How to Track Workouts with Apple Watch

Learn to track workouts on Apple Watch using the Workout app. Start, monitor, and review exercise sessions with built-in metrics and customizable settings.

1. Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch. Press the Digital Crown to access the app grid, then tap the green Workout app icon with the running figure. Alternatively, press and hold the side button to access the Dock if you've recently used the app.
2. Select your workout type from the list. Scroll through the workout options using the Digital Crown or swipe up and down. Tap your desired workout type such as Outdoor Walk, Indoor Cycling, Strength Training, or Swimming. The most commonly used workouts appear at the top of the list.
3. Set workout goals if desired. Before starting, tap the three dots next to your chosen workout to set specific goals. Choose from Open Goal (no target), Calories, Distance, or Time. Use the Digital Crown to adjust the target number, then tap Start.
4. Start your workout session. Tap the green Start button or simply begin exercising. Apple Watch will count down from 3 and begin tracking immediately. The screen shows real-time metrics including elapsed time, heart rate, calories burned, and activity-specific data like distance or pace.
5. Monitor your progress during exercise. Glance at your watch face to see current metrics. Swipe right to access music controls, swipe left for additional data screens. Your watch will provide haptic feedback and audio alerts when you reach goal milestones or need movement reminders.
6. Pause or end your workout. Swipe right on the workout screen and tap the pause button to temporarily stop tracking. Tap Resume to continue or End to finish the session. When ending, you can save the workout or discard it if it was started accidentally.
7. Review your completed workout data. After ending a workout, view the summary screen showing total time, calories, average heart rate, and other relevant metrics. This data automatically syncs to the Fitness app on your iPhone for detailed analysis and trends over time.