Feature Request: Display Target Power Ranges Instead of a Single Target Power Value, that is, add the ability for workouts to display a target power range (e.g., 180–200 W) rather than a single fixed power value for each interval.
Why this matters:
I find TrainerDay to be uniquely valuable because it can run structured workouts using heart rate only, without requiring a connected power meter. This makes it ideal for riders like me who use exercise bikes (e.g., NordicTrack, gym bikes) that display power locally but do not broadcast it.
In this setup, I am manually matching power shown on my bike’s console to the workout target shown in TrainerDay. A single fixed target value forces unnecessary precision and creates frustration, especially when real-world power naturally fluctuates. Thus if TrainerDay would allow workout intervals to define power as a range (either as absolute watts or %FTP) and display that range clearly during the interval (e.g., “Target: 180–200 W”), this would reduce the frustration caused by chasing a single number. It would also align with how outdoor and non-ERG training is typically prescribed (zones/ranges).
I believe that this could also help increase subscriptions to TrainerDay because other platforms assume a connected power meter. TrainerDay stands out specifically because it doesn’t. Supporting power ranges would strengthen that advantage without changing TrainerDay’s core philosophy.
In summary, TrainerDay already does something no other app does well: it runs structured workouts without requiring power input. Adding support for displaying power ranges (instead of a single target value) would make it far more user friendly for users like me who have bikes that show power locally but don’t broadcast it and it would reduce frustration without requiring ERG or enforcement logic, thus possibly attracting more users and reducing the frustration experienced by current users like me.
Thank you for considering my request.
Russ Carlton
Hi Russ, glad the TD app is working for you. Other users would like ranges as well and overall one of my goals is to do a better job supporting a variety of exercise bike users. We get more and more such users. So your request is an especially interesting case. It would help me to understand your thinking better. We are going to be doing work in this area soon so this might be possible.
If you don’t mind, explain this. You see a target of 100w. In your mind you are trying to hit 100w but you do 90-110w naturally. How does a range actually help you? It just makes you feel on target instead of off target? There is no visual indicator in our app whether you are on target or not since your bike is not sending power.
Hi Alex, Thanks for your reply. Let’s say I’m shooting for 75% to 85% of my FTP. That 10% spread doesn’t always = plus or minus 10 w from the target value. However, I could have a range in my mind based on my real FTP. That is certainly doable. I think it is more based on the psychological motivation that comes from seeing that the number on my bike is in my target range, rather than just knowing it, if that makes sense. For me at least when I am going all out I can use all the positive reinforcement I can get and seeing that I’m where I want to be provides a lot of positive reinforcement in a way that simply knowing it does not. It’s almost like having a external “cheerleader!” Now this could just be me but my understanding is that other riders have asked about the same thing and so perhaps this positive reinforcement angle is important to a not insignificant number of riders/subscribers.