Strava is your own motivator, tracker, and social tool all in one. Whether you walk, run, ride a bike, or hike, you can transform your everyday movements into strong habits. If you want more from your use of Strava, these are specific ways to help you up your game experience and performance.
Use Segments for Friendly Competition
Strava segments allow you to compare your own performance with other riders who take the same route. These are short sections of road or trail where the app times you. You don’t have to be a pro to use segments. You just have to give them a try.
Racing against your previous runs or rides challenges you. And when you place on a leaderboard, even in a small town or sleepy trail, you feel good.
Turn on Notifications and Stay Consistent
Turn on activity reminders on your phone. Those small reminders will remind you to stay in the game even when things get hectic with your schedule. Use Strava as a virtual coach. It reminds you of days when you just want to be lazy.
You may also set an appointment for a time every day for your Strava activity—before sunrise, during lunch, or after work.
Join Strava Challenges for That Extra Kick
Strava offers free challenges every month. Whether it’s to run 20 km in a week, cycle 100 km in a month, or climb a certain height, these challenges give your workout meaning. You are not by yourself; you are part of something.
When you engage in a challenge, you see others doing so too. You’re motivated and do more than you would ever think. And when you complete a challenge, Strava gives you back a virtual badge, a little token, but one that yields a wonderful ego boost.
Follow Friends and Build Community
Strava is not just social. Follow your true friends or people from your city. You will see their runs, rides, and even photos. Hit them up with a thumb and a friendly comment. They will do the same.
This back-and-forth encourages you. You’ll want to post your successes, too. And when you see others getting going in spite of rainy days or busy days, it puts the idea in your head that you can, too.
Find New Routes Near You
Use Strava’s “Explore” feature to find new routes. You don’t have to go far away. A new park loop, street, or trail can liven up your routine. The more you find, the more fit you become.
Trying new routes also increases your endurance and keeps your mind active. Being bored is one of the main reasons people get out of exercise.
Link Your Interests for a Well-Rounded Routine
Often, inspiration for exercise comes outside the app. Hearing a podcast or an alternate interest while looking at stats on Strava, such as searching PBA odds if you like sports, can make it fun and engage your head while your body is moving.
Wrapping Up
Strava is a tool. You bring the meaning. With simple adjustments and collective effort, you can integrate every walk, run, or ride into your meaningful life. Keep moving, keep discovering, and let Strava lead you to love your daily exercise like never before.
