MyWhoosh Expands Beyond Cycling with New Rowing Mode – A Problem for Zwift?
Free virtual training platform adds indoor rowing, enhanced running tools, and stricter fair play measures for Cycling Races in version 5.6.0
I tested MyWhoosh 5.6.0 this afternoon, primarily to review the new running and cycling features. Imagine my surprise when a rowing option popped up. Unfortunately, my Concept2 is quite old (I want to say PM3) and lacks the power broadcast capability, so I couldn’t test it—at least not until I get to the gym over the weekend.
One thing I did quickly discover is that there’s only one course: Lake Bled. Nice scenery but an identical elevation profile to every other rowing venue I’ve seen 😉
Elsewhere, early tester reactions have been mixed. While the visuals are praised for their quality, some rowers on the Concept2 Forum have reported issues with pace metrics and distance calculations during initial testing, which may indicate communication problems with the link from MyWhoosh to the new sensor type.
The update also introduces a Custom Workout Builder for *running*, allowing athletes to design structured interval sessions with personalised pacing and intensity targets.
Elsewhere in this decently-featured update, competitive events have had their fair-play measures strengthened by requiring active heart-rate monitoring in select races. To me, this seems like a superficially sensible idea: a sense check that the corresponding power levels are genuine.
A Wider Picture – The Zwift Impact
MyWhoosh continues to position itself as a free alternative to subscription-based platforms, notably Zwift. The rowing launch might signal an intent to support other niche sports, such as indoor ski erg training.
Although a welcome boost for rowers seeking a free digital training platform, the only real risk to Zwift is that MyWhoosh offers a similar but totally free alternative for indoor virtual training. That said quite a few rowers I know also cycle, so this could capture a few such people who prefer one interface for both their sports. For pure runners, both MyWhoosh and Zwift are free.
MyWhoosh 5.6.0 is available now for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Apple TV.
Last Updated on 31 January 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.
Thanks for the info!
I just did a quick test with my C2 PM5: The rowing animations are currently way out of sync and lots of features are missing / locked(?) like Workouts, Training plans but hard to complain for a first release and free app.
The best thing is that I can still use my Garmin watch for proper tracking and structured workouts so this is just a alternative to watching youtube / Netflix while rowing.