How to Record Strength Training on Garmin Forerunner 55

If you ever want to step up with the best and be confident in the competitive fitness world, then finding out ways of using the Garmin Smartwatch Series for tracking strength-related training may probably make one big difference in your lifestyle.

In this tutorial, I will show you clearly all the necessary steps on the way to recording strength training when using the Garmin Forerunner 55 or similar models that are equipped with similar 5-buttons, such as a Descent Mk3i. 

By keeping these steps in sight, you make sure it captures the exact workout recorded, observes any progress after the time has it, and thereafter adjusts the activities for an even desired outcome.

Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can make the most of this feature.

Getting Started with Strength Training on Garmin Forerunner 55

Get everything set up before recording your first strength workout. Here’s what you do:

• Charge and update your Garmin watch. If the device isn’t charged or doesn’t have the latest software, that may be the problem in why this isn’t going through smoothly.
• Secure the watch on your wrist, making sure it’s snug but comfortable to count reps accurately.
• Download workouts preloaded if desired: You can customize workouts in the Garmin Connect app and sync them to your watch before hitting the gym.

Now that you’re ready, let’s get into the actual how-to.

Setting Up Strength Activity on Your Watch

Navigating to Strength Mode

All the magic starts with the START button:

1. From the watch face, press START.
2. Scroll through the activity options and select Strength. If you don’t see it, you might need to enable it in your activity list (check your settings in the Garmin Connect app).

Choosing a Workout

Once you’ve selected Strength mode, your next step is to pick the workout.

1. On the Strength screen, select a preloaded workout.
2. If you want to view the workout steps beforehand, press DOWN to see them. This is optional, but it helps plan your session.

Viewing Exercise Animations

If animations are available for your selected exercises, you can preview them directly on your watch:

1. While viewing the workout steps, press START.
2. Then press DOWN to view the animation.

This is handy if you’re unfamiliar with an exercise or want to double-check your form.

Once you’re comfortable with the workout, it’s time to hit START and select Do Workout to begin.

Tracking Your Strength Training Session

Starting the Workout

To officially begin your session:

1. After selecting Do Workout, press START again.
2. Select Start Workout. You’ll see your chosen exercises and can jump into your first set.

How Rep Counting Works

Your Garmin Forerunner 55 automatically tracks reps during each exercise. Here’s what you need to know:

• The watch starts counting reps as you perform your exercise.
• You’ll see your rep count displayed after completing at least four reps. If you stop moving, the watch assumes the set is over.

Quick Tip: The watch can only track one type of movement per set during your strength training activity. If you’re switching moves mid-set, it’s best to finish the first exercise, press LAP, and start a new set.

Completing a Set

When you’re done with one exercise:

1. Press LAP to end the set.
2. If your workout includes another exercise, the watch will guide you to the next one.

Editing Reps and Adding Weight

Sometimes you’ll need to tweak the data your watch recorded. Maybe it miscounted your reps, or you want to track the weight you’re lifting.

• Press UP or DOWN to adjust the rep count.
• Enter the weight used for the set (if you’re tracking it).

If you’re taking a rest between sets, you don’t need to do anything yet—just breathe. When you’re ready to start the next set, press LAP to jump back in.

Repeating for All Sets

Keep repeating the steps above for each set and exercise in your workout. The process becomes second nature quickly.

Wrapping Up Your Strength Session

Ending and Saving the Workout

After your final set:

1. Press START to stop the workout.
2. Select Stop Workout, then Save.

Boom! Your workout is logged and ready to review.

Reviewing Your Data in Garmin Connect

Syncing Your Watch

Once your workout is saved, you can sync your device with the Garmin Connect app to dive into the details. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your watch and phone to upload the data automatically.

Viewing Strength Activity Details

To see your workout breakdown:

1. Open the Garmin Connect app.
2. Tap More (three-line menu).
3. Select Activities, then All Activities.
4. Choose the Strength workout you just completed.

Understanding the Metrics

The workout overview gives you a complete picture of your session, including:

• Total workout time.
• Calories burned.
• Muscle groups targeted.
• Exercises performed.

It gets even more detailed with:

• Set-by-set breakdown of reps and time.
• Weight used for each exercise.
• Options to edit or add exercises manually.

This makes Garmin Connect a powerful tool for analyzing your progress and fine-tuning your routine.

Tips for Better Strength Tracking

Here are a few extra tips to get even more out of your Garmin Forerunner 55:

• Preview animations when learning new exercises. It’s a great way to avoid mistakes before starting.
• Stick to one movement per set. The watch can’t track multiple moves in one set, so focus on precision.
• Track your rest intervals. Knowing how long you rest between sets can help you optimize recovery and avoid overtraining.
• Update your watch regularly. Garmin often releases software updates that improve tracking accuracy or add new features.

Why Strength Tracking Matters

Recording your strength exercises gives you an idea about your effort to help you reach your full potential by focusing on a particular target muscle group, attempting to meet that new PR, perfecting your form, etc. Garmin tracking features make it all easy and extra special.

Your information will be used for the purpose of informing decisions about your training program through rep counting, muscle analysis, and breakdown exercises.

Ready to get started?

Now that you’ve learned how to track strength training on Garmin Forerunner 55, it’s time to try this out in real life. Sync a workout, hit the gym, and let your watch do its thing. Still have questions? Hit the comments below, or for more tips, be sure to check the Garmin forums and Garmin’s official support page.

Closing Thoughts

Be it professional or amateur, serious tracking of strength training with a Garmin Forerunner 55 is certainly going to prove to be a game changer. You would be way more organized with this feature when it comes to monitoring and making alterations during a workout to effectively meet the requirements of your fitness goals.

Counting every rep to analyzing and identifying target muscles working, your smartwatch keeps away the guess in strength workouts and gives all the input to make you push toward your extreme potential.

Follow these easy steps through the guide to get everything all set up and start to record strength sessions in style. It’s great for personal bests or just starting down that path of fitness because this feature will make each workout a little more satisfactory and fun.

Time now to turn this into action! Charge up your sports watch, plan your exercise, and let Garmin take over to help you become your best self. Do you have any other questions, or do you have something to share with us? Please feel free to comment, and we would be glad to hear from you.

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