- Get Acquainted with the Activity App on the Apple Watch
- Get Acquainted with the Activity App on the iPhone
- Get Started Using the Workout App on the Apple Watch
- How to Use the Heart Rate App
- App Options for Fitness-Minded People
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Get Started Using the Workout App on the Apple Watch
The Workout app is somewhat similar to the Activity app, but instead of being designed for use at all times while you’re wearing the watch, this app allows you to collect and analyze data related to actual workouts.
To use this app, launch it from the Home screen of the Apple Watch (see Figure 5.23), and from the main menu, select the fitness-related activity you’re about to participate it. Options include Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, Outdoor Cycle, Indoor Run, Indoor Walk, Indoor Cycle, Elliptical, Rower, Stair Stepper, or Other.
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FIGURE 5.23 Launch the Workout app from the Apple Watch’s Home screen.
Based on which option you select, for each workout, typically you can set a Caloric, Distance, or Time goal, and then have the watch display real-time data it collects as you pursue that goal during your workout.
NOTE
The Workout app automatically shares certain applicable data with the Activity and Health apps, so anything you do during a workout helps you reach your daily goals set in the Activity app.
When you’re ready to begin a workout, follow these steps to activate the Workout app on your watch:
- From any watch face you’ve selected to be displayed on the watch’s screen, press the Digital Crown to access the watch’s Home screen.
- Tap on the Workout app icon to launch the Workout app.
- When the main menu appears, tap on the type of workout you plan to engage in.
Depending on the activity you select, a submenu screen enables you to Set Calories, Set Time, or Set Miles, or select Open (if you have no goal in mind, but simply want to track your workout-related data). If you select the Set Time screen, a timer appears, showing 0:00, with a negative sign (–) icon on the left and a plus sign (+) icon on the right. Tap the + icon to set the desired duration for your workout. Press the Start button, shown in Figure 5.24, to begin your workout.
FIGURE 5.24 Adjust Set Time or Set Miles options by tapping on the + icon or – icon.
NOTE
If you select Outdoor Walk, for example, the Set Calories, Set Time, Set Miles, and Open options are available. However, for other activities, like Elliptical, only the applicable Set Calories, Set Time, and Open options are available.
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Instead of setting the default Set Calories screen (shown in Figure 5.25), swipe from right to left to scroll between Set Calories, Set Time, Set Miles (shown in Figure 5.26) or Open.
FIGURE 5.25 The Set Calories screen of the Workout app.
FIGURE 5.26 The Set Miles screen of the Workout app.
As soon as you press the Start button, begin your workout. Obviously, make sure you’re wearing the Apple Watch comfortably on your wrist. You’ll be given a three-second countdown before the app begins collecting real-time data.
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If you’re planning an extended workout, such as a several-hour walk or hike, consider putting your Apple Watch into Power Saving mode to conserve battery life.
To do this, access the watch’s selected watch face, swipe up to access the glance screen, and then swipe sideways until the Battery Life glance screen appears (see Figure 5.27). Tap on the Power Reserve button to turn on this feature.
FIGURE 5.27 The Battery Life glance screen on the Apple Watch.
When you turn on Power Reserve mode, the Heart Rate monitor deactivates and does not collect heart rate data.
During your workout, you can adjust what information appears on the watch’s screen (see Figure 5.28). By default, the Elapsed Time displays. Scroll sideways (right to left) to view real-time Pace, Distance, Calories, and Heart Rate data. The screen to the extreme left allows you to End or Pause/Resume your workout.
FIGURE 5.28 View real-time data being collected on your Apple Watch’s screen during a workout.
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If you want the Workout app on your Apple Watch to display color-coded activity rings that represent Distance, Calories, and Time, you must turn on this feature.
To do this, launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap on the My Watch icon, scroll down and select the Workout option, and then from the Workout menu screen (see Figure 5.29), turn on the Show Goal Metric option.
FIGURE 5.29 The Workout menu screen found in the Apple Watch app.
From this menu, you can also have Apple Watch enter into Power Saving Mode each time you launch the Workout app. To do this, turn on the Power Saving Mode option.
After you end your workout, all data transfers to the iPhone and gets stored in the Health app that comes preinstalled with iOS 8.3 or later. Certain other third-party apps can also import this information, provided you grant those apps permission to do this. A workout summary screen showcasing your accomplishments appears on the Apple Watch’s screen at the conclusion of every workout (see Figure 5.30). Choose whether to delete or store that workout’s data by scrolling down on this screen to view the applicable command buttons.
FIGURE 5.30 Scroll down the Workout Summary screen to view all collected data pertaining to that workout, and then choose whether to save it. If you save it, relevant data transfers to the Activity and Health apps.
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NOTE
According to Apple, to improve the accuracy of the Workout app’s data collection, wear the Apple Watch regularly, not just when you work out. Also, select the workout activity from the app’s main menu that is closest to what you’re actually doing.
To track GPS-related data during your outdoor workouts, you need to also carry your iPhone with you. However, you can keep it in a pocket, wear it in a case strapped to your arm or waist, or attach it to your bike, for example.
To obtain accurate heart rate data, the back of the watch must touch the skin on your wrist. You can’t wear it over a long-sleeve shirt, for example. Also, the fit around your wrist should be snug.