5 features you probably didn't know were in your Garmin

Key Takeaways

• Customize your workout screens for more personalized information during workouts.
• Use LiveTrack to stay safe by sharing real-time location with loved ones during activities.
• Access free workouts and challenges on Garmin to keep fitness routines fun and motivating.

You probably already know that your Garmin device is a powerful wearable, but you may not know how much it has to offer. While each Garmin offers slightly different tools and features, almost all are packed with sensors that give you a variety of health and fitness data throughout the day.

All in all, they can track your sleep, provide detailed heart rate information, record a variety of activities, and work as smart watches in general. But on top of all the well-known features, there are some lesser-known skills that can be useful — or just for fun.

Some of these Garmin features must be accessed on the watch itself, while others require the Garmin Connect app to be set up or used in general. Since each Garmin is somewhat different, not all of these features can be found on every watch, but I've tried to highlight the tools that work for most users.

1 Change data screens for each job type

Personalize what's shown during your workout

You probably knew you could change the face of your Garmin watch, but did you know you can also change the look of your activity tracker? For example, if you don't care about your gait during a run, you can replace it with something that is important to your progress. I wanted to be able to see the time on my watch without scrolling when I was walking, 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 many options to choose from for each activity. To adjust what you see during a task:

1. Enter the The menu on your Garmin watch and scroll to Activities and Applications.
2. Tap the task you'd like to customize and select it Settings in that kind of work.
3. I Data Screens option is where you will adjust what you see on the watch during your workout.

2 Allow your loved ones to track your location during exercise

Add a layer of security to your operation

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

1. Open the Garmin Connect App
2. Select More bottom right.
3. Select Security and Trackingfollowed by LiveTrack.
4. Tap that three dots in the upper right corner then Settings.
5. Follow the prompts to configure your LiveTrack settings. Once you've set up LiveTrack, your additional contacts will receive an email with a link to track your activity.

3 Get to practice

Get a virtual trainer on your phone and wrist

Figuring out what to do with exercise can be difficult or even boring if you do the same thing over and over again. While you can pay for a trainer, Garmin offers robust training tools to help you out for free. First, if you just want a quick workout to improve your fitness routine, you can find a variety of options available both in the Garmin Connect app and on your watch. To access workouts in the Garmin Connect app:

1. Navigate to More in the lower right corner.
2. Tap Training and Planningfollowed by Exercisethen Get a Workout.
   • Here, you'll see a list of available workouts, including options like the “15-Minute Full-Body Sweat” workout or “After-Work Yoga.” Each workout features a fitness level, number of muscle groups worked, and how long the workout lasts. If you click on one, you can choose to do so Save to My Workouts and click on phone icon top right to send it to your device.
3. Once the workout is on your watch, navigate to your activities and scroll down to Exercise. Tap the one you'd like to complete. Your watch will give you thumbnails of each task, which is useful if you don't know what it is, and time each one so you know it's time to move on to the next task.

4 Join the Challenges

Get motivated and get accountability

Sometimes, we all need a little extra motivation to get up and get moving. Garmin challenges can be a useful push to keep you accountable. There are challenges for all types of activities, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, and strength training. These range from one weekend jobs to monthly or yearly options. You can even tackle Expeditions, which measure your steps and the floors you've climbed to tackle the likes of the Camino de Santiago or Everest.

You can even create your own challenges and invite your Garmin Connect connections to compete. To join the challenge:

1. Open the Garmin Connect app.
2. Tap Challenges at the bottom of the page.
3. Scroll to find one (or more if you're like me) you want to join, then tap Join.
4. Any activity you record with your Garmin will automatically be applied to any active challenges so you can earn in-app badges and bragging rights.

5 Get help with jet lag

Maximize your travel with Jet Lag Advisor

Unfortunately, Garmin's Jet Lag Advisor is currently only available on a small group of Garmin watches, so not everyone has access to it.

Hopefully Garmin will expand this offer to more devices soon, but we'll have to wait.

Currently, Garmin fenix 7, Garmin epix (Gen 2), Garmin Enduro 2, Garmin tactix 7, Garmin MARQ (Gen 2), and Garmin quatix are the only devices with access to Jet Lag Advisor . That leaves out the famous Forerunner lineup, as well as many others. Hopefully Garmin will expand this offer to more devices soon, but we'll have to wait.

Jet Lag Advisor provides personalized insight and suggestions before, during, and after your trip to minimize the effects of jet lag and tips upon arrival to help you transition into a different time zone. When you wear your Garmin watch to sleep, it will use your established circadian rhythm knowledge through your sleep history to give you customized suggestions based on your body.

To help you manage jet lag, the Jet Lag Advisor will give you tips on when to seek light versus when to avoid it, how to plan your sleep schedule, and physical activity and exercise suggestions. It's a great tool to help you feel better when changing time zones so you can get the most out of your trip and bounce back quickly when you return home.

If you own a compatible device:

1. Open the Garmin Connect App
2. Navigating to More bottom right.
3. Select Training and Planning then Jet Lag Advisor.
4. Tap Add Trip Details then add the details of the destination, followed by the details of the return journey, and press Finish it.
5. When your flight is extended, you will receive notifications on the watch with tips and you can access tips and information on your watch in the Jet Lag Advisor widget.