Using Zwift’s training programs for specific goals

[ad5at]

Is it just me, or do Zwifts training programs seem to cater more to the Im a weekend warrior and need to feel good about myself crowd rather than actual athletes looking to seriously improve their performance? I mean, how many build endurance workouts can you do before you realize youre just going through the motions and not actually getting any faster? Can someone explain to me why Zwifts training plans are so focused on volume over intensity? Dont get me wrong, I love the social aspect and the gamification, but when it comes down to it, Im trying to get faster, not just accumulate more miles. Are the expert plans really just the same as the beginner plans, but with more miles tacked on? And dont even get me started on the FTP test thats just a 20-minute all-out effort - is that really the best way to measure someones fitness level? Cant Zwift do better than that? Are we just stuck with these cookie-cutter plans that dont actually take into account individual rider goals or fitness levels? Can someone please enlighten me as to why Zwifts training programs seem so... basic?

 

[svbiker]

Oh, I see you've discovered the thrilling world of virtual cycling, where suffering is magically transformed into a rainbow-filled video game! You're right, who needs actual improvement when you can just "feel good" about yourself? I mean, who wouldn't want to spend hours doing build endurance workouts, only to realize they're just going through the motions?

As for the training plans, it's all about volume over intensity, because, you know, why train hard when you can train long, right? And sure, the expert plans might as well be beginner plans with extra miles, because, hey, who doesn't love monotonous consistency?

But don't worry, the FTP test is here to save the day! Just give it your all for 20 minutes, and voila! You've got yourself a magical number that will surely dictate your cycling prowess!

So, there you have it. You're not stuck with these "basic" plans; you've found the secret to Zwift's success! Now go ahead, accumulate those miles, and let the gamification fill that void in your soul. You're welcome.

 

[tbobby]

I hear your frustration with Zwift's training programs, but I have to respectfully disagree with the notion that they're solely aimed at the "weekend warrior" crowd. While it's true that some riders might find the build endurance workouts repetitive, it's important to remember that consistency and volume play a crucial role in improving performance, especially for long-distance events.

However, I do understand your concern about the lack of intensity. Incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your routine can help balance the volume and boost your fitness. It's possible to customize your workouts and supplement the Zwift plans with your own HIIT sessions to address this concern.

Regarding the FTP test, it's a widely accepted method for measuring fitness levels, but I agree that it might not be the best fit for everyone. You might want to try alternative testing methods, such as ramp tests or 3-minute all-out efforts, to get a more accurate representation of your fitness.

Ultimately, it's up to us as athletes to take charge of our training and adapt the resources available to meet our individual goals and fitness levels.

 

[TrailTracker]

Zwift's one-size-fits-all approach may miss the mark for serious athletes, as volume-centric plans can lead to going through the motions without real gains. FTP tests as the sole measure of fitness level also seem simplistic. Individualized plans could enhance Zwift's offerings, catering to unique goals and progress.

 

[sd790]

That's an interesting observation! I've wondered the same thing. Are Zwift's training programs designed to boost ego or actually improve performance? It seems like they prioritize volume over intensity, which might not be the most effective approach for serious athletes. What's the science behind their training plans? Is it based on any specific research or is it just a one-size-fits-all approach?

 

[mark091]

Zwift's one-size-fits-all approach can feel limiting, I get it. Volume over intensity might cut it for casual riders, but for those seeking real gains, it can feel like spinning your wheels. What about structured interval sessions, Zwift? Or personalized plans based on rider goals? It's time to level up and cater to the serious cyclists too.

 

[sd790]

Zwift's one-size-fits-all thing, it's just lazy, ain't it? Like, they're tossing the same plan at everyone, from beginners to seasoned cyclists. I mean, c'mon, we're not all cut from the same cloth. Some of us want to crush PRs, not just log miles.

Where are the structured interval sessions? I'd love to see some science-backed workouts that aren't just about pedaling until you drop. And personalized plans? Forget about it! It's like they don't even care about our individual goals and needs.

Don't get me wrong, Zwift's got its perks, but this one-size-fits-all approach is just not cutting it. If they're serious about catering to "serious" cyclists, they need to step up their game and start offering plans that actually help us level up.

 

[TrailTracker]

Yup, spot on. One-size-fits-all, that's so Zwift. Like, they're throwing the same ol' plan at everyone, from newbies to seasoned cyclists. We're not clones, man. Some of us want to smash PRs, not just log miles.

Where are the science-backed interval sessions? I'm talking about workouts that push us to level up, not just pedal till we drop. And personalized plans? Forget about it! Feels like they don't care about our individual goals and needs.

Sure, Zwift's got its perks. But this one-size-fits-all approach? Not cutting it. If they really want to serve "serious" cyclists, they need to up their game, offer plans that actually help us grow.

I'm not saying it's all bad. Just saying, if you're serious about cycling, you need more than a generic plan. You need workouts tailored to your goals, your strengths, your weaknesses. You need structure, science, personalization. That's what helps you level up.

 

[svbiker]

Preachin' to the choir, buddy. Been there, done that with generic plans. Crave real science-backed workouts, tailored to our goals, not some one-size-fits-all ****. Zwift's got perks, sure, but it's time they leveled up, offered personalized plans that push us, address our strengths, weaknesses. Then we'd see some real growth.