How to Enable Extended Warm-Up and Cool-Down on Garmin Devices

Some workouts prescribed by Athletica include optional open warm-up and cool-down steps. When enabled, these allow you to start and finish your session at your own pace—pressing the Lap button on your Garmin device when you're ready to move to the next part of your workout.

This feature gives athletes more control and flexibility during structured training sessions or workouts that require additional time to settle in or wind down.

How to Enable or Disable This Feature

1. Go to your Settings/Connections page in Athletica.

2. Under Garmin, click Configure.

3. You will see two checkboxes:

   • Prefer open warm up in prescribed workouts

   • Prefer open cool down in prescribed workouts

4. Check these boxes if you'd like your Garmin to show a “Warm Up Until Lap Press” or “Cool Down Until Lap Press” step at the beginning and end of your workout.

What It Looks Like on Your Garmin

Once the workout is synced, your Garmin will display a prompt like:

Warm Up
Until Lap Press

Or:

Cool Down
Until Lap Press

You can start running or cycling right away, and when you're ready to proceed to the next workout step, press the Lap button (top right on most Garmin models).

Workout Step Preview

On your Garmin, the workout step list will also indicate that the warm-up or cool-down has "No Target" and lasts “Until Lap Press.”

Why Use This Option?

• Flexibility: You choose when you're ready to begin the main effort or end the workout.

• Better control: Ideal for warming up to a specific heart rate or pace before structured work.

• Enhanced race simulation: Mimics real race conditions where you warm up and cool down freely.