Indoor cycling has exploded in popularity, and platforms like Zwift have completely changed how we train indoors.
As someone who loves cycling, I was quickly drawn into this virtual world—riding with friends, joining events, and staying consistent no matter the weather. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I hit a plateau, struggled with knee pain, and eventually made the call to work with a coach.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learnt—from getting started on Zwift to working with a coach to managing knee pain effectively.
🚴♂️ Why Zwift hooked me
Zwift isn’t just indoor cycling—it’s an experience. You ride in a virtual world, join group rides, race others, and stay motivated in a way that a normal indoor session just can’t match.
For me, the biggest win was the community. Riding with others (even virtually) pushed me to stay consistent and improve.
⚙️ Getting set up properly
Upgrading to a smart trainer (Wahoo Kickr Core) made a massive difference. The resistance adjusts automatically based on terrain, making rides feel realistic.
A few simple things also helped:
- Proper setup space
- Easy access to water
- Paying attention to nutrition
Small tweaks, big impact.
🎯 Why I hired a coach
At some point, I stopped improving—and the knee pain got worse. That’s when I realised I needed structure and expert input.
Working with a coach gave me:
- Personalised training – structured and goal-driven
- Better technique – fixing form reduced strain
- Accountability – no more skipping tough sessions
- Injury management – targeted work for my knees
- Recovery & nutrition guidance – game changer
Honestly, this was the turning point.
🦵 Managing knee pain (what actually worked)
Knee pain is common in cycling—but manageable if you get the basics right:
1. Bike fit is everything
Small adjustments made a huge difference:
- Saddle height
- Saddle position
- Cleat alignment
2. Strength training
Key exercises:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Leg press
3. Mobility & stretching
Focused on:
- Quads
- Hamstrings
- Hip flexors
4. Recovery matters
- Rest days
- Foam rolling
- Ice after long rides
5. Listen to your body
This one’s simple but critical—don’t push through pain blindly.
💡 Final thoughts
Zwift completely changed how I approach training. Add a good coach into the mix, and it becomes a proper system—not just random rides.
If you’re:
- Struggling with progress
- Dealing with niggles or injuries
- Or just feeling stuck
…it’s 100% worth looking at both Zwift and coaching.
🚲 Happy cycling — more insights coming soon.
