FIT files are a type of data file used by certain types of fitness tracking devices. These files contain information such as the user’s activity, heart rate, and other data collected by the device. If you have a fitness tracking device, chances are it uses FIT files to store your information. In this article, we’ll explain how to open FIT files and view the data they contain.
What is a FIT File?
A FIT (Flexible and Interoperable Data Transfer) file is a type of data file used by fitness tracking devices such as heart rate monitors, pedometers, and GPS devices. The FIT file format was developed by the ANT+ Consortium, an organization that develops standards for wireless communication in the sports and fitness industry. FIT files are used by many popular fitness tracking devices such as the Garmin Forerunner, Polar Loop, and Fitbit.
What Information is Stored in a FIT File?
FIT files contain a variety of information, depending on the type of data being stored. Common types of data stored in FIT files include:
- Heart Rate
- Steps
- Calories Burned
- Distance Traveled
- GPS Data
- Sleep Data
- Activity Data
How to Open FIT Files
Since FIT files are a proprietary file format, you’ll need to use a program that is specifically designed to open them. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs that can open FIT files, including both free and commercial options.
Garmin Express
Garmin Express is a free desktop program from Garmin that allows you to manage your Garmin devices. The program can also be used to open FIT files and view the data they contain. To open a FIT file with Garmin Express, simply download the program from the Garmin website and install it on your computer. Once the program is installed, connect your Garmin device to your computer and launch Garmin Express. You can then open FIT files by clicking on the ‘Data’ tab, selecting ‘Import’, and then selecting the FIT file you want to open.
Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is a free online service from Garmin that allows you to view and manage your Garmin devices. The service can also be used to open FIT files and view the data they contain. To open a FIT file with Garmin Connect, simply sign up for an account on the Garmin Connect website and log in. You can then open FIT files by clicking on the ‘Data’ tab, selecting ‘Import’, and then selecting the FIT file you want to open.
Other Programs
In addition to Garmin Express and Garmin Connect, there are a variety of other programs that can be used to open FIT files. These include:
- FIT File Viewer (free)
- GPSBabel (free)
- GoldenCheetah (free)
- Strava (free)
- SportTracks (commercial)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a FIT File?
A FIT file is a type of data file used by certain types of fitness tracking devices. These files contain information such as the user’s activity, heart rate, and other data collected by the device.
What Information is Stored in a FIT File?
FIT files can contain a variety of information, depending on the type of data being stored. Common types of data stored in FIT files include heart rate, steps, calories burned, distance traveled, GPS data, sleep data, and activity data.
How Do I Open a FIT File?
In order to open a FIT file, you’ll need to use a program that is specifically designed to open them. Some programs that can be used to open FIT files include Garmin Express, Garmin Connect, FIT File Viewer, GPSBabel, GoldenCheetah, Strava, and SportTracks.
Are FIT Files Compatible With Other File Formats?
Yes, FIT files are compatible with other file formats such as GPX, TCX, KML, and CSV. However, not all programs that can open FIT files can also open these other file formats.
How Do I Convert a FIT File to Another File Format?
In order to convert a FIT file to another file format, you’ll need to use a program that can open FIT files and also supports the file format you want to convert to. Some programs that can be used to convert FIT files include Garmin Express, Garmin Connect, FIT File Viewer, GPSBabel, GoldenCheetah, Strava, and SportTracks.
Do I Need Special Software to View a FIT File?
Yes, in order to view a FIT file, you’ll need to use a program that is specifically designed to open them. Some programs that can be used to open FIT files include Garmin Express, Garmin Connect, FIT File Viewer, GPSBabel, GoldenCheetah, Strava, and SportTracks.
Can I Open a FIT File on My Phone?
Yes, many fitness tracking apps for iOS and Android devices can be used to open FIT files and view the data they contain. Some popular apps that can be used to open FIT files include Strava, MapMyFitness, and Endomondo.