Garmin Connect - Detailed Review
Self Improvement Tools
Garmin Connect - Product Overview
Garmin Connect Overview
Garmin Connect is a comprehensive platform that falls squarely within the self-improvement tools category, particularly focusing on health, wellness, and fitness tracking.Primary Function
The primary function of Garmin Connect is to synchronize and integrate data from various Garmin devices, allowing users to track their daily health and training activities. This platform centralizes data from wearables, such as smartwatches, fitness bands, and other GPS-enabled devices, providing a unified view of the user’s health and fitness metrics.Target Audience
Garmin Connect is targeted at individuals who are keen on monitoring and improving their health and fitness. This includes athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone interested in tracking their daily activities, sleep, heart rate, and other health indicators. The platform is particularly popular among runners, cyclists, swimmers, and participants in other sports, as well as those who value monitoring their overall wellness.Key Features
Data Synchronization
Garmin Connect allows users to sync data from multiple Garmin devices, ensuring accurate and comprehensive tracking of health and fitness metrics.Primary Wearable and Training Device
Users can set a primary wearable device for recording daily health stats like sleep, body battery, and steps, and a primary training device for tracking performance and training data. This feature helps in prioritizing data from the most frequently used device.Health and Fitness Tracking
The platform tracks a wide range of health indicators, including steps, sleep quality, body battery energy levels, heart rate, and other daily health metrics.Activity Tracking
It supports multi-sport tracking, allowing users to monitor activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more.Connect IQ
Users can access various apps and widgets through the Connect IQ platform, which enhances the functionality of their Garmin devices with features like music playback, smart notifications, and integration with other health and fitness apps.Community and Sharing
Garmin Connect allows users to share their activities, join challenges, and connect with other users, fostering a sense of community and motivation. By using Garmin Connect, users can gain detailed insights into their health and fitness, helping them set and achieve their wellness goals more effectively. Garmin Connect - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Garmin Connect
The user interface of Garmin Connect is crafted to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users, from those who are tech-savvy to those who are just starting out with fitness tracking.Intuitive Design
The app’s interface is easy to navigate, with a clear and visually appealing layout. This design ensures that users can effortlessly locate and interpret their activity data, much like reading a well-organized book with clear text and beautiful images.Customizable Home Screen
One of the standout features is the ability to personalize the home screen. Users can configure it to display the most relevant information, allowing them to see the data they need at a glance. This customization option enhances the overall user experience by making the app feel more personalized and efficient.Organized Sections
The home page of Garmin Connect is divided into several sections, each serving a specific purpose. These include:- Today’s Activity/Planned Workouts: Displays completed and scheduled workouts.
- In Focus: Customizable panels that focus on different training or health-related metrics.
- At a Glance: Small cards showing various data metrics, such as heart rate, steps, and sleep.
- Events/Training Plans/Challenges: A section to track upcoming training plans, challenges, and events.
Ease of Use
The app is structured to simplify the process of analyzing fitness data. Users can easily review their tracked activities, create customized workouts, build courses, and even challenge friends on the leaderboard. The integration with other apps like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Strava further enhances its usability.Community and Social Features
Garmin Connect also fosters a sense of community through its “connections” feature, allowing users to see their friends’ activities and engage in friendly competitions. This social aspect can be highly motivating, especially for those who are part of similar training plans.Minor Criticisms
While the overall user experience is positive, some users have noted areas for improvement. For instance, new users might find the initial setup and the multiple apps (Garmin Connect and Connect IQ) a bit confusing. There have been suggestions to streamline the menu options and improve the consistency across different apps.Recent Revamp
Garmin has recently revamped the home page of Garmin Connect to address user feedback. The new design aims to make the app less cluttered and more clear, providing quick links to deeper data analysis. This revamp focuses on simplifying the home page, which is the first thing users see when they open the app.Conclusion
In summary, Garmin Connect offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to track and analyze their health and fitness data. While there are some minor areas for improvement, the app’s overall design and functionality contribute to a positive and engaging user experience. Garmin Connect - Key Features and Functionality
Overview of Your Training
Garmin Connect provides a “My Day” screen that displays all your data from the past 24 hours, including resting heart rate, intensity minutes, calories burned, respiratory rate, activities, steps, sleep, stress level, and calories. You can also add additional data such as hydration levels, menstrual cycle, or weight tracking. This feature helps you get a quick snapshot of your daily progress and track your averages over the week.Creating and Managing Workouts
You can create your own workouts using the Garmin Connect app. This involves selecting your sport, adding different steps to the workout, naming it, and saving it. Once created, you can send these workouts to your Garmin device. This feature is particularly useful for those following a specific training plan or working with a coach.Custom Workouts with AI Integration
Through integrations with services like AI Endurance, you can get personalized, AI-driven training plans directly on your Garmin device. These plans provide step-by-step instructions for workouts, ensuring you stay on track without needing to remember interval sets or write down workouts. AI Endurance continuously updates your Garmin Connect training plan as you make changes, ensuring your device always has the latest workout schedule.Sleep Stats Analysis
Garmin Connect allows you to analyze your sleep data in detail. By accessing the “Sleep” section under “Health Stats,” you can see your sleep stages, pulse ox, and respiration rate if your device supports it. This helps in understanding your rest and recovery patterns, which is crucial for overall fitness and performance.Reviewing Activities
You can review your recent runs or rides in detail, including metrics such as average pace, moving pace, grade-adjusted pace, speed, time, heart rate, training effect, power, elevation, and running dynamics. You can also view nutrition and hydration data and intensity minutes. This detailed analysis helps in evaluating your performance and making necessary adjustments.Creating Running Routes
Garmin Connect enables you to create running routes using the website. You can overlay your route onto Google Maps, see the distance and predicted finish time, and save the course to send it to your device. This feature is especially useful for planning long runs or exploring new routes.Syncing with Other Apps
You can sync your Garmin data with other fitness apps like Strava. This allows you to share your runs with friends and followers, enhancing your social engagement and motivation. You can set this up through the “Connected Apps” section in the Garmin Connect app.Group Features
For cyclists, Garmin Connect offers features like GroupRide, which allows you to see the location of others in your group on the map, send messages mid-ride, and participate in GroupRide Challenges and Awards. This includes features like Incident Detection, which notifies the group if someone crashes, and In-Ride Climb Challenges that award the fastest times up climbs.AI-Driven Workout Suggestions
While Garmin Connect itself does not currently integrate AI chatbots, there is speculation about potential future integration. For example, using AI models like ChatGPT, you could receive personalized workout suggestions based on your past workouts and performance. This would analyze your data to recommend workouts that are likely to be most effective for you, although this is not yet a feature of Garmin Connect.Conclusion
In summary, Garmin Connect offers a wide range of features that help users track, analyze, and improve their fitness and health. While AI integration is not yet fully realized within the app itself, third-party services like AI Endurance provide AI-driven training plans that can be seamlessly integrated into your Garmin device. Garmin Connect - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating Garmin Connect’s Performance and Accuracy
When evaluating the performance and accuracy of Garmin Connect in the context of its self-improvement tools, particularly those that are AI-driven or rely on real-time data analysis, there are several key points to consider.Data Accuracy
The accuracy of Garmin Connect’s self-improvement tools, such as the Performance Condition metric, is heavily dependent on the quality of the data it receives. Here are some critical factors:Heart Rate Accuracy
For precise heart rate data, it is essential that the Garmin watch fits well or that an external heart rate monitor is used. Poor heart rate data can lead to erratic and unreliable performance evaluations.GPS Quality
Good GPS reception is crucial, especially in areas with strong tree coverage or urban environments. Latest Garmin watches with multi-band GPS can improve pace data accuracy.Profile Accuracy
Keeping your user profile up to date with accurate personal data, such as height and weight, is vital for reliable assessments.Environmental and Terrain Limitations
Garmin’s Performance Condition metric can be affected by various environmental and terrain factors:Hills and Terrain
The metric relies on a mix of map data and GPS elevation, which can be less consistent on hilly or off-road routes compared to flat routes.Wind
Windy conditions can impact performance, but Garmin watches cannot account for wind.Heat and Humidity
Hotter or more humid weather can affect your body’s cooling efficiency, leading to negative performance values if recent runs were in cooler conditions.Terrain Difficulty
Difficult terrains like mud, rocks, or sand can slow you down, but Garmin will not understand these factors and may provide negative performance values.AI Integration and Future Possibilities
While Garmin Connect does not currently integrate AI chatbots like ChatGPT directly into its platform, there are discussions and possibilities for such integration in the future:Potential AI Integration
There is speculation about integrating AI capabilities into Garmin Connect IQ, which could enhance features like suggested workouts. However, this would require improvements in text input, audio capabilities, and LTE connectivity, especially for watches without a smartphone in range.User Feedback and Interface
User feedback on the Garmin Connect app has highlighted some issues:User Interface
Recent updates to the app have been met with criticism regarding the new UI, which some users find less functional and less data-dense compared to the previous version.Support and Feedback
Users have expressed frustration with the lack of response to their feedback and the limited support provided by Garmin.Self Evaluation Feature
Garmin watches also offer a self-evaluation feature that allows users to rate their perceived effort after a workout. This feature can provide additional subjective data to complement the objective metrics provided by the watch.Conclusion
In summary, while Garmin Connect’s self-improvement tools offer valuable insights, their accuracy is highly dependent on the quality of the input data and can be influenced by various environmental and terrain factors. Future AI integrations could potentially enhance these tools, but current limitations in user interface and feedback mechanisms need to be addressed. Garmin Connect - Pricing and Plans
When it comes to Garmin Connect, the primary service offered is free and inclusive for all Garmin device users. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Free Garmin Connect Account
- Garmin Connect is completely free for all Garmin watch owners. You can create an account when you pair your device with your phone using the Garmin Connect app or by visiting the Garmin Connect website.
- This free account allows you to track your daily activities, including runs, walks, hikes, and other exercises.
- You can analyze your data, including time, distance, calories burned, and other customizable reports.
- Features also include sharing your activities with friends, joining friendly competitions, and customizing your device and user settings.
No Subscription Tiers for Basic Features
- There are no subscription tiers for the basic features of Garmin Connect. All the core functionalities such as tracking, analyzing, and sharing your activities are available without any additional cost.
Specialized Subscription Services
- While the core Garmin Connect service is free, Garmin does offer specialized subscription services for specific activities. For example:
- Outdoor Maps : This is a new service offering advanced, photorealistic maps and topographical data, particularly useful for activities like fishing, hunting, and ultrarunning. It is available for a subscription fee of $49.99 per year and is limited to certain premium Garmin watches.
- Garmin Golf: This service has a subscription tier priced at $9.99 per month, offering features like detailed golf course maps and other golf-specific data.
- inReach Subscription Plans: These plans are for Garmin’s inReach devices and offer various tiers with different features, all on a month-to-month basis.
Garmin Connect - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Garmin Connect, a comprehensive fitness and health tracking platform, integrates with various tools and services, although its integration capabilities have some limitations.
API Integration
For advanced users and developers, Garmin Connect can be integrated with other platforms using its API. For example, integrating Garmin Connect with Bubble.io involves registering for the Garmin Connect API, setting up the necessary connectors in Bubble.io, and configuring workflows to sync data between the two platforms.
Health and Fitness Apps
Garmin Connect does sync with some health and fitness apps, such as MyFitnessPal and Strava, although the range of integrations is not as extensive as some other fitness tracking services. Users have expressed a desire for more integration options, such as with Google Fit or Health Connect, which are currently not available.
Third-Party Services
While Garmin Connect offers some integrations, it is more limited compared to other platforms like Strava. Users often rely on third-party apps or services, such as SyncMyTracks, to sync their data across different tracking programs when direct integration is not available.
Compatibility Across Devices
Garmin Connect is highly compatible with a range of Garmin devices, which is one of its strongest features.
Garmin Devices
The platform seamlessly integrates with various Garmin devices, including Forerunner, Venu, fēnix, and other compatible models. These devices sync data directly to the Garmin Connect app, providing detailed insights into activities, health metrics, and progress.
Mobile and Web Platforms
Garmin Connect has both a mobile app and a web service, allowing users to access and analyze their data on-the-go or through a more detailed web interface. The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Data Sharing and Analysis
Data Transfer
When users sync their Garmin devices, the data is automatically transferred to the Garmin Connect platform. This data includes heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, physical activities, sleep patterns, and more. The platform organizes and displays this data in a user-friendly manner, enabling users to monitor their activities and track their progress effectively.
Analysis and Insights
Garmin Connect provides in-depth analysis and personalized coaching, including training plans, recovery advice, and insights based on the user’s fitness levels and goals. This makes it particularly appealing to users who prioritize advanced training and coaching features.
In summary, while Garmin Connect offers strong integration with its own devices and some third-party apps, it has limited integration options compared to other fitness tracking services. However, it excels in providing detailed data analysis and personalized coaching, making it a valuable tool for users focused on in-depth fitness tracking and health monitoring.
Garmin Connect - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
If you encounter any issues or need assistance, Garmin provides multiple avenues for support. You can visit the Garmin Connect support page, which offers a comprehensive help section. Here, you can find troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and detailed instructions on how to use various features of the platform.
For more specific issues, such as billing or subscription-related queries, you can contact the Garmin Services Billing team directly. They have dedicated phone numbers for different regions, including the United States and Canada.
Additional Resources
The Garmin Connect website itself is a rich source of information. It mirrors the data available on the Garmin Connect app but offers the convenience of viewing and managing your data on a larger screen, such as a laptop or tablet. The website features a sidebar that guides you to various areas, including the Dashboard, Activity Dashboard, and Fitness Dashboard. You can customize these dashboards by adding widgets to display the information that is most relevant to you.
The Dashboard provides quick access to daily or weekly data, and you can create your own custom dashboards to suit your needs. The website also includes sections for managing your devices, importing data from other devices, and receiving notifications about your activities and device status.
Guides and Tutorials
For a more detailed exploration of the Garmin Connect website, you can refer to external resources like the Wrinkled Runner series. This series provides weekly posts that delve into different sections of the website, explaining how to use each feature effectively.
Data Management
If you are interested in collecting more granular data or customizing the sampling rates of your metrics, you might want to explore options like the Labfront Companion app. This app allows for more detailed physiological data collection, such as beat-to-beat intervals, though it may impact device battery life and sync times.
Conclusion
In summary, Garmin Connect offers a range of support options, from direct customer support to detailed online resources and customizable dashboards, ensuring you can fully utilize the platform to track and improve your activities.
Garmin Connect - Pros and Cons
Pros of Garmin Connect
Comprehensive Data
Garmin Connect provides a vast array of data, including GPS mapping, heart rate, elevation, cadence, and other metrics, making it a powerful tool for tracking fitness and performance.
Customization
Users can set custom goals, such as calorie burn targets, although this feature is currently only available through the Garmin Connect Web platform and not the mobile app.
Workout Creation
The app allows users to create custom Strength and HIIT workouts, with animations available for strength mode. However, animations for HIIT workouts are limited unless you modify existing workouts.
Integration with Devices
Garmin Connect can integrate with various Garmin devices, such as watches and bike computers, and also supports third-party apps like Zwift and TrainerRoad.
Cycling Dynamics
For cyclists, the app provides detailed Cycling Dynamics data, including cadence, power balance, and pedal phase, which can be useful for bike fitting and injury recovery.
Cons of Garmin Connect
Limited Mobile App Functionality
Certain features, such as setting custom goals and creating custom challenges, are not available on the mobile app, which can be frustrating for users who prefer mobile access.
Syncing Issues
There are reported issues with syncing data from third-party devices, such as connected shoes, which can lead to incomplete or inconsistent data tracking.
User Interface
Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new user interface, finding it less data-dense and more focused on style over substance. This has led to a decrease in user satisfaction and app ratings.
Connectivity Problems
Users have reported issues with the app connecting and staying connected to Garmin devices, even when they are in close proximity. This can result in frequent disconnections and the need to reinstall the app.
Apple Health Integration
There are problems with syncing Garmin Connect data with the Apple Health app, which can be a significant issue for users who rely on both platforms.
Customer Support
Users have complained about the lack of effective customer support, with responses often being canned and unhelpful.
Overall, while Garmin Connect offers a wealth of data and customization options, it also has several drawbacks that can impact user experience, particularly in terms of mobile functionality, syncing, and customer support.
Garmin Connect - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect stands out for its extensive compatibility with a wide range of Garmin devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and cycling computers. This integration allows users to consolidate data from various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more into a single, user-friendly interface.Comprehensive Data Analytics
Garmin Connect provides detailed insights into activities, heart rate, sleep metrics, and other health data. It offers a dashboard that tracks trends, patterns in activity levels, and allows users to set goals based on this information.Personalized Workouts and Challenges
Users can create and sync custom workouts to their devices and participate in virtual challenges and competitions, which helps in staying motivated and engaged in their fitness routines.Sleep and Recovery Tracking
The app provides detailed sleep data, including sleep stages, pulse ox, and respiration rate, which is crucial for rest and recovery.Potential Alternatives
Apple Health and Apple Watch
Apple Health, integrated with the Apple Watch, offers a similar suite of fitness tracking features. However, it is more limited in terms of compatibility with non-Apple devices. Apple Health focuses on tracking activities, sleep, and other health metrics, but it lacks the extensive device compatibility and detailed analytics that Garmin Connect provides.Fitbit and Fitbit Coach
Fitbit is another popular option that tracks fitness activities, sleep, and other health metrics. Fitbit Coach offers personalized workouts, but it may not match the depth of data analytics and the variety of compatible devices that Garmin Connect offers. Fitbit’s ecosystem is more streamlined but less versatile compared to Garmin’s.Wahoo and Suunto
Wahoo, particularly in the cycling segment, and Suunto in the outdoor and multisport categories, offer alternatives with a focus on stability and reliability. Wahoo’s products are known for having fewer bugs and better software stability, which can be a significant advantage for users who value reliability over a wide range of features.Wahoo
Known for its cycling GPS computers, Wahoo offers a more stable and less feature-rich but highly reliable alternative. This can be appealing to users who prioritize functionality and fewer software issues.Suunto
Suunto watches are recognized for their stability and dependability, especially in outdoor and multisport activities. They may not offer as many features as Garmin, but they are known for their reliability and accuracy.Key Differences
Device Compatibility
Garmin Connect’s extensive compatibility with various Garmin devices sets it apart from competitors like Apple Health and Fitbit, which are more limited in their device ecosystems.Data Analytics
Garmin Connect provides more detailed and comprehensive data analytics compared to many of its competitors, making it a preferred choice for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.Software Stability
While Garmin Connect is rich in features, it sometimes suffers from software instability and bugs, which can be a significant drawback. Alternatives like Wahoo and Suunto are often praised for their reliability and fewer software issues. In summary, Garmin Connect is a powerful tool for fitness tracking and analysis, but users who prioritize software stability and reliability might find alternatives like Wahoo or Suunto more appealing. Each platform has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice dependent on individual needs and preferences. Garmin Connect - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Garmin Connect
How does Garmin Connect track my fitness activities?
Garmin Connect is a comprehensive platform that tracks a wide range of fitness activities, including running, cycling, swimming, and more. It synchronizes data from various Garmin devices such as smartwatches, running watches, and cycling computers. The app records details like distance covered, calories burned, heart rate, and even sleep patterns, providing a holistic view of your physical activities.What health metrics does Garmin Connect monitor?
Garmin Connect goes beyond activity tracking by monitoring vital health metrics. These include heart rate, stress levels, and hydration. The app provides real-time updates on these metrics, helping you optimize your wellness strategies and make informed decisions about your fitness routines.How does Garmin Connect integrate with different Garmin devices?
Garmin Connect seamlessly integrates with a variety of Garmin devices, ensuring that all your activity data is consolidated in one user-friendly interface. Whether you use a fitness tracker for daily activities or a running watch for detailed workout information, the app automatically syncs data from these devices, eliminating the need for manual entry.What features does the Garmin Connect app revamp include?
The recent revamp of the Garmin Connect Mobile app focuses on simplifying the user interface, particularly the home screen. It introduces features like the ‘In Focus’ and ‘At a Glance’ panels, which provide quick links to deeper data insights such as Training Status or Stress. This update aims to make the app more intuitive for new users while retaining the depth of data for experienced users.Can I set and track personal fitness goals on Garmin Connect?
Yes, Garmin Connect allows you to set personal fitness benchmarks and track your progress. The app helps you identify trends, set achievable goals, and witness your progress firsthand. It also offers training plans, challenges, and events sections where you can configure and track your upcoming activities.Does Garmin Connect support offline syncing?
Currently, Garmin Connect does not support offline syncing. If you are in an area without mobile data, you won’t be able to sync your watch or other devices with the app until you have internet access.Can I create my own training plans on Garmin Connect?
As of now, Garmin Connect does not allow users to create their own custom training plans directly within the app. However, you can import training plans from external apps like TrainingPeaks, and these plans will be displayed in the Scheduled Workout section of the app.How does Garmin Connect handle data analytics and insights?
Garmin Connect excels in providing comprehensive data analytics. It turns the collected data into meaningful insights, allowing you to track trends, notice patterns in your activity levels, and make informed decisions about your fitness routines. The app offers a dashboard that includes all your activities, heart rate, sleep metrics, and more, helping you optimize your wellness strategies.Can I share and download routes on Garmin Connect?
Yes, Garmin Connect allows you to record and save routes for activities like cycling and running. You can then upload these routes to the internet, where other users can download and follow them. This feature is particularly useful for finding and sharing good road riding routes or mountain bike trails.Does Garmin Connect support turn-by-turn directions for various activities?
Garmin Connect can provide turn-by-turn directions for activities such as cycling and running. If you record a route, you can use it for future rides or runs, and the app will guide you through the same path. This feature is also useful when traveling, as you can download routes from other users and follow them using your Garmin device. Garmin Connect - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is a comprehensive and user-friendly platform that stands out in the self-improvement tools category, particularly for those focused on fitness and health tracking. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.
Key Features and Benefits
- Comprehensive Activity Tracking: Garmin Connect seamlessly integrates with a wide range of Garmin devices, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, and cycling computers. It tracks various activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and more, providing detailed insights into distance covered, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
- Data Analytics and Insights: The app offers a dashboard that consolidates all your activity data, heart rate, sleep metrics, and other health indicators. This helps users identify patterns, track progress, and set goals based on comprehensive insights.
- Training and Performance Metrics: Users can access detailed performance stats such as Training Status, VO2 Max, and Training Readiness Score. These metrics help in assessing training effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.
- Social and Motivational Features: Garmin Connect allows users to join challenges, connect with other runners or riders, and share workouts to stay motivated and accountable.
- Safety Features: The app includes safety features like Incident Detection and Assistance Alerts, which can notify emergency contacts in case of an incident during a run.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Individuals who engage in various physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and HIIT will greatly benefit from the detailed tracking and analysis provided by Garmin Connect.
- Athletes and Competitive Runners/Cyclists: Professional athletes can use the app to monitor their training load, track performance metrics, and adjust their training plans accordingly.
- Health-Conscious Individuals: Those focusing on overall wellness can use Garmin Connect to monitor sleep patterns, stress levels, and other health metrics to make informed decisions about their lifestyle.
- Beginners in Fitness: New to fitness? Garmin Connect’s adaptive training plans and easy-to-use interface make it an excellent tool for those starting out with their fitness journey.
Overall Recommendation
Garmin Connect is highly recommended for anyone serious about tracking and improving their fitness and health. Its seamless integration with Garmin devices, comprehensive data analytics, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool. Whether you are a casual fitness enthusiast or a professional athlete, Garmin Connect provides the insights and features necessary to enhance your training and overall well-being.
In summary, Garmin Connect is an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and integrated platform to track, analyze, and improve their fitness and health metrics. Its wide range of features and ease of use make it a standout in the self-improvement tools category.