TL; DR
- The software update from Garmin affects the Fenix 6, Enduro and Marq models.
- It includes a new subjective training metric: Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Feeling.
- It also brings improvements in other fitness functions.
The latest software update from Garmin enables a variety of fitness functions for the Fenix 6 series, Enduro and Marq models. This includes a call for self-assessment with the introduction of the Perceived Effort Rate (RPE) and Feeling.
Rate of perceived exertion and feeling
If you have ever finished a workout completely exhausted and thought: “Do you remember this moment”, your Garmin watch wants to know about it. Fenix 6 series, Enduro and Marq users can now rate how intense a workout was and how it felt subjectively. Think of this feature as the gym partner you normally feel sorry for, but on your wrist and on file. Your RPE feedback is uploaded to Garmin’s health app, Garmin Connect, in addition to your physical readings. Garmin can use this data to determine the intensity of your future training sessions.
Improved intensity minutes
The software update from Garmin also brings improvements to the intensity minute function. Users earn intensity minutes from moderate exercise (like brisk walk) or vigorous activity (like running or going uphill). They are indicated by an increased heart rate or an increased step frequency per minute. With the new update, you can now receive feedback on your intensity minutes during the activity with an optional data field. You can also find out how and when they were earned right on your watch or through Garmin Connect.
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Improved fitness age
The update also brings improvements to Fitness Age, Garmin’s estimate of your body’s physical performance. In addition to fine-tuning accuracy, Garmin has added actionable recommendations to reduce your fitness age, including suggested activities.
Activity challenges and badges
To further entice users to adopt these suggestions, Fenix 6-series, Enduro and Marq riders can download the Garmin Connect Challenges app. Now you can keep an eye on activity challenges and discover new badges to compete against your connections. (Because what motivates you better than a little friendly competition?)
While some Garmin fans crave a Fenix 7, this update is another example of Garmin’s constant support and advancement of its devices. Year after year, the company expands and improves its fitness functions. That means that no matter what device you own, you have made a solid investment.