CoachPulse

Documentation

Getting Started with CoachPulse

Everything you need to set up your roster, read the dashboard, and understand the numbers.

1. For Coaches

  • Create your account

    Sign up with your email and a password. You'll be taken straight to your dashboard.

  • Your invite code explained

    Each coach gets a unique invite code (e.g. COACH-CHRIS-A1B). Share it with clients so they can connect their iOS app to your dashboard.

  • Adding clients

    When a client enters your code in the CoachPulse iOS app, they appear on your dashboard automatically. You can also pre-add clients by name and email.

  • Reading the readiness dashboard (TRAIN / ADAPT / RECOVER)

    TRAIN means HRV is within 10% of baseline AND sleep ≥ 6.5h — push as planned. ADAPT means HRV is 10–25% below baseline OR sleep is 5–6.5h — reduce volume, keep intensity. RECOVER means HRV is >25% below baseline OR sleep < 5h — switch to recovery work.

  • ACWR — what it means and how to use it

    Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio compares the last 7 days of training load to the last 28. 0.8–1.3 is the sweet spot. Below 0.8 = detraining. Above 1.3 = overload risk and a higher chance of injury.

  • Generating an AI session brief

    Open any client and click Generate Brief. CoachPulse summarizes their last week of recovery and workouts into a 3-sentence plan you can edit and send.

  • Asking questions about a client

    Use the chat at the bottom of the client page (e.g. 'Is Thomas ready for a PR attempt today?'). The answer uses the last 30 days of health data and last 5 workouts.

  • Logging workouts

    Add workouts directly from the client page. Add notes about RPE, PRs, and how the session felt.

  • Sending weekly reviews

    At the end of each week, send a short summary to your client highlighting trends, wins, and what to focus on next.

  • Messaging clients

    Use in-app messaging to keep all client conversations in one place — no SMS or email back-and-forth.

2. For Clients

  • Download the CoachPulse iOS app

    Available on the App Store. Sign in with the email your coach has on file.

  • Enter your coach's invite code

    Your coach will share a code that looks like COACH-CHRIS-A1B. Enter it once and you're connected.

  • Grant HealthKit access (one time only)

    When prompted, allow CoachPulse to read HRV, resting heart rate, sleep, and VO2 Max from Apple Health. You can revoke access anytime in iOS Settings → Privacy → Health.

  • What data is shared with your coach

    Only HRV, resting heart rate, sleep hours, and VO2 Max — nothing else. No location, no messages, no other Health categories.

  • Logging your own workouts

    Tap the + button to log a session. Your coach sees these alongside your recovery data.

  • Messaging your coach

    Use the in-app chat to reach your coach. Replies show up as push notifications.

  • Viewing your weekly review

    Each week you'll get a summary of your training and recovery directly in the app.

3. Supported Devices

CoachPulse reads data from Apple Health, which means it works with any device that syncs to Apple Health:

  • ✓ Apple Watch — full support (HRV, RHR, Sleep, VO2 Max)
  • ✓ Oura Ring — full support (HRV, RHR, Sleep)
  • ✓ Whoop — HRV and Sleep via Apple Health
  • ✓ Garmin — HRV, RHR via Garmin Connect → Apple Health
  • ✓ Polar — HRV, RHR via Polar Flow → Apple Health
  • ✓ Fitbit — partial support (setup required)

Your client simply needs the device's companion app installed on their iPhone with Apple Health sync enabled.

4. Understanding Your Data

  • What is HRV (Heart Rate Variability)?

    HRV is the variation in time between heartbeats. Higher HRV generally indicates good recovery and a well-regulated nervous system. We use the SDNN value Apple Watch records overnight.

  • What is Resting Heart Rate?

    The lowest heart rate measured at rest, typically while sleeping. Sustained increases often signal accumulated stress, fatigue, or illness.

  • What is ACWR (Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio)?

    A ratio of your last 7 days' training load to your last 28 days. Values between 0.8 and 1.3 are associated with the lowest injury risk in published research.

  • What does TRAIN / ADAPT / RECOVER mean?

    A simple 3-state daily readiness signal computed from your HRV vs. baseline and your sleep hours. See the coach guide above for thresholds.

  • How is my personal baseline calculated?

    We use your rolling 30-day average HRV as your baseline, so it adapts as your fitness changes.

  • What is VO2 Max and how is it measured?

    VO2 Max estimates your maximum oxygen uptake — a strong indicator of aerobic fitness. Apple Watch estimates it from heart rate during outdoor walks, runs, and hikes.

  • How often is data synced from Apple Watch?

    Whenever your iPhone is unlocked and the CoachPulse app is open in the background — typically every few hours, with a full sync each morning.

5. Privacy & Data

  • Who can see my health data?

    Only you and the specific coach you connected with via invite code. CoachPulse staff do not access individual client health data.

  • Can I revoke my coach's access?

    Yes. Disconnect your coach from the app at any time, or revoke HealthKit access in iOS Settings. Your data stops syncing immediately.

  • Is my data sold to third parties?

    No — never. We do not sell health data, share it for advertising, or pass it to data brokers under any circumstances.

  • Is CoachPulse a medical device?

    No. CoachPulse is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is a coaching tool. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.