Strava has some interesting news this month, with several new features landing in the app.
The muscle heatmap is a case in point: I first saw it on Coros several years ago, and its arrival on Strava suggests the platform is finally taking strength training seriously, backed by several new integrations. Strava is also looking ahead to AI, adding new capabilities to Claude, while mountain bikers get more detail on trail difficulty before heading off. #handy
Strength workouts get a muscle map.
The muscle map inside a strength workout now shades brighter based on the sets completed, so the muscles worked hardest show up more clearly after a session. Three more apps, Lyfta, Gravl, and Hybrd, now sync strength workouts into Strava, adding to Strava’s existing list of strength integrations.
Exercise search also now supports English exercise names for users running the app in another language, so searching “deadlift,” “bench press,” or “push-up” finds the matching exercise regardless of the app’s set language.
Maps show trail difficulty before you go
- Maps now show ranked trails, difficulty grades, cliff edges, and park borders.
- Mountain bike trails get colour-coded difficulty grading and direction-of-travel arrows showing which way a route runs.
- Trailheads, peaks, and viewpoints now appear at more zoom levels.
Subscribers can ask Claude about their workout.s
Strava subscribers can now ask Claude questions about a strength workout’s exercises, sets, weight, and reps, or ask where an activity took place, once their accounts are connected. Strava’s support article on connecting the two covers the setup steps.
Other changes
New iOS lock screen widgets jump straight to the Home, Maps, or You tab, and Strava has a support article walking through setup. Strava now comes pre-installed on the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, with a free 60-day Strava subscription included for buyers of either watch.
Strava Metro applications open for academic researchers
Applications are open for the third year of the Strava Metro for Academic Researchers programme, giving students and researchers free access to aggregated, de-identified Strava Metro data for active transportation research. Applications close October 24, 2026 at 1 am BST, via Strava’s application page.
Quick answers
What's new in Strava's September 2026 update?
A shaded muscle map for strength workouts, new strength-app integrations, trail difficulty grading in Maps, Claude access to workout data for subscribers, new iOS lock screen widgets, and Strava pre-installed on the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2.
Can I ask Claude about my Strava workouts?
Yes. Subscribers can ask Claude about a strength workout’s exercises, sets, weight, and reps, or where an activity took place, once their Strava and Claude accounts are connected.
Does Strava come pre-installed on the Galaxy Watch9?
Yes. Strava ships pre-installed on the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, and buyers of either watch get a free 60-day Strava subscription.
Last Updated on 15 September 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro — I’ve just bought one.
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- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — A small keyring adapter you can use anywhere. Essential when away. I use one.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
