Thomas.Sc

Q: how does apple watch know or calculate the intensity of my workouts?

Hi all,

 

I have used my apple watch now for some time in combination with the activity app for different types of workouts such as running etc and I am curious about the watch or the activity app knows the intensity of a workout such as a run.

 

Does the watch or app rate each run similar just as a run or does it somehow make a difference if a run is more or less "hard"?

 

I am interested in this because I think there is a difference if you go on a relaxed 10km run or if you for example do a very hard run up a mountain. Can the watch / app know if you are for example running up hill?

 

I have recently been on a quite relaxed run of about 10km together with my girlfriend. After such a run I dont feel very exhausted but the activity app anyway stated that I burned quite some kalories. Now another day I went for a really hard and fast run up a hill which was much however shorter, only about 6km. In this case the activity app stated that I burned less calories than on relaxed run and I can not really believe that if I am working out very hard compared to a relaxed run.

 

Therefore I wanted to know how this actually works and hope somebody can answer me.

 

Thanks and Regards,

Thomas

Apple Watch

Posted on Jul 24, 2016 10:00 AM

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Q: how does apple watch know or calculate the intensity of my workouts?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 24, 2016 10:26 AM in response to Thomas.Sc
    Level 7 (31,031 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 24, 2016 10:26 AM in response to Thomas.Sc

    Hi Thomas

     

    When you track an activity using the Workout app and specify an activity type, your watch uses the most appropriate sensors and data sources to estimate the results of that workout.

     

    For example, when recording an Outdoor Run:

     

    • If you also take your iPhone along (with Location Services and Bluetooth enabled), your watch can access GPS data from the iPhone when estimating pace and distance.
    • If you do not take your iPhone along, the watch relies on data from the built-in accelerometer when estimating pace and distance.
    • Data from the heart rate sensor is used when estimating Active Calories, including calculations that are tailored to the different activity types.

     

    Calibrating your watch helps to improve the accuracy of various estimations made by the Activity app and Workout app. More information and instructions for calibrating your watch are available via the link below.

     

    Estimations of results also depend on your personal information. To check that this is accurate - and to update it over time:

     

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

     

    More information:

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

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 24, 2016 10:23 AM in response to Thomas.Sc
    Level 7 (31,031 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 24, 2016 10:23 AM in response to Thomas.Sc

    Apple Watch does not include hardware features that enable it to identity when you are running up or down a hill.

     

    However, your heart rate (which will vary depending on the intensity of your workout) is taken into account when estimating Active Calories.

  • by Thomas.Sc,

    Thomas.Sc Thomas.Sc Jul 24, 2016 10:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 24, 2016 10:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Thanks for the fast response Jonathan,

     

    I am trying to bring my iPhone when possible and I actually noticed some variations on the workout date when I am for example running the same round with and without having the phone with me.

     

    So I will try the calibration as in your link but anyway if I understand you correctly, when I bring my iPhone along the activity app should be able to notice if I am running on flat terrain or uphill or for example a mix of up hill and down hill as it often is in the forest.

     

    Regards,

    Thomas

  • by Jonathan UK,Helpful

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 24, 2016 10:33 AM in response to Thomas.Sc
    Level 7 (31,031 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 24, 2016 10:33 AM in response to Thomas.Sc

    You're welcome!

     

    Apple has not specified whether, when the iPhone is taken along, gradient is also taken into account when estimating the results of workouts.

     

    You may wish to contact Apple and ask: