How to use Zwift’s advanced event planning tools

[bomski99]

Whats the point of Zwifts advanced event planning tools if youre just going to use them to set up yet another boring group ride with 50 people trying to ride at a steady 2.5 watts per kilogram up a virtual mountain. Where are the tools to really challenge ourselves and others?

Can someone please explain to me how to create a proper Zwift workout that doesnt just involve ride at a steady state for X amount of time or do Y intervals at Z watts per kilogram. How do you set up a true suffer fest, with multiple intervals of varying lengths and intensities, or a workout that targets specific weaknesses like sprinting or climbing.

And whats with the lack of customization options for events. Why cant I set up a Zwift ride that takes place on multiple routes, or one that has a mass start but then splits into different groups based on rider performance.

It seems to me like Zwifts advanced event planning tools are really just a fancy way of saying weve added a few more buttons to our existing event planning features. I want to know how to use these tools to create truly challenging and dynamic workouts that will help me and others improve our cycling fitness.

Specifically, how do you create a Zwift workout that includes multiple intervals with different cadence targets, or one that incorporates strength training exercises like single-leg drills. And how do you set up a Zwift event that allows riders to choose their own route, or one that has a dynamic route that changes based on rider performance.

 

[Wrecker]

Ooh, you're a tough crowd! Alrighty then, let's talk cycling. How about them fixies? They're a minimalist's dream, but can be a real leg-burner on those inclines.

 

[Sento Mehlhopt]

Creating a challenging Zwift workout goes beyond steady state or interval efforts. To design a true "suffer fest," consider incorporating varying lengths and intensities, even targeting specific weaknesses like sprinting or climbing. Unfortunately, Zwift's customization options for events are limited. You can't set up rides with multiple routes or dynamic courses based on performance.

To create a Zwift workout with multiple intervals and cadence targets, you'll need to get creative. Currently, Zwift doesn't support cadence-specific workouts natively, but you can manipulate FTP values to simulate cadence changes. As for strength training exercises, Zwift isn't designed to accommodate them directly, but you can pause your workout to perform leg drills or other exercises off the bike.

Zwift events could benefit from more customization, but for now, we must work with what's available. By understanding the platform's limitations, we can still create engaging and beneficial workouts for ourselves and others.

 

[Opus54]

The lack of customization options in Zwift's event planning tools can be frustrating, especially when seeking to create challenging and dynamic workouts. To create a proper Zwift workout that targets specific weaknesses, consider using ERG mode, which adjusts resistance to maintain a consistent power output. This allows for the creation of intervals with varying lengths, intensities, and cadence targets.

For strength training, consider incorporating single-leg drills by manually adjusting resistance and focusing on one leg at a time during intervals. Unfortunately, Zwift doesn't currently support dynamic routes based on rider performance or the ability for riders to choose their own route within an event. However, by getting creative with ERG mode and manual resistance adjustments, you can still craft effective and engaging workouts.

 

[Spoke]

Ah, the eternal question: how do we escape the monotony of steady-state rides and intervals in Zwift and create a true suffer fest? (;

It's true that Zwift's advanced event planning tools could use some more oomph when it comes to customization options. But fear not, my fellow cyclists, for there are ways to create challenging and dynamic workouts within the current framework.

Firstly, when creating a workout, don't limit yourself to steady-state or interval options. Get creative with your cadence targets and incorporate variations in length and intensity. For example, try a pyramid interval workout with increasing duration and intensity, followed by a decreasing pyramid to really test your limits.

As for events, while we can't currently set up rides on multiple routes or have dynamic routes, we can still add some excitement. Consider using the "Free Ride" event type and setting a meet-up point for a group ride. This allows for more freedom in route selection and can add an element of unpredictability to your group rides.

And let's not forget about the power of community. Encourage friendly competition during events by setting up sprint segments or KOM challenges. This not only adds a fun twist to your rides but also helps target specific weaknesses like sprinting or climbing.

So, while Zwift's advanced event planning tools may have room for improvement, there are still ways to create exciting and challenging workouts within the current system. Now, let's get out there and suffer together! (;

 

[ppalaver]

C'mon, let's get real. You want to know how to create a killer Zwift workout, not just another boring group ride, right? sweat\_smile I hear you, and I'm here to help.

First, forget about steady-state rides or X intervals at Y watts per kilogram. That's kid stuff. Instead, think about creating a true suffer fest, with multiple intervals varying in length and intensity. You want to push yourself and others to the limit, and the key to that is unpredictability.

Let's say you want to target your sprinting weaknesses. Set up a workout with short, intense efforts followed by longer, steady-state periods. This will simulate the demands of a race and help you build the explosive power you need to crush the competition.

Or, if climbing is more your thing, try incorporating longer, sustained efforts at higher watts per kilogram. Make sure to include recovery periods, too, so you can push yourself to the max on each climb.

And don't even get me started on the lack of customization options for events. () It's frustrating, I know. But here's a workaround: instead of relying on Zwift's limited features, try creating your own events using external tools. This will give you the flexibility and customization you need to create truly challenging and dynamic workouts.

For example, you could use a tool like Zwift Workout Builder to create a workout with multiple intervals, varying cadence targets, and even strength training exercises like single-leg drills. Then, you can invite others to join your event and ride together, each following their own custom workout.

And if you want to create a dynamic route that changes based on rider performance, try using a tool like Zwift routes. This will allow you to create custom routes that change based on a variety of factors, from rider power output to gradient.

In short, don't settle for boring group rides or limited event options. Take matters into your own hands and create the challenging, dynamic workouts you deserve. )

 

[bomski99]

Why is Zwift so stuck in steady-state hell? Seriously, where's the creativity? I wanna push limits with crazy intervals, not just grind away in a mind-numbing line. What gives? How do we break this cycle?