Hi
To credit progress towards your Exercise goal, the Activity app aims to identify activity that equals or exceeds the intensity of a brisk walk. This requirement applies both during general daily wear and when recording workouts via the Workout app.
Exercise credit is awarded for each minute during which this requirement is met. It is possible that you are not meeting that requirement and/or that your activity is not being tracked accurately.
If you have not yet done so, then it may help to first update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:
Whilst Apple has not published details of the algorithm that determines when activity is deemed to meet the required intensity level, the definition does vary by person and depends on your personal information. To check that it is accurate:
On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Health > Edit - tap and adjust items, then tap on Done.
When recording specific fitness activities, be sure to use the Workout app (or a third-party app that shares data to Health) and to choose the activity type that most closely matches your workout, including choosing Other for any workouts that are neither included within nor sufficiently similar to those in the main list. This enables your watch to use the most appropriate sensors and data sources when tracking results:
Note that Apple Watch can pair and sync with compatible gym equipment, by following the instructions here:
Use gym equipment with Apple Watch
For more accurate tracking of outdoor workouts and to enable proper calibration for treadmill-based workouts, check your Location Services settings:
On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:
- Check that Location Services (the main setting at the top) is turned on.
- In the list of apps beneath, if the option is shown (depending on your watch mode), then check that Apple Watch Workout is set to While Using.
- Also enable options under System Services including Motion Calibration & Distance, Wi-Fi Networking and Mobile Network Search.
Apple Watch Series 2 & 3 models have built-in GPS, so the paired iPhone does not need to be taken along during supported outdoor workouts in order for them to be able to access Location Services information. For other models, it may help to take your iPhone along, with Location Services enabled.
During general daily wear and when using the Workout app to record relevant workouts (ie where arm motion is involved) when GPS data is either not relevant or not available - including for treadmill workouts - the Activity app and Workout app track your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer) when estimating results including progress towards the Exercise goal.
For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your watch to swing naturally as you move around during daily wear and to move as expected during workouts.
Resetting your existing calibration data and recalibrating your Apple Watch may help to improve the accuracy of activity-related estimations. More information and detailed instructions are available via the link below. Resetting your calibration data and following detailed instructions for calibrating your Apple Watch can be equally as helpful for Series 2 & 3 models and will not erase your Activity history:
Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support
For the best performance from your Apple Watch - including the most accurate readings from the heart rate sensor, which is used continually during workouts - be sure to wear your Apple Watch snugly (but not too tightly) during general daily wear and during any workouts. Apple suggests tightening your Apple Watch band before workouts and loosening it again afterwards:
Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support
If you would prefer to receive Exercise credit for the full duration of workouts, regardless of their estimated intensity levels, then track them via the Workout app using "Other" as the activity type. This will credit one minute of Exercise for each full minute of the workout. Active calories will be estimated at a rate equivalent to a brisk walk or based on data recorded by the heart rate sensor, whichever is higher. However, note that neither distance nor a route map are recorded for outdoor workouts under this workout activity type.
Otherwise, if the issue still persists, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:
More information:
Track workouts and stay healthy with Apple Watch - Apple Support
Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch
