Xert Magic Buckets (XMB) is now supported on over 100 Garmin watches, bringing adaptive training insights to both cycling and running activities. Whether you’re outdoors or on a treadmill/trainer, you’ll be able to see your training targets, get instant feedback on your effort levels, as well as breakthrough alerts right on your wrist.

Setup Instructions

1. Install the Data Field

Use the Garmin Connect IQ app (mobile) or Garmin Express (desktop) to install the data field to your Garmin watch.

2. Add to an Activity Profile

  • On your Garmin watch, go to Settings > Activities & Apps & choose an activity profile (e.g., Run, Bike).
  • Select Data Screens > Add New (or modify an existing screen). Use a single data field.
  • Choose Field Type: Connect IQ > Select Xert Magic Buckets. Save and exit.

💡 You can add this data field to any cycling or running profile on compatible watches. XMB now supports running power, giving runners structured guidance based on Xert’s Low, High, and Peak strain targets.

3. Register the Data Field

To activate the data field:

  1. Record a short activity using the profile with XMB installed.
  2. Save the activity and ensure it syncs to Xert via Garmin Connect.
  3. Once synced, you’ll see a confirmation in Xert Online that your device is registered.

⚠️ If the file syncs through Strava, registration will fail. Upload the .FIT file manually at XertOnline.com if needed. Reach out to our support team if you need assistance with registering the data field.

How to Use XMB on Your Watch

XMB shows you how you’re progressing toward your Low, High, and Peak XSS targets for the day, based on your current plan from Forecast AI or XATA. It’s perfect for loosely structured training days, runs, or rides where you want to hit your distribution goals without doing a full workout.

UI Overview:

  • Pop-up message at ride start confirms your signature & training targets are synced.
  • Status Dot: Located above the interval state & indicates the fetch of your fitness signature & training targets from Xert.
    • 🟢 Upon successful fetch of your signature & training targets
    • 🟡 Expired targets or settings changed. Press stop/start to re-fetch targets.
    • 🔴 Phone disconnected to device or Garmin Connect mobile app isn’t running.
  • Ride States: as you progress through your ride, you will see different states
    • Warmup
    • Ready
    • Interval
    • Recovery
    • Easy
    • Cooldown
  • XSS Buckets: along the outer edges of the watch face, there are three colour-coded bars. Each bar fills up as you accumulate strain (XSS) on that energy system.
    • 🔵 Low
    • 🟡 High
    • 🔴 Peak
  • Breakthrough Alert: when you’re getting close to a breakthrough, XMB will give you a notification!
  • Challenge Level indicator: specifies your current challenge level. Moves counter-clockwise as challenge level increases during intervals & moves clockwise as challenge level decreases during recovery intervals. Reach Challenge Level 10 for a Breakthrough!
  • Current Power & Target Power: the power reading in the center of the watch face indicates your current power output. The target power for your current interval state is shown directly beneath.
  • Interval Timer: Below your current & target power, the interval timer will be displayed.
    • For Warmup, Ready, Recovery, Endurance, & Cooldown states the timer will count down.
    • For Intervals, the timer will count up as you hold the effort.
    • Before you start your activity, the data field will display an estimated duration of the training based on your Low, High, & Peak XSS targets.

Running Power Support:

XMB also supports running activities with power. If you use Garmin’s native Running Power, XMB will track your strain across energy systems – giving runners access to the same tool that cyclists have enjoyed.

Note: Stryd running power meters aren’t currently supported for XMB, but it is something we are looking into.

Tips for Use on Garmin Watches

  • Use STOP > START mid-activity to refresh your training targets from Xert. Helpful if you started with stale targets or if you wish to change your training targets from the Xert web app mid-ride.
  • You can customize data field preferences (e.g., power smoothing) using Garmin Connect IQ mobile or Garmin Express desktop.
  • Both fields support indoor and outdoor use – great for outdoors or indoors on treadmills and trainers.
  • Using Forecast AI? XMB will automatically fetch today’s targets, even if you didn’t schedule a workout.

Device Compatibility

These data fields are supported on most Garmin watches that feature power meter support and include Connect IQ version 3.0+. This includes:

  • Forerunner 255/265/570/745/955/965/970
  • Fenix 5 Plus, 6, 7, and Epix series
  • Enduro 2/3, Tactix, Instinct, & MARQ series
  • Descent/D2 series
  • Venu X1, and many more

👉 Check full compatibility on the Connect IQ Store before installing.

Troubleshooting

If the data field is not fetching your targets:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and your phone has internet access (WiFi or Mobile Data).
  • Check that Garmin Connect is open on your phone in the background.
  • Reinstall the data field and re-register if needed.
  • Manually upload the .FIT file to XertOnline.com if Garmin fails to sync.

Need more help? Reach out to support@xertonline.com or visit the Xert Forum.