Workout Writer

What is Workout Writer?

Workout Writer is an app for creating running and cycling workouts using plain text, then sending the resulting structured workout to supported devices. It focuses on Apple Watch and Garmin Connect, helping you define intervals, repeats, and effort targets without manually formatting complex workout structures.

The app parses the workout text directly so you can see the workout structure update as you type. It also supports reusable effort “tags,” workout reuse and tweaking, and sharing workouts via URL or QR code for direct opening in the app.

Key Features

• Plain-text workout creation with live structure: Describe sessions in text and the app structures them for you, updating the workout structure as you type so the same wording yields the same result.
• Device sending for Apple Watch and Garmin Connect: Create a structured workout and send it to Apple Watch and Garmin Connect; setup guidance is available for each platform.
• Reusable effort targets via tags: Define tags (e.g., easy pace, heart-rate zone, power range) once, update them as your fitness changes, and reuse them across multiple workouts.
• Workout reuse with quick edits: Reuse an existing workout, tweak details, update tags, and resend without rebuilding everything from scratch.
• Sharing by URL or QR code (and optional plain text): Share workouts so the destination can open them directly in the app, with options to style QR codes for placement on photos or colored backgrounds.
• AI assistance for generating workouts (optional): Use Google Gemini to help generate running and cycling workouts, including scheduling AI workouts with “Quick Add.” The app’s text-to-structure parsing is not AI-based.
• Units and conversion support (metric and imperial): Use metric or imperial units (miles) and convert workouts created with different unit systems.

How to Use Workout Writer

1. Write the workout in plain text: Start by describing the session (including intervals/repeats as text). The app will parse your input and show the structured workout.
2. Use or create tags (optional but recommended): If your workout uses reusable effort targets, set up tags (such as pace, heart-rate zones, or power ranges) and update them over time.
3. Preview and adjust before sending: Review the structured output, make any quick changes, and then send the workout when it looks correct.
4. Send to your device or share it: Send directly to Apple Watch or Garmin Connect, or share via URL/QR code so another device can open it in the app.
5. Use AI when you want ideas: If you want help generating a workout, use the AI workout generation option powered by Google Gemini, and schedule via Quick Add if desired.

Use Cases

• Independent runner building interval sessions: Write a run workout in plain text (e.g., blocks and repeats) and send it to Apple Watch to follow the structured session.
• Cyclist managing power/effort targets over time: Create workouts that reference power ranges using tags, then update the tag once (as fitness changes) and resend updated workouts.
• Coach or club preparing sessions quickly: Draft workouts in less time by reusing prior workouts and sharing athlete-ready plans via URL or QR code.
• Training group using consistent effort definitions: Standardize workouts around reusable tags (pace/HR zone/power range) so individual workouts remain consistent while allowing updates when targets change.
• Athlete collaborating across devices with different unit preferences: Create a workout in metric or imperial units and rely on the app’s unit conversion when sending or reusing workouts across different measurement systems.

FAQ

• Can I send workouts to Apple Watch or Garmin?
  Yes. Workout Writer supports sending structured workouts to Apple Watch and Garmin Connect, with setup help available for each.

• Does Workout Writer work with Suunto, COROS, Amazfit, or other watch brands?
  Not yet. The app currently focuses on Apple Watch and Garmin, and support for additional brands is planned. You can check device support status and vote on feature requests.

• Is Android supported?
  Not yet, based on the current platform focus. For the latest status, check the platform support and Android status pages.

• What are tags, and how do they help?
  Tags are reusable effort targets (such as an easy pace, a heart-rate zone, or a power range). Update a tag once as your fitness changes, then reuse it across workouts.

• Can I generate workouts with AI?
  Yes. Workout Writer can use Google Gemini to help generate running and cycling workouts, and you can schedule AI workouts with Quick Add. Note that the app’s workout parsing from plain text is not described as AI-based.

Alternatives

• Workout planning tools that require manual interval formatting: Instead of parsing plain text into a structured workout, these tools often rely on step-by-step interval editors. They may be better if you prefer graphical editing over text.
• Wearable-focused companion apps for workout import: Some apps focus on importing workout files or structured workouts into a single device ecosystem. Workflow differs depending on whether you create workouts in the companion app or generate them externally.
• General-purpose training log or spreadsheet-based planning: For teams or individuals who already manage training in documents, these tools can provide tracking and planning, but may not offer the same direct send/share workflow to Apple Watch and Garmin Connect.
• QR/URL-based content sharing tools (adjacent solutions): If your primary need is sharing session instructions, generic QR/URL sharing tools can distribute text, but they generally won’t parse and structure workouts for wearable device sending.