As an avid weightlifter, I was frustrated with the lack of options out there for tracking my progress and performance. I decided to do some research and testing to see if the Apple Watch could be a good tool for keeping track of my lifts. In this blog post, I’m here to share how I solved the puzzle of using an Apple Watch for weightlifting, as well as what other solutions I discovered along the way.
| Tips: |
|---|
| Apple Watches can track weightlifting and strength training |
| Use the built-in Workout app to set up your weightlifting training |
| Third-party apps can offer more features and functionality |
| Keep the watch updated, securely fastened, and regularly cleaned for accurate results |
Table of Contents
Is Weightlifting with Apple Watch Reliable?
Weightlifting with Apple Watch has improved dramatically over the years. With a bright and large display, you can easily keep track of your achievements and stay motivated while working out.
Not only that, but the watch is also equipped with a wide variety of built-in sensors along with a gyroscope and an accelerometer.
These design features are capable of giving you accurate information about your weightlifting workout with relatively high accuracy when compared to some smartwatches on the market.
Apple Watch is also equipped with special sensors that allow you to keep track of both your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation during your workout.
Can You Use Apple Watch to Monitor Your Reps and Set While Weightlifting?
Unfortunately, Apple’s Workout app on its own doesn’t have the capability to monitor your reps and sets while lifting weights.
In other words, even if you’re using the most recent WatchOS, you won’t be able to keep track of the individual workouts like presses, pullups, curls, rows, etc.
With that being said, Apple Watches themselves have the technology and sensors necessary to track these aspects.
For that reason, you can track your weightlifting reps and sets using the Apple Watch by downloading some third-party apps that support these features. But more about them in the following sections.
What Are the Benefits of Logging Your Weightlifting Training on the Apple Watch?
Logging your power training on your watch has various benefits, let’s have a quick look at some of them:
Keep Track of Your Progress
Apple watches will keep track of your previous training, including your average heart rate readings as well as calories burnt.
Helps You Stay Motivated
Since you’ll have quick and easy access to all your previous workouts, it’ll also double as a motivation to keep the numbers going!
Lets You Adjust Your Goals
The Apple Watch is also equipped with various features to help you optimize your weight training based on your set goals, whether it’s a number of calories burnt or a certain heart rate monitor!
How to Set Up Your Weightlifting Training on Apple Watch
Here’s a brief guide that shows you how to set up your weightlifting training on your Apple Watch:
- Open the workout app on your Apple Watch
- Scroll down the Activities menu until you find the “Other” tab, and choose it
- Once you’re done working out, swipe right, then select “End”
- Scroll down and choose “Name Workout”, then choose “Strength Training”.
Are There Other Strength Training Modes On Apple Watch?
Read more: What is mixed cardio on Apple Watch?
The Workout App on Apple Watches has two types of power training modes. You can use them to keep track of your weightlifting training, depending on your goal. These modes are:
- Traditional Strength Training: Ideal for isolating muscle workouts and weight lifting workouts of specific body parts. This makes it perfect for workouts like bicep curls and bench presses.
- Functional Strength Training: This one focuses on full body movements and weight lifting workouts that target larger muscle groups, such as body weight training and workouts with dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, etc.
Tips While Weightlifting with Apple Watch
While training, here are some tips to get the most accurate results while weightlifting with Apple Watch:
- Make sure that the watch is updated to the latest software
- Wear the watch exactly 2 fingers above your wrist
- Clean the watch regularly with a dry cloth
- Make sure that the watch has a snug fit to avoid shifting and fluctuation in results
- Consider using third party apps to enjoy more features and functionality
Alternative Weightlifting Apps on Apple Watch
As previously mentioned, the original Apple Workout app isn’t the most intuitive app when it comes to weightlifting, as it’s yet to introduce features like monitor reps and sets.
If you want your Apple Watch to keep track of these aspects as well, you might want to download some of the third party apps that will allow you to do so. These apps include:
- Gymaholic
- Fitbod
- Strong
- Muskle
- SmartGym
- Liftin’
Read more: Can you overcharge an Apple Watch?
Final Thoughts
Apple Watches are excellent tools to help you keep track of your weightlifting and strength training, as it’s equipped with all the necessary sensors and technologies to stay accurate and reliable.
It’s fairly easy to set up your weightlifting training on your Apple Watch and you can also use a variety of third party apps to enjoy different layouts and extended optimization features!
