If you’re looking for a way to spice up your indoor cycling workouts, you might want to check out Strava. Strava is a popular app that lets you track your rides, compete with other cyclists, and join virtual challenges. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to use Strava for indoor cycling and share some tips and tricks to make the most of it.
What is Strava?
Strava is an app that records your cycling activities using GPS or a compatible device. You can upload your rides to Strava and see your stats, such as distance, speed, elevation, power, and heart rate. You can also compare your performance with other cyclists on the same route or segment, and earn badges and trophies for your achievements. Strava also has a social aspect, where you can follow your friends, join clubs, and give kudos and comments to other riders.
Using Strava for Indoor Cycling
Strava can also be used for indoor cycling as long as you have a device that can connect to it. There are two main ways to do this:
Use a smart trainer
A smart trainer is a device that adjusts the resistance of your bike according to the virtual terrain or workout you’re following. You can pair your smart trainer with Strava via Bluetooth or ANT+ and sync your rides automatically. Some smart trainers also have built-in sensors that measure your power and cadence.
Use a speed/cadence sensor
A speed/cadence sensor is a device that attaches to your bike and measures how fast and how often you pedal. You can pair your speed/cadence sensor with Strava via Bluetooth or ANT+ and use it to estimate your distance and speed. However, this method is less accurate than using a smart trainer, as it doesn’t account for factors like resistance and elevation.
Strava Tips for Indoor Cycling
Once your device is set up, you can start using Strava for indoor cycling. Here are some tips and tricks to make it more fun and effective:
Join a challenge
Strava has monthly challenges that you can join to motivate yourself and compete with other cyclists. For example, you can join the Distance Challenge, where you try to ride as many kilometers as possible in a month, or the Climbing Challenge, where you try to climb as many meters as possible in a month.
Create or follow a route
Strava lets you create or follow routes that simulate real-world rides. You can use the Route Builder feature to create your own route, or browse the Explore feature to find routes created by other users. You can also use the Virtual Partner feature to race against yourself or another rider on the same route.
Join or create a group workout
Strava also lets you join or create group workouts to ride with other cyclists in real time. You can use the Group Workout feature to join an existing group workout or create your own by inviting your friends or club members. You can also use the Voice Chat feature to talk with other riders during the workout.
Try a structured workout
Strava also has structured workouts that you can follow to improve your fitness and skills. You can use the Training Plans feature to find a plan that suits your goals and level or the Workout of the Week feature to try a new workout every week. You can also use the Workout Creator feature to create your custom workout.
Can I use Strava for Running Too?
Yes, you can use Strava for running too. Strava can also record your running activities using GPS or a compatible device.
You can upload your runs to Strava and see your stats, such as distance, speed, elevation, pace, and calories. You can also compare your performance with other runners on the same route or segment, and earn badges and trophies for your achievements.
Strava also has features that are specific for runners, such as the Running Races feature, where you can join virtual races and see how you rank against other runners.
What are Some other Cycling Apps?
Strava is not the only cycling app out there. Many other apps offer different features and experiences for cyclists. Here are some of the best cycling apps that you can try:
- Zwift: Zwift is a game-inspired cycling app that makes indoor cycling fun. You can ride in a virtual world with other cyclists from around the globe, join races and events, and follow structured workouts. Zwift is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and costs $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.
- Rouvy: Rouvy is a cycling app that lets you ride on real routes with realistic scenery. You can choose from thousands of routes from around the world, or create your own with the Route Editor. Rouvy also has training plans, workouts, challenges, and races. Rouvy is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and costs $10 per month or $100 per year.
- TrainerRoad: TrainerRoad is a cycling app that focuses on improving your performance. It uses sophisticated algorithms to create and adjust individualized training plans based on your goals and fitness level. TrainerRoad also has analytics tools, podcasts, and a supportive community. TrainerRoad is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and costs $19.95 per month or $189 per year.
- Kinomap: Kinomap is a cycling app that lets you ride on user-generated videos from around the world. You can explore different locations, watch the scenery change as you pedal, and interact with other riders. Kinomap also has multiplayer mode, challenges, races, and workouts. Kinomap is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
- Bkool:
Bkool is a cycling app that offers realistic 3D simulations of real routes. You can ride on any road in the world, with weather conditions and traffic that match the real situation.Bkool also has multiplayer mode, leagues, tournaments, and workouts.Bkool is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and costs $9.99 per month or $96 per year.
Final Thoughts
Strava is a great app for indoor cycling, as it lets you track your rides, compete with other cyclists, and join virtual challenges. It also has a social aspect, where you can follow your friends, join clubs, and give kudos and comments to other riders. Strava is compatible with most smart trainers and sensors, and is easy to set up and use. If you want to spice up your indoor cycling workouts, you should give Strava a try.