How to run a weekly group competition with friends
Group competitions are invite-only weekly challenges. Create a group, settle the rule in the lobby, and compete inside a fixed window.
A group chat full of screenshots is one way to keep friends training. A group competition is a tidier one: a private group, one agreed rule, and a fixed weekly window where scores count. TandemFit group competitions are invite-only and competitive by design.
How are group competitions different from Tandem partnerships?
Tandem partnerships pair two people who try to stay in sync with each other, not beat each other. Group competitions are the opposite: members compete on a rule for the week. The two are separate features. If you are after a two-person accountability habit instead, read how Tandem weeks work as a training check-in.
How do I create a group?
Open Community, then tap the TF icon in the top-right of the Discovery header to open the Tandem dashboard. Group competition controls sit below the partnership area.
- In Group Challenges, tap Create Group.
- Name the group.
- Search usernames and invite at least one member.
- Choose how the rule is set.
How is the rule chosen?
There are two options:
- Rule voting lets members choose in the lobby.
- Creator chooses, where available, locks the rule immediately and skips voting.
With voting, accepted members can change their vote any time while the group is still in the lobby. Most votes wins, and ties are picked at random.
What happens in the lobby?
A group starts in the lobby. Invited members accept or reject before the week starts. When the start time arrives, the lobby closes, the winning rule locks in, and only scores from inside the competition window count. Activity before the start or after the end does not.
How do step competitions stay current?
For a Most steps rule, pull to refresh or open the group to sync device steps. TandemFit can backfill eligible days from the group window as step data arrives from your device, so a phone that synced late can still catch up. If scores look behind, refresh or reopen the group.
Can I add someone after the group starts?
Yes. Open the group, tap Settings, search a username, add the user chip, and tap Send Invite. During the lobby, the person joins the current round. After the week has started, the invite is for next week's lobby, so nobody joins a competition halfway through.
When are results final?
After the window ends, standings may wait while active members sync through the end of the window. Once that is done, results finalize. A short wait avoids naming a winner before someone's last workout or steps arrive.
Tips for a group that lasts
- Pick a rule everyone in the group can realistically take part in.
- Invite people before the week starts so they vote on the rule.
- Remind members to open the app after the window closes so their data syncs.
Try the walkthrough
The group competition walkthrough opens on the Tandem dashboard and points to each control. Find it in Profile, Settings, FAQ in the Tandem section.
For a view of how TandemFit fits athletes who train with others, see the athletes page.