and on my bike on a basic fluid-resistance trainer.
When I do my own workouts, I've fallen in the habit of 2m-on/3m-off intervals for nearly the whole workout. I find that this is the only way I can get my HR up to the 80% level. (I can't do it while seated, for example.) While I do this, I watch some sort of action drama (e.g., "The Americans"). It's pretty fun!
So, now I try Zwift. I am missing some of the "fun" because I don't have a smart trainer. I have both a spin bike (brand new, still in the box) and my road bike is back on the "dumb" trainer (with speed, cadence, and HR sensors).
It may be just me, but I find watching the Zwift screen is really boring relative to watching TV. Can anyone tell me what is supposed to make this so compelling? What am I missing?
I've played a few times at my trainer's house. I think it's fun because it's basically an immersive, interactive video game....win prizes, level up, ride with other real people in a virtual world, participate in races against real people in a virtual world, set up group rides with friends, etc. I think it's also really cool with a smart trainer that you can feel the hills, head winds, etc as the trainer adjusts
For people serious about training, the structured training programs are legit...both my trainer and my GP are cat 3 racers and they love the structured training plans. The other regular workouts are great too if interested in training specific cycling aspects.
I've been thinking about getting it as well as upgrading to a smart trainer...you can get a pretty decent one these days for a reasonable price. Right now if I train indoors I typically do a GCN video on YouTube or a spin class or sometimes watch some football or something...I find it rather boring and I think Zwift is a lot more fun. That said, I'm not much of a TV watcher, but I love video games, and especially video games where you are playing with and/or against other real people. The mountain bike rides are super fun.0 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »I have never used Zwift, Peloton or similar, have never been a big exercise class person in real life. To me watching those things on a screen while biking would be about as exciting/motivating as watching paint dry or corn grow.
I'd favor regular TV. Just me.
I think Peleton is more "exercise class"...Zwift is an interactive video game and you ride with and against other real people or you can just go off on your own ride through London, etc...earn points, level up, etc. A smart trainer paired with Zwift will also allow you to feel the rolling hills and whatnot.3 -
I been a zwift member for 4 years and recently switched to RGT cycling. Yes, you do need a smart trainer to get most out of it. A decent GPU is also must (so no ATV, tablet, or phone except as companion). The entertainment is the replication of real road feel (primary) and the interaction with other users (or bots). I switch to RGT because it's road feel was far superior and I get to replicate my own routes. It also doesn't remind me that I'm in a game with stupid Dinosaurs and such.1
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I been a zwift member for 4 years and recently switched to RGT cycling. Yes, you do need a smart trainer to get most out of it. A decent GPU is also must (so no ATV, tablet, or phone except as companion). The entertainment is the replication of real road feel (primary) and the interaction with other users (or bots). I switch to RGT because it's road feel was far superior and I get to replicate my own routes. It also doesn't remind me that I'm in a game with stupid Dinosaurs and such.
I've been only doing casual indoor work lately, but will resume coached workouts beginning in January. I just looked up RGT and noticed it integrates with Training Peaks. Do you use that feature?0 -
I just stare at the trainer road graph and watch the mandalorian if it's a ride over 90.5
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Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »I've been training indoors for many years without anything like Zwift. I've done a spin class. I've also done my own workouts both on the spin bikes at the gym and on my bike on a basic fluid-resistance trainer.
When I do my own workouts, I've fallen in the habit of 2m-on/3m-off intervals for nearly the whole workout. I find that this is the only way I can get my HR up to the 80% level. (I can't do it while seated, for example.) While I do this, I watch some sort of action drama (e.g., "The Americans"). It's pretty fun!
So, now I try Zwift. I am missing some of the "fun" because I don't have a smart trainer. I have both a spin bike (brand new, still in the box) and my road bike is back on the "dumb" trainer (with speed, cadence, and HR sensors).
It may be just me, but I find watching the Zwift screen is really boring relative to watching TV. Can anyone tell me what is supposed to make this so compelling? What am I missing?
@Jthan - If you want to "mix it up" and really get your HR up, you could do Tabata work ( 8 rounds of 20sec max output/10 sec recover) as part of your ride. If you have a power meter, there are a number of other options that will also do the trick.
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Zwift is awesome, but you got to race or group ride. I have done 30000 miles in that world and I’m a solid A rider.
Riding Zwift to ride is not so great. I did 5 straight hours on Zwift today in a group ride. Great banter, good people, and staying in the group requires skill and attention. It was not that hard mentally.
But like everything perception and attitude is everything2 -
I've been only doing casual indoor work lately, but will resume coached workouts beginning in January. I just looked up RGT and noticed it integrates with Training Peaks. Do you use that feature?
No have not tried that. I use TrainerRoad, their outdoor workouts with my Garmin riding over my own route with an artificial 2% grade (with slightly undulation up to +0.3% over 25.4 miles) for weekday intervals and real courses for weekend & recovery/endurance rides. With Zwift I normally let TR run my trainer (mostly resistance) but it's not acting nice with RGT and will not interact as a power source only. I actually like current setup much more than having TR run my trainer either in resistance or erg mode.1 -
Yeah, I think so. Having the power constantly displayed means Im way more aware of my effort. If I just watch something on TV I can just drift off. It does get repetitive and has that "adventure" aspect of road cycling missing from the real thing but yeah, its really just a substitute for me.1
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If you can, return the spin bike and get a smart trainer. I don't use zwift that often but have been using TrainerRoad and just keep an eye on my power levels while having the boob tube on. It'll get your heart rate up seated or otherwise.3
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I've been only doing casual indoor work lately, but will resume coached workouts beginning in January. I just looked up RGT and noticed it integrates with Training Peaks. Do you use that feature?
No have not tried that. I use TrainerRoad, their outdoor workouts with my Garmin riding over my own route with an artificial 2% grade (with slightly undulation up to +0.3% over 25.4 miles) for weekday intervals and real courses for weekend & recovery/endurance rides. With Zwift I normally let TR run my trainer (mostly resistance) but it's not acting nice with RGT and will not interact as a power source only. I actually like current setup much more than having TR run my trainer either in resistance or erg mode.
Gotcha, thanks. During a build period, I'm "Training Peaks Centric" in my thinking, since my coach puts workouts there and I download to my Garmin, then just follow my power numbers to stay within the prescribed range during the ride. No real entertainment value there, so I just listen to music as I suffer.
I have been thinking about joining some friends on Zwift for off season rides, just to mix it up and provide some incentive to push a bit in the off season. I'm using a fluid trainer/power meter now without issue, but I have used a smart trainer and may invest in one this year. Decisions, decisions.....3 -
If you're the guy wearing bibs and a cycling cap at the coffee shop Zwift is pretty compelling.3
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NorthCascades wrote: »If you're the guy wearing bibs and a cycling cap at the coffee shop Zwift is pretty compelling.
Tiny hat hang is open to everyone0 -
Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »
Discord for voice & text or text via the app itself. Most of time it's full of huffing and puffing. Lots of canned phases for text by ride lead, lots of complaining about flyers. I only did one century group ride that was just under five hours on Zwift. There wasn't that much conversation in that ride or most of my group rides. Most of my long rides are in the 3-4 hour range and solo.2 -
NorthCascades wrote: »If you're the guy wearing bibs and a cycling cap at the coffee shop Zwift is pretty compelling.
Very true...1 -
I just watch TV while rowing and listen to my iPod while spin biking. They're all I need to pass the time.0
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Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »Is Zwift really that much better than just watching TV while you train?
I do both.Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »It may be just me, but I find watching the Zwift screen is really boring relative to watching TV. Can anyone tell me what is supposed to make this so compelling? What am I missing?
My husband and I can ride "together" in a virtual world ... and I can ride with other people I know elsewhere. There's the competition between those I know and don't know. There are challenges along the way ... I personally like the sprints.
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Jthanmyfitnesspal wrote: »
I think you can do that through Zwift companion. I'm not positive, but there are several extra features that Zwift companion offers and that may be one.0 -
Did another 5 hours with a great group of people. I did the B group, but C and D took people 100 “miles” all are casual riders.0
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Zwift is awesome, but you got to race or group ride. I have done 30000 miles in that world and I’m a solid A rider.
Riding Zwift to ride is not so great. I did 5 straight hours on Zwift today in a group ride. Great banter, good people, and staying in the group requires skill and attention. It was not that hard mentally.
But like everything perception and attitude is everything
when you say great banter, are you talking to them via text or via voice? How do you use voice while running Zwift? Is that through something called discord?0 -
Been using Zwift for over a month now and I do enjoy it. Yes, it is confusing to fully enjoy and understand all the features but I enjoy racing against other people, improving my FTP over time. I got a Tacx smart trainer and it automatically changes the resistance for me. I find it way more interesting than using the dial on a spin bike.1
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I went to Fitness Depot yesterday to get a smart bike. (Pelteton was interesting but the mandatory subscription left me cold.)
I thought it would be fun to be able to bike some scenic routes.
To my own surprise, I bought a recumbent. I have constant issues with low back and yoga butt, and the comfort difference was amazing. I figured that with the other stuff I do, it would behoove me to be kind to myself in at least one form of exercise, and I really want it for rainy days I can’t run or walk, when I have ants in my pants, or when I need some calories to close my rings (my goal is 3x daily, and I’m often *this* close to 4x
and it makes me nuts to leave it on the table).
I guess I can find some scenic rides on you tube? If anyone knows of an app that would be appropriate, plmk. I’m not much of a TV show watcher.2 -
springlering62 wrote: »I went to Fitness Depot yesterday to get a smart bike. (Pelteton was interesting but the mandatory subscription left me cold.)
I thought it would be fun to be able to bike some scenic routes.
To my own surprise, I bought a recumbent. I have constant issues with low back and yoga butt, and the comfort difference was amazing. I figured that with the other stuff I do, it would behoove me to be kind to myself in at least one form of exercise, and I really want it for rainy days I can’t run or walk, when I have ants in my pants, or when I need some calories to close my rings (my goal is 3x daily, and I’m often *this* close to 4x
and it makes me nuts to leave it on the table).
I guess I can find some scenic rides on you tube? If anyone knows of an app that would be appropriate, plmk. I’m not much of a TV show watcher.
Peloton’s app has scenic rides. It’s free for 2 months right now as long as you sign up by the end of the month, after that it’s $12.99. I like their scenic rides, but I don’t like the music that goes with it. So I mute it and listen to my music. I purchased a different spin bike and I just use the app for classes and use Zwift to get my cadence info since they shout out cadence regularly during classes. Spent $1000 less this way. I didn’t need a screen bc my bike was always going to be in front of a tv. The Peloton bike is not a must have IMO but the app is amazing. You can tell that they do invest a good chunk of change in everything they offer which is nice. My first charge for the app will be at the end of Feb, and I can definitely say, I’ll pay the fee with no complaints. But it serves my purpose, you may have a different experience but you might as well give it a try while it’s free.1 -
springlering62 wrote: »I went to Fitness Depot yesterday to get a smart bike. (Pelteton was interesting but the mandatory subscription left me cold.)
I thought it would be fun to be able to bike some scenic routes.
To my own surprise, I bought a recumbent. I have constant issues with low back and yoga butt, and the comfort difference was amazing. I figured that with the other stuff I do, it would behoove me to be kind to myself in at least one form of exercise, and I really want it for rainy days I can’t run or walk, when I have ants in my pants, or when I need some calories to close my rings (my goal is 3x daily, and I’m often *this* close to 4x
and it makes me nuts to leave it on the table).
I guess I can find some scenic rides on you tube? If anyone knows of an app that would be appropriate, plmk. I’m not much of a TV show watcher.
Peloton’s app has scenic rides. It’s free for 2 months right now as long as you sign up by the end of the month, after that it’s $12.99. I like their scenic rides, but I don’t like the music that goes with it. So I mute it and listen to my music. I purchased a different spin bike and I just use the app for classes and use Zwift to get my cadence info since they shout out cadence regularly during classes. Spent $1000 less this way. I didn’t need a screen bc my bike was always going to be in front of a tv. The Peloton bike is not a must have IMO but the app is amazing. You can tell that they do invest a good chunk of change in everything they offer which is nice. My first charge for the app will be at the end of Feb, and I can definitely say, I’ll pay the fee with no complaints. But it serves my purpose, you may have a different experience but you might as well give it a try while it’s free.
Thanks for the tips! I found some simple YouTube video routes online that I’m going to try. It’s being delivered tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.
They had a lot of equipment in stock, which surprised me. I’m going to go back and get a Bosu ball this morning because I like using the one at the gym, and I’m going to check out those funky adjustable barbells they had.
BTW, my local Fitness Depot was several hundred dollars less than anything I saw online, was super helpful, and had a terrific selection of trainers, smart bikes, exercise and recumbents, so I got to try everything. I would have bought from them anyway, because they are so supportive of my gym, but the great price was a pleasant surprise. If you’re looking, be sure to check them (or your local guys) out. Sometimes online distributors aren’t the go-to we’ve gotten in the habit of.
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Zwift is awesome, but you got to race or group ride. I have done 30000 miles in that world and I’m a solid A rider.
Riding Zwift to ride is not so great. I did 5 straight hours on Zwift today in a group ride. Great banter, good people, and staying in the group requires skill and attention. It was not that hard mentally.
But like everything perception and attitude is everything
when you say great banter, are you talking to them via text or via voice? How do you use voice while running Zwift? Is that through something called discord?
The banter is usually typing but I have used discord and a few other apps. The key is joining a cool “team”. I am in the BMTR group. Super chill people of all levels. They have huge rides of all levels (A-D) and are really supportive. If you show up enough you become apart of the group. I am now friends with many in the group and we all follow each other on Strava.
I just did stage one of the tour of Zwift. I choose to race...got 32nd...but 1600 started. The 11am event have 6000 start! Lots of chatting and support.4 -
Zwift does nothing for me. I'm a TrainerRoad girl 100% - when I can't be outside on my MTB of course! My husband about once a year does a month or two of Zwift to mix it up. I like being able to watch a show, usually something with some action to it, that I only watch while on the trainer than that way sometimes it's the desire to see the next episode that motivates me to hop on. Currently my show is GLOW on Netflix.
Always looking for new ideas for trainer shows, and GLOW is almost done. Suggestions??1 -
sheclimber wrote: »Always looking for new ideas for trainer shows, and GLOW is almost done. Suggestions??
I always choose something with a little action. Last year I was watching "The Americans" on Amazon. I really didn't get very far as I only watched it while I was on the bike. This year, I'm watching "Barry" on HBO Max.
I just cancelled Zwift. I track my rides on Garmin and do my sprints on a timer. Pretty basic, but it works for me!1 -
Just got my new smart trainer and Zwift. I had already tried it a few times at my buddies house, so I was pretty sure I would like it. I love it. I think if you don't have a smart trainer, you don't get the full experience...or anything close to it...basically, you're just spinning and looking at a screen. With the smart trainer, Zwift is controlling your resistance up and down hills, etc.
I also like the structured training programs as they are functional in improving some aspect or another of my cycling abilities vs just slogging away miles. I'm doing the "back to fitness" program right now and then will do the Fondo program to get ready for mine in May (hopefully). Did a little group ride with my buddy and a few of his other Zwift friends over the weekend, and that was pretty fun too.
I get a lot more out of it, particularly workout/training wise than I did using my dumb trainer and watching TV, where I always felt like I was just spinning to spin and get some exercise vs having some kind of training goal.4
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