How to Create a Segment in Garmin

Fitness fanatics know the importance of tracking health and activity stats. This is especially true for longer routes with uneven terrain. Whether a hiker or biker, you can benefit greatly from dividing the trail into several smaller sections.

Luckily, the majority of Garmin fitness devices support this type of feature. Apart from helping you tackle the trickier parts of the course, it also spurs some healthy competition with other users by including a leaderboard. So, if you want to know how to create a segment on Garmin, make sure to keep reading.

How to Create a Segment on Garmin?

Most GPS-based activities are divided into segments for several reasons. If there’s a particularly tricky portion of your daily route, like a steep climb or a patchy road, you can mark it with your device. That way, you’ll know exactly when it’s coming and record the time it took you to get through it.

Also, leaderboards are included in each segment. You can test your limits by comparing your stats with other users. Of course, the results are separated by activity type, so hikers aren’t put up against cyclists. Instead, you go head to head with other fitness fiends from the same category.

Many activities have pre-existing segments, but you’re free to customize them following your routine. With Garmin, there are two ways you can do this: by using Strava Segments or by generating one with the Garmin Connect app.

Both methods come with a few prerequisites. To create a segment on Garmin, you’ll need a fitness device that supports the feature. Depending on the chosen app, the list can vary. Keep reading to find out which sports watches and wrist bands are eligible, and learn how to create a segment through step-by-step instructions.

Garmin Connect Segments

The Garmin Connect app is a great way to keep track of your daily activities. It can record any data with precision and diligence, from heart rate and mileage to stress levels and sleep quality. Thanks to the elegant dashboard, you can carefully analyze the stats and adjust your routine accordingly.

Note: Women can even use it to track their menstrual cycle and pregnancy, which is super convenient.

If you want to create Garmin Connect segments, you need to download the app and register an account. The app is available free of charge on both Google Play and the App Store. Once you’re signed up and good to go, here’s what you need to do:

1. Launch the app and select the activity for the segment. It can be running, cycling, hiking – whatever your regime ensues, as long as it’s GPS-based.
   
2. Scroll down below the activity charts to the summary details.
3. Find the “Segments” tab and tap to open it. If the tab isn’t showing, try switching to a different type and refreshing the page.
   
4. Tap the button to create a segment and mark the corresponding route on the map.
   
5. Add a segment title and specify its surface (paved bike path, dirt road, grass). Once you’re done, tap “Save.”
   

Garmin also likes to encourage some healthy competition between users. The app enables you to participate in fitness challenges, share your greatest triumphs on social media, and, of course, show up in segment leaderboards. However, to be able to share your stats, you have to adjust the privacy settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the app and tap on your avatar icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Account Settings” from the drop-down.
3. Open “Privacy Settings” and scroll to the “Segments” section. Turn the toggle on to enable public sharing.

Of course, none of this matters if you don’t have the right device. You can check out whether your watch or wristband supports segments on the official Garmin website.

Strava Segments

Garmin partnered up with one of the most popular social networks for fitness freaks to create the optimal athletic experience. Strava is favored by runners and cyclists worldwide, mostly due to the amazing features.

The app references the pre-existing data of your chosen activity and creates detailed segments. You can use Strava to break down your route into several sections and acquire the exact mileage, elevation, moving time, and effort level. It’s probably one of the most intricate fitness app features currently on the market. If this piqued your interest, here’s how to create a Strava segment:

1. Open your chosen activity and click on the three horizontal dots to access the options menu.
2. Select “Create a Segment.”
3. You’ll be redirected to a different interface. Use the sliders to designate the segment on the map. When you’re done, click “Next.”
4. Add the segment name and adjust the privacy settings.

Note: Try to be specific when choosing a segment name. For example, if there’s a landmark near that portion of the road, include it in the title. That way, other users will have a better idea of your exact route in case of an emergency.

Once you’ve created the segments, you can export them to your Garmin fitness device in a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it with the Garmin Connect app:

1. Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner of the screen. For iOS devices, tap “More” in the bottom-right corner.
   
2. Choose “Training” from the options menu and then go to “Segments.”
   
3. Tap on the three little dots in the top-right corner. Choose “Strava Segments” and then hit “Launch.”
4. Mark your favorite segments with a star and sync the device.

If you prefer the web version, that’s fine too. Here’s how to send Strava segments with Garmin Connect web:

1. Log in to your account with your preferred browser.
2. Navigate to the dashboard and click on the “+” button to add a widget.
3. From the options menu, choose “Segment,” then click on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
4. Click “Use Strava Segments” and authorize the widget if prompted.
5. Star your favorites and continue to sync the device.

Keep in mind that particular segments are not eligible for live viewing. For example, if there’s a route with a .25% downhill loss, you won’t be able to send it to your Garmin fitness device.

Custom Courses

Some Garmin fitness devices also support the custom courses feature. For a definitive answer, check out the official list. If your athletic accessory is on here, you can tailor a pre-planned route to shake things up for your daily run. And you can do it with the Garmin Connect app:

1. Tap the “More” section in the bottom-right corner. For Android users, tap the hamburger menu in the top-left corner.
   
2. Choose “Training” from the list of options and go to “Courses.”
   
3. Tap to “Create a Course” and then choose a type from the list of recommendations.
   
4. Select a preferred “Drawing Method.” You have two options: Automatic or Custom.
   
5. If you chose Automatic, the app would customize a course with the Trendline Popularity Routing tool. Enter the title, direction, and distance, then tap “Next.”
   
6. To create a custom course yourself, zoom in on the map and determine the starting and ending point. Make adjustments if necessary and tap “Next.”
   
7. Once you’re satisfied with the course, tap “Save” or “Done,” depending on the device.
   

You can pretty much use the same steps for the web version, with a couple of slight distinctions:

1. Click on the left-pointing arrow in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Go to Training > Courses > Create a Course (lower-left corner of the map).
   
3. Select a type and drawing method. In this case, go for “Custom.”
   
4. Pin-point the exact route on the map. To add customized points (rest stops, climbing, etc.), click “Add Course Point.”
5. Click on the small pencil icon to add a name. Remember, most Garmin fitness devices can only show up to 15 characters.

Round Trip Course

Garmin fitness devices have an algorithm that creates round-trip courses. The route is based on several different factors, including popularity, user reviews, type of surface, etc.

You can activate the feature with the Garmin Connect web app. Just follow steps 1-3 from the previous section, only this time choose “Round Trip Course” for the drawing method.

Additional FAQs

How to Change Garmin From Miles to KM?

If you prefer the metric system, you can change how your Garmin fitness device measures distance. It takes a few simple steps, and you don’t have to use the app to switch to a different unit. You can do it with the watch interface directly:

1. Hold the “Up” button on your Garmin device.

2. Tap on the little gear icon to open “Settings.”

3. Select “System” and then “Units.”

4. Choose the preferred unit, in this case, kilometers.

How to Get Garmin Segment Badge?

Badges are a great way to level up on the Garmin segment leaderboard. Not only do they earn you bragging rights, but they also act as a solid motivator. After all, everyone likes to be rewarded for their effort. Having a visual representation of your hard work paying off is the best way to stay active.

Also, you don’t have to be an Olympian to obtain one. There’s a segment badge for every activity type, and most of them can be won multiple times. If you want to check what kind of rewards are up for grabs, the quickest way to do it is with the mobile app:

1. Tap the “My Day” tab in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

2. Find the avatar icon at the top of the page and tap to access your profile.

3. Scroll to the “Activity” section and select “All Badges” to look at the list.

If a particular segment badge is black and white, that means it’s still available. To find out how to unlock it, tap on the symbol and read the instructions. You’ll also be able to see if someone from your network has already earned the badge.

Let’s Get Physical

Garmin gives you the freedom of choice when it comes to creating segments for your fitness device. The mobile app sports an elegant interface that lets you designate the route for your daily workout. As a bonus, you can sync Strava segments to your Garmin watch or wristband due to the friendly relationship between the two companies.

Furthermore, you can play around with different course types and blaze a custom-made trail. It’s a great solution if you’re stuck in a routine and feel like experimenting. If you ever feel unmotivated – just look to the shiny badges for the extra push.

Do you like creating segments with Garmin Connect, or is Strava your preferred choice? How often do you review your health and activity stats? Feel free to share your favorite routes in the comments below.