What happened to exercise shortcuts options?

[Corgimom9]

Under Activity and Wellness/Exercise, there used to be a number of exercise choices, and we could choose a few (five or six) that we used regularly. I had, among others, Walk, Weights, Workout, and Yoga, ones I use all the time. This morning when I went to start my Walk, it was gone. In place of my chosen workouts, I now have some random ones that appeared overnight: Run, Bike, Swim, Treadmill, Weights, Interval Workout. Then there's a screen saying "Want more? Edit Exercise Shortcuts in the Fitbit app." BUT--when I go to that screen, there are no options to edit anything. It just lists weekly exercise goals and then shows the Auto Recognized Exercises and when they kick in, which doesn't work for me. I like to set the times when I begin and end my workouts. Also, the walk option, which recognizes 10+ minutes apparently, states that "GPS will not be turned on." So, no map. What happened? Who decided on this set of exercises, and why in the world would a simple WALK be excluded? Is this just another one of the many problems happening with the Google update? I have had a Fitbit for three years and have loved it up until now, but this is incredibly frustrating. Anybody know anything about how to fix this? (Screenshot attached of my "Exercise" screen.)

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity.

[JohnnyRow]

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Get-Moving/Video-How-to-Customize-Exercise-Shortcuts/m-p/4158748/hig...

to see how to change your exercise options back to what you prefer.

For things like this, it often helps to tell which model Fitbit tracker you have.

Did you just switch your account from Fitbit to Google?  If so, this sounds like another unintended consequence of that.

[Corgimom9]

Thanks. My first post. I have a Charge 5. I knew how to change exercise shortcuts as in the video, but those options are not available on the app anymore, at least not on mine. All I have are the auto-recognized ones, no choices, no chance to change anything.

Yes, I did just switch my account, unfortunately, on Monday, and this is only one of many problems I am experiencing with it (along with syncing problems, not showing my readiness score or sleep, among others). Every time I look at the site, it's another adventure, another thing missing or not working.

[Triletics]

@Corgimom9 your Charge 5 probably updated or needs to update with recent firmware (check the pinned topic in the Charge 5 forum).

From now on, all exercise shorcuts should be available on the watch itself hence the app doesn't show shortcuts anymore.

[JohnnyRow]

Sorry, guess I'm no help.

[Corgimom9]

Thank you! Clearly I don't have that update yet, but at least this makes sense. (I just was on a chat with someone from Fitbit Help but apparently he wasn't aware of this.) 

[RodrigoMFitbit · Accepted solution]

@JohnnyRow @Triletics Thanks for your help. 

@Triletics True, with the latest firmware update all shortcuts will be on the device itself. It makes sense that now no shortuts settings are shown on the app. 

@Corgimom9 Welcome to the forums. Thanks for reaching out about the exercise shortcuts on your device. Recently a new firmware version for your Charge 5 was launched (click here). These are released to customers in phases. If you don’t see it, check the Fitbit app in a few days, and you’ll see a message when you can install the update. We appreciate your patience while we get this update to all of our customers.

In this case, since "walk" is not shown on your device, for the time being you will either have to rely on the automatic log after the 10 minutes or you can also use your smartphone to track your exercise. You can start an actitvity directly on your smartphone and record GPS data as well (How do I use the Fitbit app to capture GPS data?). This could be your alternative until you get the latest firmware that will let you select "Walk" on device. 

I was able to find this in the following help article (How do I track my workouts with my Fitbit device?😞

"Can I change or reorder the exercises on my Fitbit device? For Fitbit Charge 5, Fitbit Inspire 3, Fitbit Luxe, Fitbit Sense series, Fitbit Versa series, and Google Pixel Watch, all exercises are available in the Exercise app . Charge 5, Inspire 3, Luxe, Sense series, Versa 3, Versa 4, and Google Pixel Watch show your most recently used exercises in the Exercise tile and/or at the top of the Exercise app"

I also recommend restarting your Charge 5 to see if the shortcuts change based on your most recent activity, since you usually log "Walk" more often than the others. Note that once you get the latest firmware, you will be able to select whichever training directly on device. I appreciate your patience!

[upgradeyard]

Exercise shortcuts typically refer to methods or products that claim to provide quick and efficient ways to achieve fitness goals or improve physical well-being. Some of these options include:

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. This type of training is known for its efficiency in burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional steady-state cardio exercises.

2. Tabata Training: Tabata is a form of HIIT that follows a specific 4-minute structure. It involves performing an exercise at maximum intensity for 20 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for a total of eight cycles. This method is often used for quick and intense workouts.

3. Circuit Training: Circuit training combines different exercises targeting different muscle groups in a sequential manner. It involves performing a series of exercises with minimal rest in between. This approach allows for a full-body workout while keeping the heart rate elevated, providing both cardiovascular and strength benefits.

4. High-Intensity Resistance Training (HIRT): HIRT combines resistance training with high-intensity intervals. It involves performing resistance exercises with heavy weights or high resistance, combined with short bursts of intense cardio exercises. This method aims to maximize calorie burn and muscle building in a shorter duration.

5. Fitness Apps and Online Workouts: With the rise of technology, many fitness apps and online platforms offer short and focused workout routines that can be done at home or in a gym. These apps often provide guided workouts, personalized plans, and quick routines for individuals seeking time-efficient exercise options.

It's important to note that while exercise shortcuts may provide efficient workouts, achieving long-term fitness and health goals typically requires consistency, a well-rounded exercise program, and a balanced diet. Additionally, individual preferences, fitness levels, and any underlying health conditions should be taken into consideration when choosing an exercise routine.

[Lilbiddy]

@Corgimom9  The page in the app showing the auto recognised exercise list isn't the one you want. Go back one page and scroll up from the Wellness excercise that you had previously selected. You should see an image of your Fitbit device. Select/tap that image. This will hopefully give you a list of general options. Scroll down and you should find the option for the exercise shortcuts. When you select that you should see the list of all the shortcuts on your Fitbit. Please note that you have to remove an item from the list before you are shown all the other options available. Hopefully you will then be able to add, remove and shuffle the options to your heart's content.

[RodrigoMFitbit]

@upgradeyard Nice to see you in the forums again. Thanks for sharing this information. 

@Lilbiddy Thanks for your input and instructions. The last firmware update for several devices will change the exercise app. After the update all exercises available will be on the device. I assume that is the reason the shortcuts settings is no longer showing on the app. So it will no longer be possible to arrange the exercises shown on the device, since all of them will be available. These will be sorted automatically by frequency of use. 

[Lilbiddy]

@RodrigoMFitbit  Well that will be very useful to me using a Charge 2. Good job I never update my app if I can help it.

Any suggestions as to what I should do if I have to update the app? I suppose it will just be the usual reply of "tough, we don't care".

Actions like this are why I will never own another Fitbit.

[RodrigoMFitbit]

@Lilbiddy Thanks for the swift reply! Please note that this thread was related to a Fitbit Charge 5, which is one of the devices that received an update. That is the reason the "exercise shortcuts" settings is no longer shown on the app for this specific device. 

The Fitbit Charge 2 on the other hand, will still have the option to edit the exercise shortcut list. I have my Charge 2 in use and I can still arrange them and my Fitbit app is up to date. There is no change for Fitbit Charge 2 users. Thanks for your understanding. 

[Lilbiddy]

@RodrigoMFitbit  I was looking at the Charge 5 forum earlier on and it seems that the latest firmware is not necessarily having the desired effect on some devices. Quite a few people now seem to possess a brick after the update was attempted. 

[RodrigoMFitbit]

@Lilbiddy Thank you for the reply and your observations. The situation with the Charge 5 has been reported and Fitbit is looking into it. I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us. If you have a Charge 5 inquiry, I suggest you post it on the resepctive board (Fitbit Charge 5 Board) or contact support.