The Outsiders, an app designed to enhance workout routines, has just received a significant update, coinciding with its nomination for the 2026 Apple Design Awards in the Interaction category. This recognition is particularly noteworthy given the app's relatively recent release in September 2025. The app's developers, Gentler Stories, have been actively working to improve its functionality and user experience, ensuring it caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts.
The latest update introduces several highly requested features, including Home Screen widgets, which allow users to quickly access essential metrics such as Training Readiness, Training Load Ratio, Endurance Fitness, and Health Metrics. This feature has been a top request since the app's launch, as noted by Andrej Mihelic, Gentler Stories' co-founder and product designer.
Another significant addition is the ability to import workouts from sources beyond the Apple Watch. Users can now automatically import Garmin workouts and manually import workouts from platforms like Zwift, Wahoo, COROS, Karoo, Amazfit, and others that support .FIT file exports to Apple Health. This expansion in compatibility enhances the app's versatility, making it a more comprehensive tool for tracking and managing various workout types.
The Outsiders now supports an impressive 161 workout types, including the unique activities of Dog Running, Kettlebell Workout, Swimming Tethered, Gravel Ride, Outdoor Hand Cycling, Bouldering, Windsurfing, Beach Volleyball, Inline Hockey, Surfskate, BMX Freestyle, and BMX Racing. This diverse range of workout types caters to a wide spectrum of fitness interests and activities.
In addition to the expanded workout options, the update introduces a new metric: the number of sessions, with support for both Progress and Workouts. This feature provides users with a more granular view of their training, allowing them to track their progress over time more effectively. Furthermore, four new states - Active Recovery, On a Break, Injured, and Sick - have been added to accommodate users who may need a break or are dealing with health issues.
One of the most notable improvements is the ability to switch from Training Load Ratio to Training Form. This feature is particularly useful for individuals preparing for a race or peak effort, as it provides a more focused lens on their training, emphasizing the balance between fitness and freshness. This shift in perspective allows users to better understand their training readiness and optimize their performance.
The update also includes a new UI for body metrics, which opens as individual cards, making it easier for users to access and manage their data. A map view for photos taken during workout sessions has been added, providing a visual representation of users' activities. Additionally, several new icons have been introduced to further customize the app's interface, allowing users to personalize their experience.
The Outsiders is available for free on the App Store, with subscription options available to unlock its full set of features. This update not only enhances the app's functionality but also reinforces its position as a leading tool for fitness enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for tracking and managing workout routines.
