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Friday, December 6, 2024

How to Upgrade Your Treadmill for Zwift Running

Converting a treadmill to work with Zwift involves setting up a system that can transmit your running speed to the Zwift app. Here’s a guide on how to upgrade your old treadmill to a smart treadmill.

What You Need to Zwift Run on your Treadmill?

There are two basic requirements to be able to use your treadmill on the Zwift running and cycling app. These are:

A Smart Treadmill

There are a variety of definitions about what a smart treadmill is. However, generally this would include built-in workouts, interactive programming, or the ability to track your workout metrics. To track these workout across your suite of activity tools such as your Garmin Watch or Strava and Zwift, your smart treadmill also needs to be able to share information such as your speed, heart rate, incline percentage through ANT+ or Bluetooth Connectivity. Don’t worry, if you do not have a smart treadmill keep reading. We have a solution for you.

ANT+ or Bluetooth Connectivity or Smart features built into your treadmill

Make sure your treadmill has Smart features – either ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity. Most modern treadmills come with Bluetooth capabilities which will broadcast running data to the Zwift app. Horizon Treadmills have great range of treadmills that have built in compatibility with Zwift.

HINT: If you have a Garmin watch, try the virtual run feature. Although not as accurate as some of the other feature mentioned in this post, it may be just what you are looking for. Give our post How to Zwift Run with your Garmin Watch a read.

A Zwift Compatible Device

You need a device that can (1) run the Zwift app and (2) is capable of connecting to your smart treadmill. This could be a smartphone, tablet, computer, or even an Apple TV with Bluetooth or Ant+ connectivity.

Steps to Convert Treadmill for Zwift:

Not every treadmill has the necessary Smart connectivity options (ANT+ or Bluetooth) built in. Don’t worry, you have a few great options to quickly upgrade any treadmill to be able to use Zwift.

Add a Speed Sensor to your existing treadmill

If your treadmill is older or did not come with a Bluetooth speed sensor, no worries. There are several compatible treadmill speed sensors available on the market that can upgrade your treadmill. Some popular options include:

NPE Runn – Manufactured by North Pole Engineering the Runn Smart Treadmill Sensor immediately raises the IQ of any treadmill it’s installed on by providing both ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity. Installation takes as little as five minutes, and Runn works on virtually any treadmill. Once installed, Runn can accurately track speed, incline, and cadence to connect with your favorite app or smart device. Runn, connected. It’s that simple. The NPE Runn is also sold by Zwift as the Runn Smart Sensor.

An installed NPE Runn to convert your treadmill into a smart treadmill.

Zwift RunPod – Clip it to your shoe, and you’re nearly ready to run in Zwift. Better eat, the RunPod allows you to use Zwift on any treadmill, at home, the gym, your hotel.

The Zwift RunPod – your portable Smart treadmill.

The RunPod or NPE Runn allow you to interact and amplify treadmill workouts in a new way by running alongside Zwift’s dynamic community. You’ll even get to experience new routes in worlds like New York that are for runners only.

How to install your speed sensor

Now that you have your Smart Treadmill all you need to do are three simple steps to get running on Zwift.

  1. Install the Speed Sensor:
    • Follow the instructions provided with the speed sensor to install it on your treadmill. Usually, these sensors attach to the treadmill’s belt or motor area. With the NPE Runn, a small sensor attaches to the side of your treadmill and reads stickers placed on your treadmill belt.
  2. Connect to Zwift:
    • Open the Zwift app on your device. Ensure that your device’s Bluetooth or ANT+ is turned on. Pair the treadmill speed sensor with Zwift in the app’s settings.
  3. Calibrate Your Treadmill:
    • Zwift may require you to calibrate your treadmill. Follow the on-screen instructions to do this. Calibration ensures that the speed readings are accurate.
  4. Start Running on Zwift:
    • Once everything is set up, start your treadmill workout as usual. Zwift will now track your running speed and adjust your avatar’s speed in the virtual world accordingly.

In addition to Zwift, why not also try out RunSocial and GymTrakr, to get the most out of your new Smart Treadmill.

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Mark Hanlon

Editor

Mark is an avid photographer, Starbucks addict, motivated cyclist, struggling runner, and rocking single parent living outside of Toronto, Ontario. Living with two chronic ilnesses, Crohn’s Disease and Diabetes, life for this Transportation Planner and Registered Professional Planner (RPP) can be an interesting mix.