5 features you probably didn’t know were on your Garmin

If you own a Garmin, you already know that it’s a very powerful wearable, but I’m willing to bet that you aren’t aware of just how extensive its offerings are. While each Garmin offers slightly different tools and features, almost all of them are packed with sensors that give you a wide range of health and fitness data throughout the day.

Overall, they can track your sleep, provide detailed heart rate information, log a wide range of activities, and function as smartwatches just in general. But on top of all the well-known features, there are also some lesser-known capabilities that can be useful — or just plain fun.

Some of these Garmin tricks must be accessed on the watch itself, while others require the Garmin Connect app either for setup or to use in general. As each Garmin varies in offerings — even if slightly — not all of these features may be available for every watch. However, I’ve tried to highlight tools that are applicable to most users.

1 Change the data screens for each activity type

Personalize what’s on display during your workouts

You probably knew you could change your Garmin’s watch face, but did you know that you can also change what’s visible when you’re tracking an activity? For example, if you don’t care about your pace during a run, you can easily replace that with something more meaningful to your progress. I wanted to be able to see the time on my watch without scrolling when out on a walk, so I adjusted the Data Screens for my Walk activity to show the time instead of the pace. You can even change the layout entirely, with multiple options to choose from for each activity. To adjust what you see during an activity:

1. Enter the Menu on your Garmin watch and scroll to Activities & Apps.
2. Tap on the activity you’d like to customize and then select Settings for that activity type.
3. The Data Screens option is where you’ll adjust what you see on the watch during your workout.

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2 Let loved ones follow your location during workouts

Add a layer of safety to your workouts

If you want more peace of mind during your activities, you’ll want to take advantage of Gamin’s safety features. One such tool is the LiveTrack, which shares a real-time view of your location during an activity with friends and family. You’ll need a compatible device and your phone with you to use this, but if those two conditions are met, your loved ones can keep track of your location in case something happens. To set up LiveTrack:

1. Open the Garmin Connect App
2. Select More at the bottom right.
3. Select Safety & Tracking, followed by LiveTrack.
4. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and then Settings.
5. Follow the prompts to configure your LiveTrack settings. Once you’ve configured LiveTrack, your added contacts will receive an email with a link to follow your activity.

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3 Access workouts

Get a virtual coach via your phone and wrist

Figuring out what to do for workouts can get tricky or just boring if you do the same thing over and over. While you could pay for a coach, Garmin offers some robust training tools to help you out for free. First, if you just want some quick workouts to spice up your fitness routine, you can find a range of options available both in the Garmin Connect app and right on your watch. To access workouts in the Garmin Connect app:

1. Navigate to More in the bottom right corner.
2. Tap Training & Planning, followed by Workouts, and then Find a Workout.
   • Here, you will see a list of available workouts, including options like the “15-Minute Full-Body Sweat” workout or “After-Work Yoga.” Each workout lists the fitness level, number of muscle groups it works, and how long the workout is. If you tap into one, you can choose
     
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