How Accurate Is Apple Watch Workout Calories

When it comes to tracking your fitness goals, the Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches on the market. But just how accurate is the calorie tracking feature on the Apple Watch? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the accuracy of the Apple Watch workout calories and provide you with tips on how to get the most accurate readings.

Table of Contents:

• How to Track Calories on Apple Watch
• Accuracy of Apple Watch Workout Calories
• Tips for Getting Accurate Readings
• Solutions for Inaccurate Readings
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Workout Calories

How to Track Calories on Apple Watch

Before we dive into the accuracy of Apple Watch workout calories, let’s first go over how to track your calories on your Apple Watch. To track your calories, follow these steps:

1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
2. Select the type of workout you want to do (e.g., running, walking, cycling).
3. Start your workout by tapping the “Start” button.
4. During your workout, your Apple Watch will display your heart rate, distance, and calories burned.
5. When you’re finished with your workout, swipe right on the Apple Watch and tap “End” to stop tracking.

Accuracy of Apple Watch Workout Calories

The accuracy of Apple Watch workout calories can vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, weight, gender, and the type of workout you’re doing. In general, the Apple Watch is considered to be fairly accurate when it comes to tracking calories burned during workouts.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences, the Apple Watch was found to be 91% accurate when tracking calories burned during outdoor running and 84% accurate when tracking calories burned during indoor cycling.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Apple Watch is not perfect and there may be some discrepancies in the readings. For example, if you’re doing a workout that involves a lot of arm movements (such as boxing), the Apple Watch may overestimate the number of calories burned.

Tips for Getting Accurate Readings

If you want to get the most accurate readings from your Apple Watch, there are a few things you can do:

• Make sure your Apple Watch is properly calibrated. To do this, go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone, select “Privacy,” and then “Motion & Fitness.” From there, make sure “Calibrate” is turned on.
• Enter your personal information (age, weight, gender) into the Apple Health app on your iPhone.
• Wear your Apple Watch snugly on your wrist during your workout.
• Choose the correct workout type on your Apple Watch.

Solutions for Inaccurate Readings

If you’ve noticed that your Apple Watch is consistently giving you inaccurate readings, there are a few things you can try:

• Make sure your Apple Watch is up to date with the latest software updates.
• Reset your calibration data by going to the “Settings” app on your iPhone, selecting “Privacy,” and then “Motion & Fitness.” From there, tap “Reset Calibration Data.”
• Consider using a third-party fitness app that may provide more accurate readings (although keep in mind that these apps may not be as tightly integrated with the Apple Watch as the built-in Workout app).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Apple Watch track calories?

A: The Apple Watch uses a combination of your heart rate, movement, and personal information (age, weight, gender) to estimate the number of calories burned during a workout.

Q: Can the Apple Watch track calories burned during strength training workouts?

A: Yes, the Apple Watch can track calories burned during strength training workouts. However, the accuracy may not be as high as it is for cardiovascular workouts.

Q: Can the Apple Watch track calories burned during swimming?

A: Yes, the Apple Watch can track calories burned during swimming. However, you’ll need to make sure you have a waterproof case or band for your Apple Watch.

Pros and Cons of Apple Watch Workout Calories

Pros:

• The Apple Watch is a convenient way to track your workouts and calories burned.
• The built-in Workout app is easy to use and provides a lot of useful information during your workouts.
• The Apple Watch is generally considered to be fairly accurate when it comes to tracking calories burned during workouts.

Cons:

• The Apple Watch may not be as accurate for certain types of workouts (such as strength training).
• The Apple Watch can be expensive compared to other fitness trackers on the market.
• The Apple Watch may not be suitable for everyone (such as those with certain medical conditions).

In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a great tool for tracking your fitness goals and calories burned during workouts. While it may not be perfect, it’s generally considered to be fairly accurate and provides a lot of useful information to help you reach your fitness goals.