Annalisamc

Q: Why is the calorie burn higher using activity app than workout app?

I've noticed that my calorie burns are much higher when I'm not using the workout app--e.g., when I take a power walk at lunch but don't use the workout app to track it. Why is that? Accurate calorie information is important to me because I'm using the info while trying to lose weight with My Fitness Pal. Should I be using the workout app and its calorie burn info instead?

Apple Watch

Posted on Mar 25, 2016 12:02 PM

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Q: Why is the calorie burn higher using activity app than workout app?

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  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Mar 25, 2016 12:18 PM in response to Annalisamc
    Level 8 (35,997 points)
    Apple Watch
    Mar 25, 2016 12:18 PM in response to Annalisamc

    Hi

     

    When you track a workout using the built-in Workout app, Apple Watch has access to additional data when estimating the results of your activity, including calories burned.

     

    When using the Workout app, Apple Watch uses the built-in heart rate sensor to measure your heart rate continuously. If you take your iPhone with you during (for example) an Outdoor Walk workout, your watch can access data from your iPhone to help estimate your pace and distance. This may include GPS data (if Location Services is enabled) and/or data from the iPhone motion coprocessor (depending on model).

     

    When tracking the same activity without using the Workout app, your watch will not use the heart rate sensor. The Activity app instead places greater reliance on data from your arm motion (measured by the built-in accelerometer) to estimate pace and distance.

     

    When using only the Activity app (which operates continuously in the background), for the best tracking results, it will therefore help to allow your arm to swing naturally whenever you are walking or running.

     

    Calibrating your watch can help to improve the accuracy of various health and activity-related estimations including:

    - Calorie estimations for workouts when using the Workout app.

    - Calorie, distance, Move and Exercise estimations in the Activity App.

     

    More information:

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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

  • by Annalisamc,

    Annalisamc Annalisamc Mar 25, 2016 1:39 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Apple Watch
    Mar 25, 2016 1:39 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Thank you! Cutting to the chase, that means calorie burn will be more accurate using the workout app than the activity app?

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Mar 25, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Annalisamc
    Level 8 (35,997 points)
    Apple Watch
    Mar 25, 2016 3:19 PM in response to Annalisamc

    You're welcome!

     

    Annalisamc wrote:

     

    Cutting to the chase, that means calorie burn will be more accurate using the workout app than the activity app?

     

    Perhaps, but it is impossible to state that with certainty, as results may differ depending on a variety of factors.

     

    Both methods are still only estimations. Estimations made by the Workout app rely, in large part, on the accuracy of the data that it receives. For example: if the heart rate sensor is unable to achieve reliable readings (perhaps due to a user's skin perfusion or the watch being worn too loosely), then calorie estimations may be affected accordingly.

     

    More information:

    Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support