Garmin Coach and Instinct

Hi everyone,

I have a question about the compatibility of the Instinct watch and Garmin Coach. According to Garmin the instinct is not compatible with Garmin Coach.

I can however access garmin coach on the garmin connect app, as well as the desktop-page of garmin connect. From here i am able to create training plans and have them synced to my Instinct. I am also able to access the workouts and complete them. I have only done the benchmark run yet though, but i got "good job" as a feedback from the coach, and new workouts planned. All this makes it seem like it.. works..?

So now I'm confused. If the Instinct is incompatible - why do I even have the option to create and complete workout plans using Garmin Coach? Is the Instinct somehow semi-compatible? I'm a bit hesitant to commit to a program not knowing if I'll get the full benefit from it, or if it will just collapse mid-way due to missing sensor data and what not.

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0 isazi over 5 years ago

The instinct supports training plans through Garmin and structured workouts. You can use it to train without issues. What is not supported is the Garmin coach connect IQ app because the instinct does not support connect IQ. So you can train without issues, but you'll miss out on some fanciness on the watch itself.

0 jallajalla over 5 years ago in reply to isazi

Thank you very much for the explanation! I'll give it a go then.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

Can confirm Garmin Coach will sync to Instinct. Currently working through a half-marathon plan and it syncs all the workouts just fine. I don't know what else is included with Connect IQ app but I think it works perfectly for me.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

Hi, can I ask where the workouts get synced to? I can't seem to access the benchmark run on my garmin instinct

0 trux over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I can't seem to access the benchmark run on my garmin instinct

Go to the Run Activity screen, long press the Menu button (left center), then Training » My Workouts, and it should be right there.

However, if you scheduled the workout for given day, the watch will propose it automatically, when you enter the Run Activity. You only need to select the workout manually from the menu if you missed the schedule, or want to do it sooner.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to trux

Hi, my watch doesn't propose the workouts automatically though I scheduled it on the day. It also stopped syncing my workouts though I've been doing them diligently so I'm basically stuck on the easy run now without making any progress on my half marathon plan.

0 trux over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Try doing some minor change in the workout in Garmin Connect, save it, and send to device again.