Garmin Workouts: How to Share Custom Training Sessions

How do I share a custom workout on my Garmin?

Sharing a custom workout on your Garmin device primarily involves utilizing the Garmin Connect platform, either through its web interface or mobile application, allowing you to easily transfer structured training sessions to friends, coaches, or integrate them with other fitness ecosystems.

Understanding Garmin's Ecosystem for Workout Sharing

Garmin Connect serves as the central hub for all Garmin device data, offering powerful tools for tracking, analyzing, and creating custom workouts. The ability to share these meticulously crafted training sessions extends the utility of your Garmin ecosystem, fostering collaboration, accountability, and consistent training adherence among individuals, training partners, or coached athletes. This sharing functionality is crucial for maintaining program consistency, especially when working with a remote coach or training with a group.

Pre-Requisites for Sharing a Custom Workout

Before you can share a custom workout, ensure the following foundational elements are in place:

• Garmin Device Paired: Your Garmin device must be successfully paired and synced with your Garmin Connect account.
• Garmin Connect Account: You need an active Garmin Connect account, which is free and essential for managing your device and data.
• Custom Workout Created and Saved: The specific workout you wish to share must already be created and saved within the "Workouts" section of your Garmin Connect account. This involves defining steps, targets (e.g., heart rate, pace, power), and durations.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required for both the sender and receiver to access Garmin Connect.

Step-by-Step Guide: Sharing a Workout via Garmin Connect (Web)

The web interface of Garmin Connect offers robust options for managing and sharing your custom workouts:

1. Log In: Navigate to connect.garmin.com and log in to your account.
2. Access Workouts: From the left-hand navigation menu, select "Training", then click on "Workouts".
3. Select Workout: Locate the custom workout you wish to share from your list and click on its name to open it.
4. Initiate Sharing: Look for an icon resembling a "share" symbol (often three dots connected by lines) or a "gear" icon for options, or directly a "Share" button.
5. Choose Sharing Method:
   • Share to Connections: If you have established connections (friends, coaches) within Garmin Connect, you can often share the workout directly to their Garmin Connect account. They will receive a notification and can then sync it to their compatible device.
   • Export as File: For broader sharing or use with other platforms, you can export the workout as a file:
     • FIT (.fit) File: This is the native Garmin workout file format. It contains structured workout data and is highly compatible with other training analysis software (e.g., TrainingPeaks, Strava, etc.) that support structured workout import.
     • GPX (.gpx) File: While less common for structured workouts (more for routes/tracks), some platforms might accept it. Note that GPX primarily stores GPS coordinates and may not retain all the detailed workout steps and targets.
   • Sharing via Link/Email: Some versions of Garmin Connect may allow generating a shareable link or sending the workout directly via email.

Step-by-Step Guide: Sharing a Workout via Garmin Connect App (Mobile)

Sharing from the Garmin Connect mobile app is convenient for on-the-go access:

1. Open App: Launch the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Access Menu: Tap the "More" icon (usually three horizontal lines or dots) in the bottom right corner (iOS) or top left corner (Android).
3. Navigate to Workouts: Select "Training", then tap "Workouts".
4. Select Workout: Tap on the custom workout you intend to share.
5. Initiate Sharing: Look for the "share" icon (often an upward-pointing arrow from a box or three dots connected by lines).
6. Choose Sharing Method:
   • Share to Connections: Similar to the web version, you can directly share to your Garmin Connect connections.
   • Share via Other Apps: The app will typically open your device's native sharing sheet, allowing you to share the workout via:
     • Email: Send the workout file or a link via email.
     • Messaging Apps: Share through WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.
     • Cloud Storage: Save the workout file directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, etc., for easy access and distribution.
     • AirDrop (iOS): For sharing with nearby Apple devices.

Important Considerations for Workout Sharing

When sharing workouts, keep the following in mind to ensure a smooth and effective transfer:

• Privacy Settings: Be mindful of your Garmin Connect privacy settings. While workout sharing is distinct from activity sharing, always ensure you are comfortable with who receives your training plans.
• Device Compatibility: The recipient's Garmin device must be compatible with structured workouts. Most modern Garmin watches support this, but older models or simpler fitness trackers may not fully interpret complex workout steps.
• Workout Complexity: Highly complex workouts with numerous steps, specific targets, or unique intervals should be thoroughly tested by the recipient to ensure their device interprets them correctly.
• Data Integrity: After sharing, it's good practice for the recipient to review the workout on their Garmin device or within Garmin Connect to confirm all steps and targets have transferred accurately.
• Coaching Applications: For personal trainers, sharing custom workouts via Garmin Connect is an efficient way to deliver structured training plans directly to clients' devices, ensuring adherence and simplifying data analysis post-workout.

Beyond Direct Sharing: Leveraging Exported Data

Exporting your workout as a .FIT file is a powerful feature that extends its utility beyond the Garmin ecosystem:

• FIT Files: The Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer (FIT) protocol is an open format designed by Garmin for storing fitness data. When you export a workout as a .FIT file, you're creating a portable file that can be:
  • Imported into Third-Party Platforms: Many popular training analysis platforms (e.g., TrainingPeaks, Final Surge, WKO5, Strava with specific plugins) allow direct import of .FIT workout files, enabling coaches or athletes to integrate the plan into broader training management systems.
  • Manually Transferred: You can manually copy the .FIT file to a compatible device via USB, or upload it to a cloud storage service for easy access from anywhere.
• GPX Files: Primarily used for GPS tracks and routes. While a workout can be associated with a route, GPX files do not inherently contain the detailed step-by-step instructions of a structured workout. Use .FIT for workout sharing.

Troubleshooting Common Sharing Issues

• Workout Not Appearing for Recipient:
  • Ensure the workout was successfully shared to their Garmin Connect account.
  • Check their device sync status; they may need to manually sync their device after the workout is shared.
  • Verify their device is compatible with structured workouts.
• Sharing Options Greyed Out:
  • Confirm the workout is fully saved and not in an "editing" state.
  • Check your internet connection.
  • Ensure you are using a compatible browser or the latest version of the mobile app.
• Recipient Cannot Open/Use Workout:
  • The recipient's device may not be compatible with the workout type or complexity.
  • The file type (e.g., GPX instead of FIT) might be incorrect for the intended use.
  • There might be a software bug on the recipient's device; advise them to update their Garmin device firmware.
• Connectivity Issues:
  • Ensure both sender and receiver have stable internet connections.
  • Try restarting the Garmin Connect app or web browser.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Garmin's Potential

Sharing custom workouts on your Garmin device is more than just a convenience; it's a fundamental aspect of modern, collaborative fitness. Whether you're a coach providing tailored plans, a training partner coordinating efforts, or simply sharing a favorite session with a friend, Garmin Connect facilitates a seamless transfer of structured training. By understanding the simple steps and considering the practical implications, you can fully leverage this feature to enhance your training consistency, foster accountability, and achieve your fitness goals more effectively. Embrace the power of shared training to elevate your performance and the performance of those you train with.