Q: what exercises does the apple watch recognize

Apple Watch recognises brisk exercise of any type via the Activity app:

Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

You can also use Apple Watch to set goals and track progress during specific exercise workouts with the Workout app, choosing from:

• Outdoor Run, Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, Indoor Run, Indoor Walk, Indoor Cycle, Elliptical, Rower and Stair Stepper.
• For anything else, you can choose "Other" (eg football, tennis, etc).

Use the Workout app on Apple Watch - Apple Support

See here for more information about health and fitness features:

https://www.apple.com/watch/health-and-fitness/