# Confused new Zwifter needs help **URL:** \ **Category:** Triathlon\ **Created:** [March 20, 2021, 1:48pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310 "2021-03-20T13:48:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Kelly\_Green](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kelly_green/32/47767_2.png) [@Kelly\_Green](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Kelly_Green)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 1:48pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/1 "2021-03-20T13:48:25Z")
I tried Zwift today, and I think I’ve got the settings wrong or something. I thought I was supposed to ride at a steady cadence (80-90 rpm) and it would adjust the resistance accordingly. But when I ride at the target cadence, my wattage is too high and it tells me to “reduce power,” which I can’t do without reducing cadence. Then it tells me to increase my turnover. How can I make it harder? I’m not getting my heart rate up. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Watson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/d_watson/32/414851_2.png) [@D\_Watson](https://forums.zwift.com/u/D_Watson)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 2:28pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/2 "2021-03-20T14:28:42Z")
Could you provide more info on your setup so we can try and assist you? What platform do you Zwift on? (PC, Mac, AppleTV, IOS, Android)? What make/model of trainer are you using? How are you connecting? (Bluetooth or ANT+) ---
**Author:** ![Daren](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/daren/32/5836_2.png) [@Daren](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Daren)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/3 "2021-03-20T14:49:33Z")
Are you using erg mode with a smart trainer? If so, then the trainer should adjust resistance automatically to match your cadence and the prescribed interval power. If you’re not using erg mode, or are using rollers/dumb trainer and a power meter for example then you’ll have to shift gear to adjust the power and cadence suitably. ---
**Author:** ![Kelly\_Green](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kelly_green/32/47767_2.png) [@Kelly\_Green](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Kelly_Green)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 5:52pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/4 "2021-03-20T17:52:12Z")
Hi there. I am using my Iphone. I have an Elite Suito and I’m not sure how to tell what I"m connecting from 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kelly\_Green](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kelly_green/32/47767_2.png) [@Kelly\_Green](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Kelly_Green)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 5:52pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/5 "2021-03-20T17:52:52Z")
Yes, I’m using Erg mode. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Watson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/d_watson/32/414851_2.png) [@D\_Watson](https://forums.zwift.com/u/D_Watson)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 6:22pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/6 "2021-03-20T18:22:07Z")
If you’re running Zwift from your iPhone then your connection is Bluetooth as Apple products don’t support ANT+. Is it possible that ERG mode was disabled for some reason during the training session? ---
**Author:** ![Kelly\_Green](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kelly_green/32/47767_2.png) [@Kelly\_Green](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Kelly_Green)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2021, 9:56pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/7 "2021-03-20T21:56:11Z")
I don’t think so, but one of my teammates suggested maybe I need to do a spindown and ramp test to get the proper power settings? ---
**Author:** ![KevinL](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kevinl/32/515271_2.png) [@KevinL](https://forums.zwift.com/u/KevinL)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/8 "2021-03-21T19:48:10Z")
A ramp test or FTP test before attempting workouts is a very good idea, otherwise your target power in each workout segment will be wrong. In ERG mode, if Zwift says “Reduce Power”, just ignore it, keep the cadence steady, and wait for the trainer to adjust the power. I find workouts are better when I use the small chainring and use one of the cogs in the middle of the cassette for a nice straight, quiet chain. ---
**Author:** ![Kelly\_Green](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/gozwift/user_avatar/forums.zwift.com/kelly_green/32/47767_2.png) [@Kelly\_Green](https://forums.zwift.com/u/Kelly_Green)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2021, 1:00am UTC](https://forums.zwift.com/t/confused-new-zwifter-needs-help/544310/9 "2021-03-22T01:00:44Z")
Thanks, Kevin!