How to Track Workouts with Strava

Tap through each step in order to get set up.

  1. Create your Strava account

    Download the Strava app and sign up with an email address or a social account.

  2. Choose your activity type

    Pick the kind of workout you want to record. Running, cycling, hiking, and dozens of other activity types are available near the bottom of the screen.

  3. Tap start to begin recording

    Strava uses GPS to automatically track your route, distance, pace, and elapsed time as you move.

  4. Follow friends and compare efforts

    Following other users lets you cheer each other on with kudos and compare times on shared route segments.

  5. Why it is worth using

    Working out solo can feel isolating, but comparing progress with friends and getting kudos on your activities adds a social layer that makes it easier to stay consistent.

Add some fun to solo workouts

Running or cycling alone does not have to feel like a solitary grind. Comparing your logged efforts with friends and getting encouragement on each activity adds real motivation to keep showing up.

Also worth checking out: Google Fit

If you want to bring all of your health data together in one place rather than just tracking individual workouts, it is worth also looking into how Google Fit works alongside an activity-specific app like Strava.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Strava free to use?

Basic activity tracking and sharing are free. More detailed analysis, segment leaderboards, and other advanced features require a paid subscription.

Can I connect a smartwatch to Strava?

Yes. Strava syncs with a wide range of smartwatches and GPS devices, including popular models from Garmin and Apple, so recorded workouts upload automatically.