How do I play and pause workouts?Updated 2 months ago
Video Controls in CENTR Workouts
CENTR makes it easy to control workout playback, with intuitive controls that work just like you'd expect from any video player.
Coached Workouts: Standard Video Controls
What Are Coached Workouts?
Coached workouts are follow-along video classes where you train in real-time with CENTR trainers. Think of them like a fitness class you're watching and following.
How Video Controls Work
Coached workouts have standard video player controls:
- Play button: Starts or resumes the workout video
- Pause button: Pauses the workout video
- Tap the screen: Brings up the control overlay if it's hidden
The controls are obvious and intuitive - a play icon means play, a pause icon means pause. You don't need special instructions; they work exactly like you'd expect.
When to Use Pause
Common reasons to pause Coached workouts:
- Need to grab water or equipment
- Quick bathroom break
- Adjust your exercise space
- Answer the door
- Catch your breath during intense intervals
- Check your form in a mirror
- Take extra rest beyond what the trainer programs
Resuming After Pause
When you're ready to continue:
- Simply tap the play button
- The workout resumes exactly where you paused
- The trainer continues from that point
- Your workout timer picks up where it left off
Self-Guided Workouts: Dynamic Control
What Are Self-Guided Workouts?
Self-Guided workouts are interactive workout experiences where YOU control the pace. Instead of following a video in real-time, you move through exercises at your own speed.
How Controls Work
Self-Guided workouts offer different controls:
- Dynamic pacing: You control when to start and finish each exercise
- Exercise-by-exercise progression: Move to the next exercise when you're ready
- Built-in rest periods: Rest timers between exercises
- Pause anytime: Stop at any point and resume later
Exercise Types in Self-Guided
Self-Guided workouts include a mix of:
- Time-based exercises: Perform the movement for a set duration (e.g., 45 seconds)
- Rep-based exercises: Complete a specific number of repetitions (e.g., 12 reps)
- Distance-based exercises: Cover a certain distance or complete a task
You control when each exercise starts and stops, making it perfect for logging weights and working at your own intensity.
Obvious Controls = Easy to Use
CENTR's philosophy is that workout controls should be intuitive:
- A play button always means "start" or "continue"
- A pause button always means "stop temporarily"
- Controls appear when you need them
- No hidden gestures or complicated sequences
If you can use a video player, you can use CENTR workout controls.
Differences Between Formats
| Coached Workouts | Self-Guided Workouts |
|---|---|
| Follow trainer's pace | Control your own pace |
| Video plays continuously | Exercise-by-exercise progression |
| Pause stops video playback | Pause stops your current exercise |
| Timer counts up/down with video | Timer for each individual exercise |
| Like a fitness class | Like a personal training session |
Tips for Using Controls Effectively
For Coached Workouts
- Prepare beforehand: Get water and equipment ready so you pause less
- Pause when needed: Don't feel pressure to keep up if you need a break
- Use strategically: Pause during water breaks or transitions, not mid-exercise
- Return quickly: Long pauses can cool you down too much
For Self-Guided Workouts
- Take your time: The format is designed for you to control pacing
- Rest appropriately: Use rest timers between exercises
- Log as you go: Record weights and reps during rest periods
- Focus on form: Without a video to keep up with, perfect your technique
Minimizing the App During Workouts
For Self-Guided workouts especially, you can minimize the CENTR app during rest periods:
- Rest timer audio cues continue even when app is minimized
- Beeps notify you when rest period is ending
- Check messages or music without losing your place
- Return to the app to start your next exercise
This gives you flexibility during rest periods without interrupting your workout flow.
What Happens If You Exit?
Exiting Early
If you exit a workout before completing it:
- The workout won't mark as complete
- Your progress up to that point may not be saved
- You can return and finish later, or start over
Proper Completion
To ensure a workout marks as complete:
- Play through the entire workout to the end
- Don't exit early
- Wait for the completion screen
- Allow the app to sync before closing
Troubleshooting Control Issues
If controls aren't responding:
- Tap the screen to reveal the control overlay
- Force close and restart the app
- Check for app updates
- Ensure your device has enough storage and processing power
See our troubleshooting article "Why isn't my workout marking as complete?" for more detailed help.
Need Help?
If you're experiencing issues with workout controls or playback, contact us at [email protected] with details about your device and the specific issue.