Excellent! Just what I, and many others on this thread probably, need.
As I run Zwift from an Android tablet (with the inherent limitations Zwift has on that platform), I loaded the workout folder on Windows first, started Zwift on Windows to automatically upload the workouts to my Custom workouts on Zwift servers, then voila… they’re all available on my Android tablet!
New to Zwift, but a long-time cyclist. Awesome concept and execution.
My apologies if this already exists, but is there anything like a tutorial mode for people with disabilities? I have Parkinsons disease, and have run into some challenges with the learning curve. In no particular order, here are some things to consider:
“disabled person” avatar
much larger icon mode
dampened movement mode for folks with tremor issues
Lower intensity mode
Wheel chair avatar
Voice chat
Fans who push you up L’alpes Huez
many more I’m sure
Exercise is the best medicine in the world. And you’ve come up with an awesome way to make it even more fun. I’m nothing like a disabled community activist. I bet those folks could come up with tons of ways to open it up to more people
There is a thread about visual accessibility improvements that might interest you. I haven’t seen any signs that Zwift is interested in accessibility, but it does make perfect sense to have an indoor training platform that works for people who can’t easily ride outdoors due to lack of vision or other issues. My vision is pretty good and I have trouble perceiving many things on the screen in Zwift as well.
I don’t think I’ve seen anything in Zwift yet but it seems that things are definitely planned for disability in a future release. Google “Zwift for disabled riders” and an article on Cycling weekly appears near the top. This shows what’s being looked at. Sorry, I’d post a link but this forum doesn’t allow it.
Some rides require a fairly low wattage (output from you) per Kg (your weight). You could also tell Zwift you have a different weight from your true weight to influence the effort required.
It’s also possible to drop back your effort in the Settings menu in Zwift.
Many group workouts have “Keep together” set so as long as you keep pedalling you’ll keep up with other riders automatically no matter what output you can manage. Your FTP will automatically cater for what you can manage in workouts too.
Of course, you can just select any course and ride it by yourself. Or perhaps set up a Zwift Group for like minded/bodied individuals and organise going for virtual rides together.
I run Zwift on a Samsung tablet but connect that to a 32" screen right in front of the bike. Might something like that help?
I LOVE the idea of being pushed up mountains by fans! Fantastic!
Not sure if any of this helps? Since starting this forum thread Zwift have introduced Training Plans which can be ridden over an extended period of time, which suits me fine. Hopefully they’ll fulfil the needs on disabled riders soon too.
Hi Mark. There’s a group of us with PD using Zwift as a mix of social & exercise to attempt to slow progression. The club’s called ZWAP, and there’s a Facebook group to go with it. You’re welcome to join if that would fit your schedule. Ben
I’m 68 in October '24 and I just had an idea for us older folks that are just starting out. First of all choose a ramp test from the workouts collection. It probably doesn’t matter which one. It wil give you your current FTP (functional threshold power). The FTP is used to set the difficulty of workouts to your level. If you’re still finding the workouts too intense, then manually set it to a lower number until the workouts feel right. Go to the Zwiftpower website and search for “set your FTP”
I’m 59 and have bad knees so struggle to do the 3 rides per week plans or long rides.
The plan I use is the 12 week Back to Fitness plan, which is two rides per week and starts easy and builds up. There are varied rides in it and I’ve completed it a number of times, with an increase in my ftp each time. Make sure to do ramp test before starting it and the rides will be challenging. Works for me.