Quick Answer: FitSwitch includes a metrics overlay feature that displays your Peloton's cadence, power, heart rate, and resistance on top of any app. This means you can watch Netflix, use Zwift, or browse the web while still seeing your workout stats—solving the problem of losing metrics when you leave the Peloton app.
Table of Contents
- The Problem: Losing Metrics in Third-Party Apps
- How the Metrics Overlay Works
- Setting Up the Metrics Overlay
- Best Uses for the Overlay
- FAQ
The Problem: Losing Metrics in Third-Party Apps
When you sideload apps onto your Peloton using ADB and developer mode, you hit a frustrating problem: third-party apps can't access your Peloton's sensors.
Open Netflix? No power, cadence, or heart rate display. Launch Zwift? Without proper integration, it's isolated. Use any streaming app? You're riding blind.
Your Peloton collects excellent data: - Power — Accurate wattage from the built-in power meter - Cadence — RPM from the crank sensor - Heart Rate — From your connected monitor - Resistance — The current resistance level
But that data stays trapped in the Peloton app. Third-party apps run in their own isolated world with no access to the bike's sensors.
This defeats the purpose of having a premium fitness bike. You're either: 1. Using Peloton's app with metrics but limited content 2. Using other apps with great content but no metrics
FitSwitch solves this with the metrics overlay.
How the Metrics Overlay Works
FitSwitch creates a system-level overlay that displays your Peloton's sensor data on top of any app running on the screen.
What the Overlay Shows
The overlay displays real-time metrics: - Power (watts) — Your current output - Cadence (RPM) — Pedaling speed - Heart Rate (BPM) — If you have a connected HR monitor - Resistance — Current resistance level
How It Accesses the Data
FitSwitch bridges between: 1. Peloton's sensor systems — Reading power, cadence, resistance 2. Connected heart rate monitors — Via ANT+ or Bluetooth 3. The overlay display — Rendering on top of other apps
This happens at the system level, so any app can run underneath while the overlay stays visible.
Overlay Design
The overlay is designed to be unobtrusive: - Position — Fixed at the bottom of the screen - Transparency — Slightly transparent so it doesn't block content - Visibility — Can be disabled when not needed
This design keeps your metrics visible without interfering with the app experience.
Setting Up the Metrics Overlay
Step 1: Install FitSwitch
Follow the FitSwitch installation instructions to set up the device on your Peloton.
Step 2: The Overlay Appears Automatically
Once FitSwitch is installed, the metrics overlay appears automatically at the bottom of the screen when you open any app. The overlay is slightly transparent to avoid blocking content.
Step 3: Use with Any App
- Open any app (Netflix, Zwift, Firefox, etc.)
- The overlay appears on top
- Your metrics display while you use the app
- Ride with full visibility into your effort
Best Uses for the Overlay
Entertainment Apps
Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, etc.
The overlay transforms passive watching into accountable training: - See your power while binge-watching - Track cadence to maintain minimum effort - Monitor heart rate to stay in zones - Make entertainment time productive
You're no longer just watching TV—you're training while watching TV.
Streaming Workouts
YouTube, fitness websites, etc.
Follow along with: - Cycling technique videos - Guided workouts from YouTube creators - Coaching content from other platforms
The overlay adds your Peloton data to any video content.
Training Apps
Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy
While these apps show some metrics, the overlay adds your familiar Peloton display: - See Peloton-style metrics in Zwift - Add resistance display to TrainerRoad - Combine app data with Peloton data
Web Browsing
Firefox browser
Read articles, watch videos, or browse while seeing: - That you're maintaining target power - Your heart rate zone - Time in the saddle
Overlay vs Native App Metrics
Why Use the Overlay When Apps Show Data?
Apps like Zwift display power and cadence. Why use the overlay too?
Familiarity: - You're used to how Peloton displays metrics - Consistent format across all apps - No learning new interfaces
Additional Data: - Some apps don't show resistance level - Overlay combines all metrics in one place - Heart rate display even in apps that don't support it
Entertainment Apps: - Netflix doesn't show any fitness metrics - Overlay is the only way to see data - Essential for streaming while training
Redundancy: - See data even if app connection drops - Multiple sources confirm accuracy - Backup display during technical issues
Metrics Overlay and Smartwatch Tracking
Complete Tracking Solution
FitSwitch provides both: 1. On-screen overlay — See metrics while using any app 2. Smartwatch broadcast — Track workout on Apple Watch or Garmin
Together, you get: - Real-time feedback on the Peloton screen - Permanent workout record on your watch - Data synced to your fitness ecosystem
Apple Watch Integration
While using Netflix with the overlay: - Apple Watch records your cycling workout - Power, cadence, heart rate logged - Workout counts toward your rings - Syncs to Apple Health
Garmin Integration
While using any app: - Garmin watch records the activity - ANT+ data broadcast from FitSwitch - Full workout sync to Garmin Connect - Training load and recovery tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the overlay work with all apps?
Yes. The overlay is system-level, so it displays on top of any app running on the Peloton screen.
Can I hide the overlay when I don't need it?
Yes. The overlay can be disabled. You might want it for entertainment apps but disable it when not needed.
Does the overlay affect app performance?
Minimal impact. The overlay is lightweight and doesn't significantly affect app performance.
Where does the overlay appear on screen?
The overlay is fixed at the bottom of the screen. It's slightly transparent so it doesn't obstruct the app you're using.
Does it show heart rate from any monitor?
FitSwitch works with ANT+ and Bluetooth heart rate monitors. If your monitor is connected, heart rate appears in the overlay.
Can I disable the overlay?
Yes. The overlay can be toggled off if you don't need it for a particular app or session.
Does this work on both Bike and Bike+?
Yes. The overlay works on both Peloton models.
Is the data accurate?
The overlay displays data directly from Peloton's sensors and your heart rate monitor. It's as accurate as the underlying sensors.
Can I record these workouts?
The overlay is display-only. For recording, use the smartwatch broadcast feature—Apple Watch or Garmin will log the full workout.
Does the overlay work during Peloton classes?
You can enable it, but it's typically unnecessary since Peloton's app already shows metrics. The overlay is most valuable in third-party apps.
Never Ride Blind Again
Your Peloton's sensors produce valuable data—don't lose it when using other apps.
FitSwitch's metrics overlay shows your: - Power output - Cadence - Heart rate - Resistance level
On top of any app: - Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) - Training apps (Zwift, TrainerRoad, Rouvy) - Web browser - Anything else
Combined with smartwatch tracking (Apple Watch, Garmin), you get complete visibility and recording of every workout.
Get FitSwitch — See your metrics in any app.
Last updated: January 2025