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How To Add An Exercise To Apple Watch
Published: September 25, 2023
Learn how to add a featured exercise to your Apple Watch and make the most out of your fitness routine.
Introduction
When it comes to tracking your fitness goals, the Apple Watch is a versatile and powerful device. With its built-in sensors and innovative features, it allows you to monitor your workouts, record your progress, and stay motivated. However, you might find that the list of available exercises on your Apple Watch doesn’t cover your preferred activities. The good news is that you can add custom exercises to your Apple Watch and track them just like any other workout.
Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, or any other exercise that isn’t included in the default options, adding it to your Apple Watch is a simple process. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to add a custom exercise to your Apple Watch and make the most out of its fitness tracking capabilities.
By adding custom exercises, you can accurately track the duration, calories burned, heart rate, and other relevant metrics for your specific workout. This not only helps you stay on top of your fitness goals but also gives you a well-rounded view of your overall activity. So, let’s get started and learn how to add an exercise to your Apple Watch!
Step 1: Update your Apple Watch software
Before you can add custom exercises to your Apple Watch, it’s essential to ensure that your device is running the latest software version. Software updates often include new features, bug fixes, and improvements to the overall performance. To update your Apple Watch, follow these easy steps:
- Connect your Apple Watch to its charger and ensure that it has at least a 50% battery charge.
- Keep your iPhone nearby and ensure that it is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Navigate to the “My Watch” tab located at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll down and tap on “General”.
- Select “Software Update”.
- If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install”.
- Enter your iPhone passcode if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
It’s important to keep in mind that the update process may take some time, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. Make sure your Apple Watch stays connected to its charger throughout the update process to prevent any interruptions.
Updating your Apple Watch software ensures that you have the latest features and improvements, including any changes related to fitness tracking and exercise options. Once the software update is complete, you can proceed to the next step and add custom exercises to your Apple Watch.
Step 2: Open the Watch app on your iPhone
To add custom exercises to your Apple Watch, you’ll need to utilize the Watch app on your iPhone. This app serves as the control center for managing various settings and features on your Apple Watch. Follow these steps to open the Watch app:
- Locate the Watch app on your iPhone’s home screen. The app’s icon resembles a black watch.
- Tap on the Watch app to launch it.
- If prompted, enter your passcode or use Touch ID/Face ID to authenticate.
Once you have successfully opened the Watch app, you will gain access to a range of options to customize your Apple Watch’s settings and features.
It’s important to note that the Watch app is required for adding and managing custom exercises on your Apple Watch. This app serves as the primary interface for interacting with your watch’s settings, so it’s crucial to have it installed and up-to-date on your iPhone.
Now that you have successfully opened the Watch app on your iPhone, you’re ready to proceed to the next step and navigate to the appropriate section for adding custom exercises to your Apple Watch.
Step 3: Tap on the “My Watch” tab
Once you have opened the Watch app on your iPhone, it’s time to navigate to the “My Watch” tab, where you can access and customize various settings for your Apple Watch. Follow these simple steps:
- At the bottom of the Watch app screen, you will see a series of tabs. Tap on the “My Watch” tab, which is located to the left of the “Featured” tab.
Tapping on the “My Watch” tab will take you to a screen displaying comprehensive options and settings for your Apple Watch. This is where you can manage watch faces, organize apps, adjust notifications, and configure various features to suit your preferences.
By tapping on the “My Watch” tab, you will gain access to a wealth of customization options for your Apple Watch. It’s important to take your time and explore the various settings to make the most out of your device’s capabilities.
Now that you have successfully navigated to the “My Watch” tab, you’re ready to move on to the next step and scroll down to select the “Workout” option, where you can add custom exercises to your Apple Watch.
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Workout”
After tapping on the “My Watch” tab in the Watch app, it’s time to scroll down and select the “Workout” option. Follow these steps to access the workout settings:
- On the “My Watch” screen, swipe your finger upwards or scroll downwards to navigate through the available settings options.
- Continue scrolling until you locate the “Workout” option.
- Tap on “Workout” to access the workout settings.
By selecting the “Workout” option, you will be able to manage and customize the various workout features and preferences on your Apple Watch. This includes adding custom exercises, enabling specific workout metrics, and adjusting settings such as “Power Saving Mode” and “Detect Gym Equipment”.
The “Workout” section is where you can truly tailor your Apple Watch to align with your preferred workout routines and activities. It allows you to ensure accurate tracking of exercises that may not be part of the default workout options.
Now that you have successfully selected the “Workout” option, you’re ready to proceed to the next step and tap on “Add Workout” to add a custom exercise to your Apple Watch.
Step 5: Tap on “Add Workout”
After accessing the “Workout” settings on your Apple Watch, the next step is to tap on the “Add Workout” option. This will allow you to add a custom exercise to your Apple Watch. Follow these simple steps:
- Within the “Workout” settings, scroll down until you find the “Add Workout” option.
- Tap on “Add Workout” to proceed.
By tapping on “Add Workout,” you are opening the door to a world of customizable exercise options on your Apple Watch. This is where you can add exercises that may not be included in the default list. Whether it’s a specific yoga pose, weightlifting exercise, or any other activity, the “Add Workout” feature allows you to track it effortlessly.
Adding custom workouts is an excellent way to personalize your fitness journey and stay motivated. With the ability to track a wide range of exercises, you can keep a comprehensive record of your activities and monitor your progress towards your fitness goals.
Now that you have successfully tapped on “Add Workout,” you are ready to move on to the next step and choose the type of exercise you want to add to your Apple Watch.
Step 6: Choose the type of exercise you want to add
After tapping on “Add Workout” in the “Workout” settings of your Apple Watch, it’s time to choose the type of exercise you want to add. This step allows you to select a custom exercise that is not part of the default workout options. Follow these steps to proceed:
- Within the “Add Workout” menu, you will see a list of different exercise categories. Scroll through the options to find the one that best matches your desired exercise.
- Once you’ve located the desired exercise category, tap on it to explore the specific exercises within that category.
- Browse through the available exercises within the category and select the one that matches your custom exercise.
The ability to choose a specific exercise category and exercise within that category allows you to accurately track your custom workout on your Apple Watch. Whether it’s a particular type of dance, strength training exercise, or even a unique sport, the wide range of options ensures that you can monitor your progress effectively.
Remember, adding the appropriate exercise category and exercise within it helps your Apple Watch accurately calculate the calories burned and track other essential metrics during your workouts. This ensures that your fitness journey is accurately documented and serves as valuable data for your progress.
Now that you have successfully chosen the type of exercise you want to add, you can proceed to the next step and customize the exercise settings to tailor it to your preferences.
Step 7: Customize the exercise settings
After selecting the desired exercise for your custom workout in the previous step, it’s time to customize the exercise settings on your Apple Watch. This step allows you to tailor the exercise parameters to best match your preferences and goals. Follow these steps to proceed:
- Within the exercise selection menu, you will see various customizable options for the selected exercise. These options may include duration, calorie goal, distance, and more.
- Tap on the desired setting to make adjustments. For example, if you want to set a specific calorie goal, tap on the calorie option and enter the desired value.
- Continue adjusting the exercise settings according to your preferences and requirements. You can modify multiple parameters to create a personalized custom workout.
Customizing the exercise settings allows you to fine-tune your workout tracking on your Apple Watch. It enables you to set specific goals, such as burning a certain number of calories or achieving a particular duration for your custom exercise.
By customizing the settings, you can ensure that your Apple Watch provides accurate data regarding your custom workout. This adds value to your fitness journey, allowing you to track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Now that you have successfully customized the exercise settings, you’re ready to save the custom exercise to your Apple Watch in the next step.
Step 8: Save the exercise to your Apple Watch
Once you have customized the exercise settings to your satisfaction, the next step is to save the custom exercise to your Apple Watch. This ensures that it is readily available for tracking whenever you engage in that specific activity. Follow these steps to save the exercise:
- After customizing the exercise settings, look for the option to save or apply the changes. This option is usually located at the top or bottom of the exercise settings page.
- Tap on the save or apply button to save the custom exercise to your Apple Watch.
Saving the custom exercise ensures that it is added to your list of available workouts on your Apple Watch. It becomes easily accessible, allowing you to track and monitor your progress every time you engage in that particular exercise.
Once the exercise is saved, you can repeat it as often as needed without having to reconfigure the settings. This saves time and effort, ensuring that you can seamlessly integrate the custom exercise into your fitness routine.
Now that you have successfully saved the custom exercise to your Apple Watch, you can proceed to the final step of accessing the exercise on your watch itself.
Step 9: Access the exercise on your Apple Watch
Once you have saved the custom exercise on your Apple Watch, you’re just one step away from being able to track it during your workouts. Follow these simple steps to access the custom exercise on your watch:
- On your Apple Watch, press the digital crown to access the app menu.
- Scroll through the app icons or use the search function to locate the Exercise app.
- Tap on the Exercise app to open it.
- Within the Exercise app, scroll through the available exercise options until you find the custom exercise you added.
- Tap on the custom exercise to select it and begin your workout.
By accessing the custom exercise on your Apple Watch, you can now track and monitor your progress during that specific workout. The watch will provide real-time data such as heart rate, duration, calories burned, and other relevant metrics.
During your custom workout, you can also utilize other features on your Apple Watch, such as setting goals, receiving progress notifications, and even streaming music or podcasts to keep you motivated.
Now that you have successfully accessed the custom exercise on your Apple Watch, you can enjoy the benefits of accurate tracking and monitoring as you engage in your preferred workout.
Conclusion
Adding custom exercises to your Apple Watch opens up a world of possibilities for tracking and monitoring your fitness journey. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can customize your device to accommodate any exercise or workout routine that may not be included in the default options.
Updating your Apple Watch software ensures that you have the latest features and improvements, making it essential to keep your device up to date. By opening the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to the “My Watch” tab, you gain access to the customization options for your Apple Watch, including the ability to add custom exercises.
Scrolling down and selecting the “Workout” option allows you to add and manage custom exercises. By tapping on “Add Workout,” you can choose the specific type of exercise you want to add and then proceed to customize the exercise settings to match your preferences and goals.
Once you have customized the exercise settings, be sure to save the custom exercise to your Apple Watch. This ensures that it is readily available for tracking and makes it easier to incorporate into your fitness routine.
To access the custom exercise on your Apple Watch, open the Exercise app and select the custom exercise from the list. This allows you to track your progress and monitor your metrics during your custom workout.
With the ability to add custom exercises to your Apple Watch, you can truly personalize your fitness experience and stay motivated on your journey towards achieving your goals. Take advantage of the versatility of your Apple Watch and make it an essential tool in your fitness toolbox.
So why limit yourself to the default exercise options? Get started today and add your favorite custom exercises to your Apple Watch to get the most out of your fitness tracking capabilities!