Custom Exercise Feature Just Got Smarter

Key Takeaways

• Upgrades to the custom exercise feature now allow you to utilise Output’s validated algorithms from a base exercise, unlocking full metric tracking on your own variations.
• Non-sensor exercises can now log over 10 new metrics, giving you richer, more flexible data tracking.

Before We Dive In: Profiling (Measuring) vs Tracking

Profiling (Measuring) refers to using Output’s sensor and algorithms to collect data on an exercise, such as a back squat or medicine ball throw, where the sensor captures a range of metrics.

Tracking, however, applies to both exercises that use the Output sensor to capture data and non-sensor-based activities. It refers to the ability to track longitudinal improvements in areas where you may use other recording devices, such as time trials, sprint times, or even reps completed in a bodyweight hamstring bridge. Output now gives you the flexibility to monitor the progress of all of these within one platform.

Introduction

Whether you're looking to add a subtle variation to a classic movement or invent something entirely new, the custom exercise feature just received a major upgrade.

Despite a library of over 300 exercises, we know coaching in the real world is not one-size-fits-all. You might modify an exercise for injury management, loading needs, or sport-specific purposes such as a foot-elevated bench press or a half-kneeling kettlebell press.

With this update, you can now build your custom exercise from a base movement. For example, in the case of a foot-elevated bench press, you would select the traditional bench press as the base. [More details here on how to find the best base for your custom exercise.]

This gives you access to the same rich data set as the original movement without affecting the data for your traditional version.

Part 1: Improved Flow for Custom Exercises

Build and track exercises that reflect exactly what happens in your sessions.

We have streamlined the custom exercise builder to give you full control. You can now recreate variations that inherit Output’s validated algorithms, tracking logic, and structure suited to your specific coaching setup.

The process looks like this:
• Create a custom exercise from scratch
• Add an instructional video (optional)
• Add notes or coaching cues (optional)
• Select a base exercise to inherit VBT logic
• Choose the sensor position (for example barbell, dumbbell, wrist)
• Define if the movement is bilateral or unilateral
• Enable 1RM tracking (if relevant)
• Add filters and alternate names for easier searching (optional)

Watch the walkthrough here:
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This makes it easy to integrate custom tracking into your workflow while reflecting the realities of how you coach.

Part 2: Enhanced Metric Tracking for Non-Sensor Exercises

Your data. Your way. Now with more depth.

Previously, non-sensor custom exercises were limited to sets and reps. That has now changed.

You can now log a wide range of performance metrics, giving you a more detailed and complete view of athlete development.

Available metrics include:

• Time: Seconds (s), Hours:Minutes:Seconds (00:00:00)
• Distance: Metres (m), Centimetres (cm), Feet and Inches (0′0″), Inches (″), Yards (yd)
• Number: Count-based entries
• Percentage: % values
• Velocity: Metres per second (m/s), Kilometres per hour (km/h), Miles per hour (mph)
• Load: Kilograms (kg), Pounds (lb)
• Outputs: Watts (W), Newtons (N), Degrees (°), Kilocalories (kcal)
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Watch a full walkthrough on how to set up a custom exercise for a non-sensor-based activity here:

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Why It Matters

While this might seem like a small update, it allows you to track long-term progress across a much wider set of exercises and assessments using one platform.

Output becomes your complete system for testing, monitoring, training, and reporting.

No more disconnected spreadsheets or scattered notes. These upgrades allow you to build consistent, easily exportable dashboards that include every metric that matters, whether it comes from Output or external tools.

Previously, dashboards focused on gym-based KPIs captured using the Output Sensor, such as Trap Bar Mean Velocity, Countermovement Jump height, or Back Squat 1RM. Now, you can add any data you need, as long as the unit of measurement is supported.

What This Looks Like in Practice

These changes take our custom dashboards to a new level. You can now build out complete performance profiles that include gym data alongside speed, sport, and endurance metrics.

You can track cardiovascular assessments such as time trials and technical KPIs such as clubhead speed or pitch velocity. The possibilities are endless, giving you full freedom to present the data that matters most to you.

If you're a soccer strength and conditioning coach, your dashboard can now include:

• Back Squat Estimated 1RM*
• Bench Press Peak Power*
• Jump Height*
• Reactive Strength Index (RSI)*
• 40m Sprint Time
• Flying 10m Time
• Maximal Running Velocity
• 6-Minute Run Time Trial
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(* indicates measured using Output)

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All in the same report. All relevant. All trackable. All in one place.

You are now in control of what you capture, how it is stored, and how you present it to your athletes or staff.