Demystifying Garmin Unified Training Status

Garmin has recently introduced something called Unified Training Status for a bunch of its devices. What’s the new feature all about?

Unified Training Status is, essentially an evolution of Physio TrueUp. For those not in the know, the latter is what keeps physiological information in sync between multiple Garmin devices.

For example, if you use a Garmin sports watch for running and a bike computer for cycling, Physio True Up ensures certain data is the same on both. Which allows you to focus more on your workouts and spend less time managing data.

Physio TrueUp synchronises various information, including but not limited to: VO2 Max, FTP and Power Zones, Recovery Time, Training Load, Training Load Focus, Heat & Altitude Acclimation, Race Predictor, Last Activity/Sport Widget, and Last Run/Ride/Swim Widgets.

During device setup, compatible devices will prompt you to enable the feature. Alternatively, you can switch Physio TrueUp on at a later time by accessing the device settings in either the Garmin Connect app or web dashboard. After enabling the feature for the first time, the system will download and update your physiological metrics with the last 75 days of activity data.

But Physio TrueUP doesn’t cover all physiological metrics that Garmin can track.

How does Unified Training Status improve on this?

This is where Unified Training Status steps in. It builds on the functionality of Physio TrueUp by syncing a few more performance metrics across different devices, namely Training Status, Training Readiness and HRV Status.

Information will come mainly from the device designated as your Primary Training Device (PTD). This is the wearable that you use most frequently to log your activities.

Once a compatible device syncs, the data will be updated on that device. If you only use one device at a time, that data from the primary training wearable will be synced across all devices.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Unified Training Status compatible devices include high-end Garmin sports watches and the Edge 1040. The company is gradually expanding the functionality to more wearables via firmware updates. At the time of writing the list of devices that support the feature include:

• D2 Mach 1
• Enduro range
• Edge 1040
• Epix (Gen 2) Series
• Fenix 6 and 7 Series
• Forerunner 255, 265, 955 and 965 Series
• Instinct 2 and Crossover Series
• MARQ Collection (Gen 1 and 2)
• Quatix 7 Series
• Tactix 7 and DeltaSeries

The list of Physio TrueUp compatible wearables is much longer. Pretty much all Garmin devices manufactured from 2016 onwards support the feature.

The company now also lets you choose a Primary Wearable. This is the device used as the main source of information for daily health metrics such as steps and sleep. Garmin, actually, suggests that you choose the same device as your PTD and Primary Wearable. This will give you the most unified tracking experience.

Why is this useful?

Multiple Garmin devices can be purchased by the same person for a variety of reasons. People have different preferences for the kind of tracking they want.

An avid cyclist might choose a bike computer, whereas a runner might favor a GPS watch. People who own several devices can tailor their tracking experience by utilizing the distinctive features of each. Additionally, some people might just enjoy using the most recent technology, so they decide to upgrade to newer models as soon as they become available.

Garmin automatically synchronises and aggregates data across devices. Unified Training Status now ensures that you are receiving more comprehensive performance metrics whichever wearable you use.

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