Allow intervals by distance not just time

Add the ability to set intervals based off of distance as well as time for the Versa

 

Moderator Edit: Updated label

25 Comments
Status changed to: Existing Feature
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @stel0136, Thanks for posting your suggestion. I wanted to let you know that this options is already available on your Fitbit Versa. If you choose the exercise Interval Timer > Tap the gear icon in the top left and scroll through the list of settings > Customize Stats > Change to Distance (top, middle or bottom stats). Is this option what you were looking for?

 

Thanks again for your participation. 

stel0136
Jogger

Thanks for letting me know about this feature! I’m not certain if this is what I’m looking for. Rather than monitoring the distance I’m looking for something to set the distance as part of my interval workout. For example, I may be working to speed work in preparation for a race so maybe I want 4x 400 m with 60 seconds of rest in between. So having an interval setting of just time isn’t helpful. Is there a way to program this on Versa? Thanks!

SunsetRunner
Not applicable
Hi @YojanaFitbit, can you change the status of this post so we can vote for interval-by-distance to be a feature?
Status changed to: Reviewed By Moderator
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @stel0136 and @SunsetRunner thanks for posting back! I think that the option that you're requesting is not available at this moment, at least not as you just described it. So I'm going to leave this suggestion open. It'd be a great idea to edit your feature with all the details that you mentioned so people can have a better understanding of it's functionality on Versa.

 

Have a good one!

KStaud
First Steps

I would like to ability to be able to setup an interval workout, but by distance and time. For example, run .5 miles and then rest for 30 seconds. Right now you can only setup intervals by time.

Speedster1
Recovery Runner

For example you can say if I was running or biking outside, I want to have a high intensity interval for a half mile followed by a low intensity interval for a quarter mile (and then repeat for as many sets), and then have some overall goal, be it distance (e.g. 4 total miles) or net time (e.g. 45 total minutes) of the workout.

 

The point is, you transition from one interval to the next only when a certain amount of distance is covered.

LuciaFitbit
Premium User
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Speedster1, thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. This feature suggestion already exists so I’ve moved your post here. Don't forget to add your vote!

cvmashellfish
Jogger

Currently, interval workouts on the ionic are only based on time.  many runners, including myself, do our intervals by distance - i.e. run 1/2 mile, rest 1/4 mile, repeat 8 times.  Please add the ability to choose distance intervals or time intervals. I suggest 1/10th mile  and 100 meters as the block size.  This is a feature available on most running GPS watches.  It is something that would keep me as a Fitbit customer, and that I know has kept many runners from choosing Fitbit...

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @cvmashellfish! Great suggestion, thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

Jolba
First Steps

I need an Ionic update with running intervals by distance. This is very important for a long distance runner. Is this update coming? Other brands have this option. Many thanks!

Rob124
Recovery Runner

Would it be possible to have interval training to be set to a distance as an option, as well as time.?

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Rob124, this is a good idea. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

Mizcrys323
Jogger

I am brand new to FitBit and this, by far, is the biggest disappointment to me.  I use the Galloway method of running and was surprised that there was no way for me to track my miles (laps) AND simultaneously set time intervals for my run.  And when I used the interval exercise option, there was no alert for me at each miles completed nor was the run synced to Strava.  SMH.  I now have to contemplate what feature I will need to use another app for. 

Also, I will note that the  interval feature has no way to set a warmup or cooldown time.  That should have been a given-- every HIIT workout includes that.  

Very dissatisfied right now.  

PatJanotta
First Steps

Hi I bought my Fitbit primarily to be used as a running watch, hoping it would assist me in my training.  I am extremely disappointed that this basic feature isn't included.  This issue was first raised in 2018 and this is a standard training method for runners, how has this not been added to the exercise app.  I am blown away by FitBits lack of support here.  Are there any third party exercise apps that support this functionality?

Cosmo1738
First Steps
Hi Team - wondering if we are able to put in place some notification at 1km intervals when running on the Versa 3. I have selected daily but I’d use this feature at least twice a day.
YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @Cosmo1738, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to set notifications based on distance for interval training. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

_shubham
First Steps

Can we have this feature on Fitbit charge 4 as well?

CazGirl
Jogger

I'd very much like to have this feature on the Versa 3. I'm very surprised that this isn't already built-in with the device's focus around GPS exercise. I hope that after 2 years that this feature will make it to release, otherwise I'll probably move on to a Garmin. 

amccaulley
First Steps

Wanted to see if there are any updates on this feature suggestion since it was now suggested 2.5 years ago. I know this was specific to the Versa, but I would like second a previous commenter's suggestion of adding this to the Charge 4 as well. Is there a specific reason that such a common exercise type cannot be implemented on what is supposed to be a top brand of fitness tracker?

PatJanotta
First Steps
I ended up getting a Garmin on sale later this same year. If Fitbit
doesn't add features people want people will migrate. So many new wearables
are coming into the market now too.

It's a shame. I enjoy the fitbit ecosystem and watch interface more than
Garmin's but the feature was important to me as the primary reason I
invested in a wearable was for running training.
_shubham
First Steps
As we have interval training by time, would like to have similar with distance.
eg: 500m run -- 200m rest (10 reps)
I guess you guys have recently added it to the ionic series(not sure).
Rob124
Recovery Runner

The only reason I bought a Fitbit was that my Tomtom watch stopped working and Tomtom no longer produce them, and the Fitbit was the one that appealed to me the most.

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @_shubham, thanks for explaining why you would like to see intervals by distance not just time on your Charge 4. I've moved it into a similar request. I think that a lot of users would like to have this option on their Fitbit devices.You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs.

Kye-therunner
First Steps

this feature has been being requested for nearly 4 years, is there any plan to actually make it as its a pretty easy programing project or have you chosen to let this project fall by the wayside like so many others?

Aussie-Runner
First Steps

Hi @YojanaFitbit  I would also love to see the option of creating intervals based on distance on fitbitcharge 4. 
Or at least the option to create manual laps or intervals. 

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