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Q: Is there a way to automatically track elliptical exercise with Apple Watch? (without starting the Workout app every time)

Is there a way to automatically track elliptical exercise with Apple Watch? (without starting the Workout app every time)

Apple Watch, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Feb 22, 2016 1:16 PM

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Q: Is there a way to automatically track elliptical exercise with Apple Watch? (without starting the Workout app every time)

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  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 22, 2016 1:45 PM in response to iyudhi
    Level 7 (30,218 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 22, 2016 1:45 PM in response to iyudhi

    Hi

     

    It is not presently possible for elliptical exercise to be automatically tracked as elliptical-based workouts.

     

    However, the Activity app will continually track your activity based on data from the built-in accelerometer. This estimates results (for calories and exercise) based on how your arm movements relate to your stride length at different speeds when walking or running.

     

    More information:

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

     

  • by iyudhi,

    iyudhi iyudhi Feb 22, 2016 1:47 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 22, 2016 1:47 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Do I need to have my iPhone on my pocket while I'm doing elliptical? And do I need to train the watch somehow?

     

    Because I've tried it a few times before and the Apple Watch didn't detect any activity minutes when I was on elliptical.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Feb 22, 2016 2:31 PM in response to iyudhi
    Level 7 (30,218 points)
    Apple Watch
    Feb 22, 2016 2:31 PM in response to iyudhi

    It is not necessary to carry your iPhone during elliptical workouts.

     

    To credit progress towards your daily Exercise goal, Apple Watch aims to identify 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.

     

    To check that your personal information is accurate - and to update it over time:

    - On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Health > Edit - tap and adjust items, then tap on Done.

     

    Calibrating your watch can help to improve the accuracy of various estimations (including Exercise credit) made by the Activity app and Workout app. More information and instructions for calibrating your watch are available via the link below.

     

    If you would prefer to record your elliptical workouts as Exercise regardless of their intensity level, track them via the Workout app using Other as the activity type. This will credit one minute of Exercise for each full minute of your workout. Calories will be credited at a rate that is equivalent to a brisk walk or based on data from the heart rate sensor, whichever gives the higher result.

     

    More information:

    Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support