Before you can build a plan for an athlete, you need to connect them to your Soma Analytics account. Each athlete uses a unique Soma ID, which is how the platform tracks their data and links it back to you.
There are two ways an athlete can get access to Soma:
You buy the Soma ID through Soma Analytics and assign it to them.
The athlete buys access through the App Store (iTunes) and shares their Soma ID with you.
Which should you use
For most coaches starting out, buying the Soma ID yourself is the cleaner option. You control the setup, there are no questions from the athlete about how to purchase, and the ID works on any iOS device they use. If you're working with an independent athlete remotely and they prefer to manage their own subscription, iTunes works too.
Heads up: If the athlete buys through iTunes, their access is tied to the Apple account and device they used to purchase. If they want to use Soma on a different device, they need to be logged into the same Apple account. If you ever want your athlete to use Soma on a facility iPad as well as their own phone, coach-purchased access is the way to go.
How to purchase Soma IDs
In Soma Analytics, open the main menu and select Purchase Soma IDs. Choose how many you need, then complete the purchase. Soma IDs you buy appear automatically in your Soma ID Archive and in your User List.
Browser note: Purchases go through Stripe, which sometimes has issues in Firefox due to strict tracking protection. Use Chrome or Safari for the smoothest experience. If you must use Firefox, turn off strict tracking protection and refresh.
Connecting an athlete who purchased via iTunes
If your athlete bought Soma NPT through the App Store, they already have a Soma ID. Ask them to find it on the Profile screen inside the Soma NPT app and send it to you.
Then, in Soma Analytics:
Tap the + icon to add a user.
Enter the Soma ID the athlete gave you.
Tap Add User to confirm the connection.
If the Soma ID doesn't appear in your User List
If you've purchased a Soma ID but it's not showing up in your User List, you can add it manually:
Open the main menu and select Soma ID Archive.
Find the Soma ID.
Tap the + icon next to it to add it to your User List.
Getting Your Athletes Started on Soma NPT
Send this to your athletes before their first session.
It covers everything they need to get started. How to login, how to access their plan, and what each metric means after a session.
They open it, follow the steps, and they are ready to go. No questions back to you.