Zwift is a virtual cycling/running world (ie. game or app) where you can link your indoor smart trainer/smart treadmill to simulate and monitor your indoor cycling, running or triathlete activity. By linking to Zwift with your smart trainer, you can ride/run and compete against others from around the globe in a virtual world that makes indoor training fun and exciting. Zwift blends the fun of video games with the intensity of training to help you improve skills and have social interaction with others, if you want. Basically, Zwift is an online training and racing program.
Zwift provides specific workouts for training goals, training plans for loftier goals, social interaction while training as desired, group and event rides as well as competitive racing for all levels. It features a multitude of gamified elements that encourage you to ride longer and harder, with the goal of increasing your fitness. Zwift’s catchphrase is ‘Fun is fast’.
How does it work?[]
Everything in Zwift is based around power — namely the amount of watts you can generate turning the pedals on your bicycle. Zwift takes the input from your bike – either via a power meter, a smart trainer or just a speed/cadence sensor using ANT+ or Bluetooth – and uses an algorithm to translate your input data into your avatar’s speed on the virtual course. It takes into account your weight, your power or calculated power, the road gradient and the draft, or lack thereof, from other riders. You can use Zwift on a computer (PC or Mac), an iPhone, an iPad or an Android smartphone or tablet. Zwift is now also compatible with Apple TV, so if you’ve got one of those, you can set yourself up right in front of the TV.
How Much Does Zwift Cost?[]
Zwift offers a free 7 day trial after which it currently charges a monthly fee of $14.99 US (rising to $19.99 US as of June 6 2024). You can cancel at any time or suspend your account for a period of time (ie. if exclusively cycling outdoors during the summer months). As of December 2023, Zwift now offers an annual plan at $149.99 per year (rising to $199.99 US as of June 6 2024) which is a savings of two months cost over the monthly plan. Currently, there is no 'family' plan and the cost is for each individual account.