Top 12 Online Training Log For Athletes
No single online training log is so superior that it is considered the greatest, but there are a few of them with certain elements that some may think make them effective, while others might find these features tedious or bothersome.
Let’s discuss some features that make a good online training log an optimal choice for triathletes with various objectives, types of training, and circumstances. Let’s take a look:
To App or Not to App
Be certain that you have a reasonable expectation of where you will be utilizing the optimal web-based training log before making your selection. For certain individuals, the ideal online instructional log might not exist on the internet in any way.
Certain individuals may prefer a log crafted with a contemporary, high-tech substance comprised of cellulose pulp fibres. For those people who are still attached to the paper, a printed book or sheets of paper could be the best option.
For some, the most advantageous online training record offered can only be used on their phone or tablet. Do you enjoy spending the evening in bed, doing your logging before you go to sleep?
There’s an app for that. If you suspect that you may be using your workplace’s resources for logging activities, an internet-accessed training journal could be a great choice.
Be mindful when finding an online training log, as some require the use of a mobile website to enter morning runs and intervals. Make sure before committing to a system that this would not be an issue.
If you can comprehend three-quarters or more of the sentence, then it would be advantageous to invest in a web-based exercise record that can process an extensive amount of data.
If it appeared to be a mix of random letters connected with conjunctions, then you ought to invest in something that begins at a fundamental level but has the potential to develop.
Some logging programs may be useful for making speedy and basic entries, while others may be suited for analysing all the metrics that your body can generate.
Be aware that if the information, choices, and charts make you feel too nervous, it might be too much for you to even use the more straightforward attributes, and on the 17th of January, you’ll be in the bigger crowd – not somewhere you’d rather be.
In other words, if you have invested in a cycling power meter with pedalling smoothness functions and force vector capabilities, a running power meter, or have had a physiological assessment, the optimal online training log for you could even exceed your expectations.
If you already enjoy working with tri, there is a good chance that you would have a lot of fun engaging in even more data analysis.
We looked specifically for distinguished content, dependability, and enjoyable customer ratings when selecting the top triathlon apps for both iOS and Android gadgets. Here’s what we considered while making our selections:
- Price: Most of these apps have free features that you can access with a simple download, and some offer additional features with in-app subscriptions.
- Ratings: We selected apps with ratings of 4 out of 5 stars or higher from both iOS and Android users (there’s one exception on this list).
- Reviews: We read hundreds of reviews to find out what triathletes loved (or didn’t love) about each of these apps.
- Versatility: We focused on apps that are compatible with a wide variety of smartwatches and heart rate monitors because everyone’s training tools look a little different!
Get Fit with A Good Fit
Before you go all the way through the enrolment procedure for an online practice recorder, make certain the service is suitable for your present gadgets/programs.
Do you have a Suunto watch you truly love? Ensure that it can be quickly transferred to your new exercise record. Do you use Strava for motivation/bragging? Make sure the system is compatible with your new training program if that’s what you wish for it to do.
Be cautious when dealing with services that claim to be compatible with a certain device/program; make sure they are in fact working together smoothly before you make any monetary investment or take the time to use them.
If it requires five separate steps to get your ride, run, or swim transferred, downloaded, formatted, uploaded, and processed, then it’s unlikely you’ll be taking advantage of the service as often as you could.
Current top-ranking online training logs are so straightforward and user-friendly that you don’t need to struggle to get them to work correctly, unlike the situation back at the beginning of the 2000s. Don’t just make do.
So now that you understand a little bit about what makes an online training log the best one for you, let’s take a look at a few picks:
1. Training Peaks
TrainingPeaks is the premier online training log and the ideal choice for triathletes who have a considerable amount of data to assess. It offers an unparalleled level of detail when analysing their performance metrics.
While TrainingPeaks has simple functions available, the variety of options might be a bit off-putting if you’re only used to keeping track of miles, time, pace, and the like.
TrainingPeaks also possesses a large endowment of instructors, plans, exercises, and material through their posts and bulletins plus a spectacular app that works well with lots of gear and services.
Subscribing to the premium tier affords access to a multitude of features, while the basic subscription may suffice if all you’re looking to do is log standard exercise routines. There is no foreseeable limit to what one can accomplish using this training log, which is a great asset—unless you suffer from casadastraphobia (fear of falling into the sky).
2. Today’s Plan
Beginning in the world of cycling, Today’s Plan has since expanded to include running and triathlons, providing impressively detailed metrics and invaluable insights for tech-savvy athletes.
The software has a particular dashboard that helps analyse indoor cycling. You can use it to compute altitude-adjusted power if you’re at a higher elevation and don’t want to be overpowered by those living at sea level.
A few of the highest-end cycling squads and triathlon trainers have been taking up the Today’s Plan regimen to engage in their practice programs and observe their sports ability.
Some of the specialized language and phrasing may take a moment to comprehend, but the significant benefit of Today’s Plan is found in the large selection of training plans available for a variety of events, lengths, and skill levels.
Once you choose your plan, add it to your profile, enter your training zones, and it will fill your calendar with the specific speed, power, and heart rate levels you need to achieve. Bonus: Active Pass members get all this for free.
3. FinalSurge
FinalSurge was once the newbie, however, its comfort and jaw-dropping collection of nicely-curated coaching plans provided by coaches such as Mark Allen, The Sufferfest, and the Iron Cowboy put it at the top of the pack.
The plans offered by FinalSurge range from around £40 for 12 weeks to more, but athletes can take advantage of the free version of this logging tool if that’s all they need. This user interface is straightforward enough for novice users to understand, yet provides enough features to satisfy even the most data-oriented individuals.
They have just put out a mobile app that follows the basic and straightforward setup of their website, and it can also sync with Garmin Connect and Strava conveniently.
4. Garmin Connect
It comes as no surprise that if you own a Garmin, then Garmin’s Connect service/app should be your go-to once you get home to quickly upload your workout.
Garmin products with Wi-Fi capability will send data from a completed workout to the Connect app without any manual input from the user.
You can use a variety of data tools to review your workouts and training, making the process of transferring the information from your watch to your log a lot more efficient.
Even though Garmin Connect might not be the endpoint for your data, you can link it with different platforms such as the two previously mentioned, so it can serve as a go-between for your gadget and fitness records.
5. SportTracks
SportTracks does not provide the same level of sophistication that FinalSurge or TrainingPeaks does, but it does a reasonable job of providing a basic online workout log.
SportTracks is a more cost-effective choice than TrainingPeaks, but it does not have any pre-packaged coaching plans for sale. Thus, it is most suitable for those who create their own exercise regimens or are coached by someone who uses SportTracks.
The most significant gain from SportTracks is their wide variety of supported devices and the features that many other services don’t advertise as much, such as weather monitoring, keeping track of personal records, and more.
It is essential to remember that presently SportTracks does not provide an app and is only available on the web.
6. Strava
Whether you’re a current member of a triathlon group or looking to become part of an athletic club, Strava can help make your exercise routine more interactive.
Think of it as Facebook for your workouts. Strava takes your phone and transforms it into a hi-tech tracker to allow you to study your own stats, and also lets you compare your stats against other users on regularly-used paths and trails with the help of a segment leader board.
The app for athletes involves being a part of squads and teams, and also has regular contests — it also enables you to give and get tokens of appreciation from other athletes for encouragement.
Strava provides users with the most expansive selections of roads and trails in the world, making it easy for you to switch up your training and explore new areas. You can also employ Bluetooth to link your smartwatch or heart rate monitor to the app and transfer data from swimming in either a pool or open water.
Strava works with Apple Health, Garmin, Fitbit, Polar, and many other fitness trackers.
You have the option to pay a fee each month or year for a premium account, which will offer you information regarding your heart rate, a tool to keep track of your training, and competitions that are tailored to your personal needs. Even though you don’t have to pay for it, Strava is still one of the finest free fitness applications available.
7. Cyclemeter
The Cyclemeter app transforms your mobile device into a cycling computer. You can use this to keep up with your pace, how far you have gone, how long your ride has taken, and how many calories you have burned, as well as a map of your course.
This item also has the advantage of being able to provide a hands-free experience, with controls operated by voice commands to initiate, cancel, and monitor laps during your ride. It can audibly tell you your stats through the headphones on your ears while you are exercising.
The app is designed to work with Apple Watch, and it links up with Strava if you want to communicate your exercises with your loved ones. If you would like to assess your data in a spreadsheet, you can export it to a Comma-Separated Values (CSV) file.
8. Swim.com
The Swim.com app enables you to design your exercise regime in advance – or alternatively, pick one of the ready-made workouts from the library – and store it on your gadget before you get in the pool. In doing so, you can conveniently refer to your plan and gauge your development relative to it.
The app can be used on various gadgets, among them being the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and products by Garmin. If you like to measure up against others, you can monitor and calculate your speed and range on the digital scoreboard.
9. ASICS Runkeeper
If you need an application to help you while jogging, take a look at ASICS Runkeeper. It can monitor your speed, mileage, and if you’re on schedule in achieving your aims.
You can use it to create targets that can be tracked and monitored as you advance. When running, you will have the option of having a motivating voice to tell you your speed, how far you have gone, and the time it has taken.
The app also provides the ability to form tailored plans or participate in online contests and running groups for additional inspiration. Check out your performance in your account anytime you yearn to experience the rewarding excitement of success.
If you want to enjoy further advantages such as personalized exercise schedules, following a route in real-time, and observing improvements over time, you can subscribe to the Runkeeper Go plan for around $40 yearly.
10. V.O2
You can use the app to record various activities, but the purpose of V.O2 (or VDOT) is mainly to be used as a running coach.
If you have a private triathlon coach, they can load your routines onto the application, leave criticisms and keep an eye on your growth ( accountability is major!).
If you have either a Garmin or COROS smartwatch, the running sessions that your coach has planned out will show up on your watch each day as they are planned. Your timepiece will record you while you exercise and send the information straight to VDOT so your trainer can analyse it.
You don’t have to have a Garmin or COROS to utilize VDOT; you can monitor your exercise routine using Strava. If you don’t have a trainer, VDOT can help you locate someone!
They propose a handful of subscription plans for digital guidance, among which is their V.O2 Adaptive Trainer alternative relying on Artificial Intelligence to create an individualized route based on your objectives.
Your coach may designate days for swimming and biking, however, VDOT does not give them the authority to program swim or bike workouts onto your Garmin device. You will have to enter the information about your swim or bike workout within the app after you have completed the exercise.
11. IRONMAN Tracker
This app is used to follow any IRONMAN competition and is the official tracking tool for participants. Can observe your own accomplishments and keep tabs on others who are vying against you.
Your acquaintances and relatives can also keep an eye on your performance, observe the rank you hold in your division, and get alerted when you reach certain objectives along the way.
The app also connects with the majority of social media networks, so you can spread your performance outcome after you have completed your competition. It’s quite simple to discover and sign up for upcoming occasions.
It is advisable to remember that while this app can be beneficial to monitor your race day times or reviewing previous performances, it has not been developed to assist you with your training. The info seen on the app may be distinct from what is visible on your fitness tracker, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) could shift contingent on the race site.
12. Wiggle
A UK-based e-commerce website for sporting goods created by avid exercise enthusiasts for fellow sports devotees is known as Wiggle. The application provides a vast collection of items for biking, swimming, and running.
Not sure where to start? You can get guidance from knowledgeable athletes to help you buy the equipment that’s most applicable to your objectives and requirements.
Wiggle offers guidance, facts, counsel, and coverage details for maximum triathlon preparation and nutrition. This also gives individuals the chance to think ahead and take part in Wiggle activities in the United Kingdom.
