If you are looking for a way to make your indoor turbo training sessions more fun and enjoyable (while also being more precise and structured with how you train), then I would highly recommend using a Smart Trainer that allows you to train using Power, aswell as taking your indoor sessions into the Virtual World.

The biggest trend with indoor training for cycling at the moment is Zwift. Many of the top Professional athletes are training on Zwift, as well as a huge number of age group athletes, from elite level to weekend warrior and even people new to the sport. If you have heard of Zwift but do not fully understand it, or if you have not heard of it at all, then read on.

What is Zwift?

It is a Program (or “game”) that allows you to connect your turbo trainer up to your computer, iPad, iPhone or Apple TV, and you can ride in a Virtual environment with other cyclists from all over the world. So even though you may be sitting on your bike in the kitchen or living room, or in the shed out the back, you could be “virtually” riding your bike around London, Richmond or Watopia (a place Zwift created, Watopia – Watts – get it?). You can ride at your own pace, you can race against other riders that are on Zwift (friends, professional athletes, or complete strangers on the other side of the world)!

Why would you use Zwift?

The weather in Ireland plays a big role when it comes to getting outside to train on your bike. We have all had those days where we got so cold or so wet that it was just miserable being out there. Even during the Winter when there may be ice on the roads, it becomes a safety issue. Aswell as this, the traffic out on the roads is always a concern. Even more so in the past few years, as the relationship between motorists and cyclists has soured, people just dont feel safe out on the roads. If you have your bike setup on a turbo trainer ready to go, all you have to do is hop on and start cycling! No worrying about the weather and how much gear you need to put on to stay warm and dry. No fear of angry motorists being reckless on the roads. Be smart and efficient with your time and your training, and you are guaranteed to be warm!

What equipment do you need for Zwift?

Obviously you need a turbo trainer (duh). The best option is a smart turbo trainer, which allows you to make the most out of what Zwift has to offer. These smart trainers generally are direct drive (which means that you don’t need your rear wheel), they have a built-in Power Meter, and they offer variable resistance. Variable resistance means that you will feel the inclines and declines in the virtual world just like you would in the real world. When you are going up a hill, the resistance increases, and when you are going down a hill, the resistance decreases. This simulates real riding. When riding on a smart trainer, it will measure your power output, and will send this information to Zwift, which is how your “online virtual rider” moves!