Custom Exercises in LiftTrack

You can now create custom exercises in LiftTrack and track them on your Garmin Watch.

Whether it’s a lift that’s not in the database or your own variation, you can now log it, track progress, and include it in your workouts like any other exercise.

How to add a custom exercise:

Tap the + icon in the top right of the Exercises tab.
Fill out the form — name, equipment, and primary muscle group are required. If you can’t find the right category, use “Other.”
Your new exercise will show up under Custom Exercises, ready to add to workouts and view in charts.

How it works on your Garmin Watch:
Garmin doesn’t support full custom exercise names, but your custom exercise will show up as a “Go” step — with the actual name included in the note section of the workout step.

Why Create Custom Exercises?

Unique Movements

Every lifter has their own preferences and variations. Maybe you perform:

A specific grip variation on pull-ups
A modified squat stance that works better for your anatomy
A unique cable exercise you learned from a trainer

Equipment-Specific Exercises

Your gym might have equipment that’s not commonly represented in standard exercise databases:

Specialized machines from specific manufacturers
Homemade equipment or DIY variations
Modified exercises for limited equipment

Rehabilitation and Modification

Custom exercises are perfect for:

Modified movements due to injury or limitations
Physical therapy exercises prescribed by healthcare providers
Progressive exercises that bridge the gap between easier and harder movements

Best Practices for Custom Exercises

Naming Conventions

When creating custom exercises, use clear, descriptive names:

Good: “Wide-Grip Pull-ups”
Bad: “Pull-ups but different”

Include key details in the name:

Grip type (wide, narrow, neutral)
Equipment used (barbell, dumbbell, machine)
Modifications (assisted, single-leg, etc.)

Equipment and Muscle Groups

Be specific about:

Equipment: Choose the most accurate option available
Primary Muscle Group: Select the main muscle being targeted
Secondary Muscle Groups: Consider what other muscles are involved

Examples of Useful Custom Exercises

Grip Variations

Fat Grip Barbell Curls: Traditional barbell curls using fat grips for increased forearm engagement
Neutral Grip Pull-ups: Pull-ups using a neutral grip to reduce shoulder strain

Modified Movements

Assisted Pistol Squats: Single-leg squats with assistance from a band or TRX
Incline Push-ups: Push-ups with hands elevated to reduce difficulty

Equipment-Specific

Cable Woodchops: Rotational core exercise using a cable machine
TRX Pike: Core exercise using suspension trainer

Rehabilitation

Wall Slides: Shoulder mobility exercise against a wall
Band Pull-aparts: Postural exercise using resistance bands

Tracking Custom Exercises

On Your Garmin Watch

While Garmin doesn’t display the full custom exercise name, you’ll see:

The exercise listed as a “Go” step
The full name in the workout notes
All your sets, reps, and weights tracked normally

In the App

Custom exercises work exactly like standard exercises:

Track sets, reps, and weights
View in progress charts and analytics
Include in workout templates
Apply progressions and SetSync

Conclusion

Custom exercises in LiftTrack allow you to create a truly personalized strength training experience. Whether you’re working with unique equipment, following a specific training protocol, or need modifications for your individual needs, custom exercises ensure you can track everything that matters to your training.

Start by identifying the exercises you regularly perform that aren’t in the standard database, then create custom versions to track your progress. Over time, you’ll build a comprehensive library of exercises tailored to your specific training needs and goals.

Remember: the goal is to track what you actually do, not what’s most convenient to program. Custom exercises give you the flexibility to be accurate and comprehensive in your training logs.