Yeah, Garmin’s own software isn’t great but it very easily syncs directly to loads of other services, and there are “interlocutor” (not sure what the right term is) apps like Rungapp on iOS that will let you sync it to even more.

I personally highly recommend intervals.icu

Any benefits of intervals.icu over Garmin connect?

I personally don't know anyone who creates workouts in Garmin Connect. Not saying it doesn't happen, or even that it isn't common, but everyone I know is creating their workouts in TP, Intervals.icu, Golden Cheetah (or other similar dedicated training platforms), or even in Zwift (or another virtual training platform).

I build workouts in Garmin Connect (web version). It's not great, but it works.

I have, for years.

I create workouts in Garmin Connect

I’ll parrot the other replies and say that I also do.

> for purposes other than workout programming

I specifically called out workouts.

one tedious thing is needing to manually create the workouts. Unless you're doing the same thing week in and week out, it gets old quickly.

I'd build something like a ZWO to FIT converter but there's no way to load them onto a bike computer without Garmin or TrainingPeaks

I only use my Garmin for GPS+heartbeat based workouts such as hikes + my runs. I've never had any issues integrating their services into Strava or a variety of workout devices in gyms. Though, on a sidenote, it is beyond annoying when many of those devices only support Ant+ or Apple HealthKit integration; but I wouldn't really tag that a Garmin issue as much as an ecosystem one.

That all being said, I could imagine more complicated workouts that surpass simple lap/leg tracking could be problematic.