Garmin Fitness Coach now available on Fenix 8 here’s how to use it

Garmin is rolling out its new Fitness Coach feature to a wider range of smartwatches through Beta version 21.12. Originally unveiled with the launch of the Venu 4, this adaptive training tool is now landing on the Fenix 8 series, Tactix 8, Enduro 3, along with the Fenix E lineup.

So what actually is this?

Put simply, Fitness Coach has been designed to bring a more guided and personalised training experience to Garmin devices. It blends structured cardio and optional strength workouts with real-time adaptation based on your health data.

Before diving into the feature, it’s worth noting that we’ve already covered several other key tools introduced in Beta version 21.12. These include Garmin’s Sleep Alignment and Optimal Sleep Window tools, as well as the new Battery Manager feature. It is quite a big update.

How to use Fitness Coach

Unlike Garmin’s older Coach offerings that were built around specific sports like running or cycling, Fitness Coach is aimed at general fitness improvement. The system takes into account your daily metrics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, sleep quality, and training load, and then serves up the most appropriate workout for that day.

Missed a session? No problem. Played tennis instead of doing your scheduled run? No sweat. Fitness Coach adjusts accordingly.

You start by picking the “Improve Fitness” path in the Garmin Connect app. After a short setup questionnaire, the system builds a weekly schedule of adaptive workouts. These workouts vary in type and intensity, focusing on outcomes like endurance, cardio performance or recovery.

The sessions are heart rate-based, so you’ll see clearly which zone to stay in. This is one of the more practical aspects of the feature. Rather than prescribing a fixed pace or rep count, it adapts to how your body is responding day to day.

Types of cardio workouts you’ll get

Most plans centre around cardio, with workouts like Basic Endurance, Cardio Fitness, along with VO2 Max Boost. Each serves a distinct purpose.

Endurance sessions help you build a foundation through longer, steady workouts. Cardio Fitness takes that up a notch with efforts that are “comfortably hard.” VO2 Max Boost is where things get intense, with high-effort intervals that push your upper aerobic limits.

Then there’s Cardio Capacity, which helps you operate near your lactate threshold. These sessions are tough but manageable and are typically interval-based.

If you’re not up for intensity, the system can prescribe Recovery Workouts. These low-effort sessions help you stay active without stressing the system, ideal after bad sleep or on the tail end of a tough week.

Strength training is also part of the plan

Cardio might be the focus, but you can also enable strength training when setting up the plan. You choose between bodyweight-only workouts or gym-based routines using equipment like kettlebells, dumbbells, cable machines and Swiss balls. Expect about two strength sessions per week, targeting either full-body development or core-specific work.

This makes Garmin Fitness Coach a more balanced program. It doesn’t neglect the importance of muscle conditioning alongside cardiovascular performance, something many generic fitness plans overlook.

Supported activities and flexibility

Fitness Coach lets you complete workouts in any compatible activity profile. In total the workout guidance ranges across 26 activity types. So if you’d rather use an elliptical, go for a hike, or walk hills instead of running, you can do that.

The system recognises that effort and heart rate are more important than the exact sport. But it also gives guidance if your activity type might not be sufficient to hit the right training intensity.

This flexibility means the program suits a broader audience. Whether you’re new to fitness or someone maintaining a long-term habit, the system adapts without needing you to micro-manage your sessions.

If you’re on the Beta programme and have one of the above mentioned watches, the feature can be accessed under Garmin Coach in the Training & Planning section of Garmin Connect. From there, just select the Improve Fitness option and go through the onboarding.

Fitness Coach is free to use, which is good news considering how much Garmin has started locking features behind paywalls. We’re always a bit wary of what might end up restricted down the line. But right now, if you’ve got a compatible watch, you’re good to go without paying extra.

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