Mastering The Outsiders: A Comprehensive Guide to the Award-Nominated Update

Overview

The Outsiders app has just been nominated for a 2026 Apple Design Award in the Interaction category, and to celebrate, the team released its biggest update yet. This tutorial will walk you through every new feature: Home Screen widgets, expanded workout import options, fresh metrics, and additional workout types. Whether you're a seasoned user or just starting, you'll learn how to make the most of these enhancements and optimize your fitness tracking experience.

What is The Outsiders?

The Outsiders is a community-driven fitness app that combines social motivation with powerful tracking. It lets you log workouts, compare stats with friends, and participate in challenges. The app is known for its clean interface and deep customization, making it a favorite among serious athletes and casual movers alike.

What's New in This Update?

• Home Screen Widgets – Add live workout stats directly to your iPhone's Home Screen.
• Expanded Workout Import – Import data from more third-party apps and devices (e.g., Strava, Garmin, Apple Watch).
• New Metrics – Track power output, ground contact time, and more.
• Additional Workout Types – Includes pilates, functional fitness, and winter sports.

Prerequisites

Device and OS Requirements

• iPhone running iOS 18 or later
• Apple Watch (optional, for live widget updates) with watchOS 11
• Stable internet connection for import features

App Version

You must have The Outsiders version 7.2 or newer installed. Update via the App Store if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Setting Up Home Screen Widgets

1. Press and hold an empty area on your iPhone Home Screen until the apps jiggle.
2. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top-left corner.
3. Search for The Outsiders in the widget gallery.
4. Choose from three sizes: small (shows daily activity rings), medium (adds latest workout summary), large (includes community leaderboard snippet).
5. Tap Add Widget and position it on your screen.
6. Tap Done to save. The widget will update automatically as you log or import new workouts.

Pro tip: For real-time updates, make sure Background App Refresh is enabled in Settings > The Outsiders.

Expanding Workout Import Options

Previously limited to a few partners, the import feature now supports 20+ platforms. Here's how to use it:

1. Open The Outsiders and tap the Profile tab (bottom-right).
2. Select Data Sources under Settings.
3. Tap Connect New Source and choose from apps like Strava, Garmin Connect, Apple Health, or Fitbit.
4. Authorize the connection by logging into the third-party service.
5. Toggle on Auto-Import to have new workouts pulled in automatically, or use Manual Import to select specific activities.

Imported workouts preserve original metadata (e.g., route map, splits, heart rate zones). You can also adjust privacy settings individually for each source.

Exploring New Metrics

The update introduces advanced metrics for runners and cyclists:

• Power Output (Watts) – Only available if your device or import source includes power data (e.g., power meter pedals).
• Ground Contact Time – Measured in milliseconds; lower values indicate better running efficiency.
• Vertical Oscillation – Up-and-down motion during running; improvements can reduce injury risk.

To view these metrics, open any workout detail screen and scroll to the Advanced Stats section. You can also add them to your custom dashboard via the Edit Dashboard option.

Adding New Workout Types

When creating a new workout manually, you'll now see these options:

• Pilates – Track reformer, mat, and resistance work.
• Functional Fitness – Ideal for CrossFit-style WODs.
• Winter Sports – Ski, snowboard, and ice skating.

To log a new workout type: Go to the Log tab, tap the + button, and scroll through the updated list. Each type includes pre-set intensity labels and calorie calculation improvements.

Common Mistakes

• Widget not updating – Ensure the app is allowed background activity. Go to Settings > The Outsiders > Background App Refresh and enable it. Also restart your phone if the widget appears blank.
• Import not showing new workouts – Double-check authorization permissions in the third-party app. Some services require you to refresh the connection monthly.
• Missing advanced metrics – These metrics depend on sensor hardware. If your device doesn't record power or ground contact time, you won't see those fields. Check your device manual.
• Duplicate workouts – Turn off auto-import if you manually log workouts that the import also captures. Use the Merge Duplicates option in Settings to clean up.

Summary

The latest Outsiders update, timed with its Apple Design Award nomination, delivers powerful new tools for fitness enthusiasts. Home Screen widgets keep you motivated at a glance, expanded import support unifies your training data, new metrics offer deeper performance insights, and additional workout types accommodate more disciplines. By following this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and fully leverage the update to enhance your training journey.