Unleashing the Potential of Your Apple Watch for Fitness Tracking
The Apple Watch is not just a timepiece; it’s a versatile fitness tool that can greatly enhance your exercise experience. While many users may only scratch the surface of its capabilities, there are numerous features and tips that can help you make the most of this innovative device. In this article, we’ll explore practical fitness advice to help you optimize your workouts, track your progress, and reach your fitness goals effectively.
Customize Your Activity Goals
Give Your Apple Watch Rings a “Rest Day”
The Apple Watch features three activity rings—Move, Exercise, and Stand. While many stick to the same goals daily, you can customize these targets based on your weekly routine. Now, you have the option to assign different goals for each day, including the addition of rest days.
Simply navigate to the Fitness app and tap on the Activity Rings card. Tap the “+/-” icon next to each goal to modify it as needed. For instance, you might want lower targets on days when you plan to relax or recover.
Flexibility in Wearing Your Watch
Wear Your Apple Watch on Your Arm or Ankle
While the Apple Watch is designed for the wrist, consider wearing it on your upper arm or ankle during certain workouts. This is especially useful for activities like kettlebell swings or bench presses when wrist wraps are required. If you use a standing desk, wearing the Watch on your ankle can also help track your steps more accurately.
To do this comfortably, you may need a longer wristband, which can easily be purchased online.
Streamline Your Workout Experience
Change App View for Easier Access
During workouts, you want to access your apps swiftly. By pressing the crown, you’ll see your installed apps as icons, but these can be difficult to tap accurately. Instead, switch to List View by scrolling down to the bottom of the screen. This way, your apps will be displayed alphabetically, making it easier to find what you need in the middle of your workout.
Organizing Your Fitness Data
Use Bevel for Data Management
The Apple Watch collects a wealth of data, but finding it all in one place can be challenging. Consider using a third-party app like Bevel, which aggregates your fitness data into a convenient dashboard. Bevel will provide insights similar to those offered by devices like the Whoop or Oura ring. With a free tier available, Bevel can give you excellent access to your recovery and fitness analytics.
Enhance Your Workouts
Create Customized Intervals
The Workout app has evolved significantly, enabling you to program custom interval workouts. From the Workouts tab, tap on the timer icon to view and edit workouts, allowing you to tailor sessions according to your specific intervals or workout lengths.
Race Against Yourself
Use the Race Route Feature
If you frequently run or cycle the same route, take advantage of the Race Route feature. After completing the same run twice, you can select this option to race against your previous best times. This feature provides an additional motivation factor during workouts, as you can see how close you are to beating yourself.
Workout Without the Watch
Record Activities via Your iPhone
Forget your Apple Watch? No problem! The updated Fitness app allows you to log workouts using your iPhone. Simply select the type of workout you plan to undertake, and the app will track your distance and pace using GPS. If you have any heart rate measuring devices, those can be synced to enhance your tracking experience.
Optimize Indoor Workouts
Connect to a Treadmill
To get the most accurate data while using a treadmill, connect your Apple Watch to machines equipped with GymKit. Enable Detect Gym Equipment in your watch’s settings, and tap your watch to the treadmill console to synchronize workout data accurately.
Discover Advanced Features
Install WorkOutDoors for Enhanced Mapping
For those seeking advanced features, consider downloading the WorkOutDoors app, which provides exceptional mapping and data analytics for runners and hikers. Although it requires a small one-time fee, the extensive capabilities it offers could enhance your training experience significantly.
Keep Your Battery Charged
Top Up Before Sleep
If you’re using your Apple Watch to track sleep, ensure you charge it beforehand. Recent models can get a quick charge in just five minutes, giving you enough battery life for a full night of tracking.
Conclusion
By increasing your familiarity with the various features and functionalities of the Apple Watch, you can enhance not only your fitness tracking but also your overall exercise experience. From customizing activity goals and effectively using apps to managing your data, these tips can help you maximize the potential of your device. Stay engaged, stay fit, and let your Apple Watch be a reliable companion on your fitness journey.
