Add Apple Watch strength training or weightlifting workout

Hi

The built-in Workout app on Apple Watch does not include strength training as a main activity type, but workouts can still be named as Strength Training.

Record your workouts by selecting Other as the activity type. Upon ending the workout, tap on the option to Name Workout, where available labels include Strength Training.

More information:

When recording a workout via the Workout app, choosing the activity type that most closely matches your workout enables Apple Watch to use the most appropriate sensors and data sources when estimating the results, including using tailored calorie calculations for preset activity types.

For activities that are not included within the list or that are not sufficiently similar - including weight training - record your workout under "Other".

This credits one minute of Exercise for each full minute of the workout. Active calories for Other workouts are estimated at a rate equivalent to a brisk walk or based on data recorded by the heart rate sensor, whichever is higher.

Note that tracking can be affected during a workout if your watch loses contact with your skin. Better contact with your skin may also improve heart rate sensor performance during your workout. Apple suggests that you consider tightening your band before workouts and loosening it again afterwards.

As weight training involves flexing your wrists, it may also help to move your watch a little higher up your arm, away from the flexing joint. Also keep in mind that the heart rate sensor is likely to give better results for workouts that involve rhythmic (eg running) rather than irregular movements.

More information:

Work out with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

About workout types

I was brought to this forum because I was trying to figure out how to get the Strength Training option in the native workout app on my first generation watch. My wife has the option on her Series 2 (see below). So it is out there..

Hi

Strength Training is not included in the Workout app as a main activity type.

Once an Other workout has been completed and labelled (via the Name Workout option when ending the workout) with any given activity name (options include Strength Training), that workout type will become available to repeat within the Workout app, complete with the previously saved label.

However, it is still an Other workout, with results estimated as described in my previous reply.

I was able to replicate it with your instructions above. Thanks!

You're welcome! 🙂