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Q: Activity measurements without using workout mode are woefully off

Hello

For over two months, I used the workout app consistently when exercising. I could not do so yesterday since my watch was locked and I did not have my phone to unlock it. I exercised by far for the longest time since I started..approximately 1hr and 45 mins...yet the watch activity app only shows 20 mins of exercise and a minimal amount of calories burned..To rely on the user to invoke the workout mode to ensure accurate activity measurements seems to defeat the purpose of using the device..I can understand being off by a little bit, but the order of magnitude difference in actual vs measured activity is huge and makes me wonder if the sensors are doing work or is the computation of activity based on simple formulas.

Apple Watch Sport 38mm

Posted on Mar 21, 2016 11:50 AM

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Q: Activity measurements without using workout mode are woefully off

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  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Mar 21, 2016 12:12 PM in response to applewatchuser
    Level 7 (31,031 points)
    Apple Watch
    Mar 21, 2016 12:12 PM in response to applewatchuser

    Hi

     

    During general daily wear (ie when you are not recording a workout via the Workout app), the Activity app credits progress towards your Exercise goal when it identifies activity that equals or exceeds the intensity of "a brisk walk". (The definition of a brisk walk varies from person to person and depends upon your personal information).

     

    When you are not using the Workout app, your watch relies on your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer) to track movement for this purpose. For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your watch to swing naturally as you exercise.

     

    Estimates for Active Energy (calories / kilojoules) are based on continuous heart rate monitoring during workouts when recorded via the Workout app.

     

    More information:

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support