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Get help with TrainerKit

Frequently Asked Questions

Which devices does TrainerKit support?

TrainerKit runs on Mac (macOS 14+), iPhone and iPad (iOS 17+), and Apple TV (tvOS 17+). Apple Watch (watchOS 10+) works as both a companion (live heart rate to iPhone) and a standalone ride computer with GPS, power, and cadence.

Which trainers are compatible?

TrainerKit works with any smart trainer that supports the Bluetooth FTMS (Fitness Machine Service) protocol. This includes most trainers from Wahoo, Tacx, Elite, Saris, and other major brands. Standalone power meters and heart rate monitors are also supported.

How do I connect my trainer?

Make sure your trainer is powered on and not connected to another app. In TrainerKit on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, open the Trainer section and tap "Scan for Trainer". Your trainer should appear in the list within a few seconds. TrainerKit automatically detects whether you've connected a smart trainer or a standalone power meter. Apple Watch pairs sensors differently — see the Watch FAQs below.

Can I ride outdoors with TrainerKit?

Yes! On iPhone, you can take structured workouts outside with GPS tracking and audio coaching, or start an outdoor free ride. GPS accuracy adjusts automatically based on your speed to optimize battery life.

What are GPX routes?

GPX routes let you ride real-world courses on your indoor trainer. Load a GPX file and your trainer automatically adjusts resistance to match the elevation profile — climbs get harder, descents get easier. You can also choose surface types that add realistic rolling resistance.

How does Adaptive Training Intelligence work?

Every morning TrainerKit generates a single training suggestion tailored to your recent rides, current form (CTL/ATL/TSB), race calendar, and the phase of your season (base, build, peak, taper, recovery). A built-in AI coach explains the suggestion in plain language and updates after each ride. A 4-week outlook projects what the system would suggest on each future day so you can see the shape of your training before you live it. The suggestion is a guide, not a rule — you can always ride something else.

How does the Race Calendar work?

Add your upcoming races with a priority (A, B, or C), discipline, distance, elevation, and optional goals. Upcoming races drive your training phase automatically — the closer an A-race, the more the engine shifts toward peak and taper work. Import a GPX course to preview the route, simulate it indoors on your trainer, or ride it outdoors. After the race, the calendar links your completed ride back to the event for easy comparison against goals.

How does iCloud sync work?

Your ride history, workouts, training plans, and athlete profiles sync automatically across all your devices signed into the same iCloud account. Data is stored in your private iCloud container — it is never shared with us or any third party.

How does FTP-based training work?

All workout targets are expressed as percentages of your Functional Threshold Power (FTP). When you update your FTP or switch athletes, power targets adjust automatically. TrainerKit includes three FTP test protocols — ramp test, 20-minute test, and 8-minute test — with automatic FTP detection.

Can multiple people use TrainerKit?

Yes! TrainerKit supports multiple athlete profiles. Each athlete has their own FTP, weight, power zones, workout history, training plans, and platform connections (Strava, Intervals.icu). Switch between athletes from the profile selector.

How does the Apple Watch work with TrainerKit?

Apple Watch has two modes. In companion mode, the Watch delivers live heart rate and haptic coaching to an active iPhone ride. In standalone mode, the Watch records rides on its own using GPS, and pairs to power and cadence meters through watchOS Settings (see the next FAQ). Standalone rides sync back to iPhone and iCloud automatically when back in range.

How do I pair a power meter or cadence sensor to Apple Watch?

Watch uses the system-level Bluetooth Health Equipment pairing (the same path Apple Fitness uses), not in-app pairing. On your Apple Watch: open Settings → Bluetooth → Health Equipment, then wake your sensor and select it when it appears. Once paired, TrainerKit automatically receives power and cadence data during standalone rides via HealthKit. Apple TV and iPhone use different pairing methods — see the corresponding FAQs.

Can I use iPhone and Apple Watch together with the same power meter?

No. Most Bluetooth power meters only support a single active connection. If you're riding with both devices, decide which one owns the sensor:

  • iPhone owns the meter (companion mode): pair the meter inside the iPhone app. The Watch automatically switches to a compatible workout mode so it does not grab the sensor away. Heart rate and haptic alerts still flow from Watch to iPhone.
  • Watch owns the meter (standalone mode): pair the meter through watchOS Settings Health Equipment. Do not connect the same meter to the iPhone app during that ride.

Connecting the same meter to both devices at once can leave the meter unreachable until a power cycle.

How do I upload rides to Strava?

Connect your Strava account from the athlete profile settings. On Mac and iPhone, you'll authorize through your browser. On Apple TV, scan a QR code with your phone to authorize, then enter the code shown on the confirmation page. You can enable automatic uploads so every completed ride syncs immediately.

What data is exported in FIT files?

FIT files include timestamps, power, cadence, heart rate, speed, distance, GPS coordinates (outdoor rides), lap markers, and calculated metrics like TSS and normalized power. These files are compatible with Strava, Intervals.icu, TrainingPeaks, and other platforms. You can also export rides as GPX files.

My trainer isn't showing up. What should I check?

First, ensure the trainer is powered on and the LED is active. Close any other apps that might be connected to the trainer (Zwift, Wahoo app, etc.). Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your device. Try restarting both the trainer and your device.

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