Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy, and with the advancements in wearable technology, you can now track your swimming workouts accurately using the Apple Watch. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adding swimming to your Apple Watch, including compatibility, starting a workout, managing the workout during swimming, unlocking the screen, ending the workout, viewing detailed metrics, and tips for improving accuracy. By following these steps, you can make the most of your swimming workouts and track your progress effectively.
Compatibility
Before you start, it’s important to know which Apple Watch models support swimming workouts:
- Apple Watch Series 2 or Later: These models are water-resistant and designed to track swimming workouts accurately. They are suitable for both pool and open water swims.
- Apple Watch Series 1 and the Original Apple Watch (1st Generation): These models are not suitable for swimming as they are not water-resistant to the same degree as the later models.
Starting a Swimming Workout
To begin tracking your swim, you’ll need to start a swimming workout on your Apple Watch.
Here’s how to do it:
Open the Workout App
First, open the Workout app on your Apple Watch. This app is specifically designed to track various types of workouts, including swimming.
Select the Swimming Workout
Scroll through the list of workouts until you find “Pool Swim” for swimming laps in a pool or “Open Water Swim” for swimming in natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans. Select the appropriate option for your workout.
Set a Goal (Optional)
If you have a specific goal for your workout, such as burning a certain number of calories, swimming a particular distance, or swimming for a set amount of time, you can set this goal before you start. This step is optional but can help you stay focused and motivated.
Set the Pool Length (For Pool Swim)
If you selected “Pool Swim,” turn the Digital Crown to set the pool length accurately. This is crucial for the Apple Watch to measure your laps and distance correctly. Common pool lengths include 25 meters, 50 meters, and 25 yards, but you can set it to match the exact length of the pool you’re using.
During the Swim
While you’re swimming, your Apple Watch will track your workout automatically. Here are some key features and tips to be aware of:
Automatic Screen Lock
To prevent accidental taps from water droplets, the Apple Watch screen locks automatically when you start a swimming workout. You’ll see the Water Lock icon on the display.
Pausing and Resuming the Workout
If you need to pause your workout, press the Digital Crown and side button simultaneously. To resume your workout, press the same buttons again. This allows you to take breaks without affecting the accuracy of your workout data.
Checking Your Progress
You can check your progress on the watch face during your swim. The Apple Watch will display key metrics such as distance swum, elapsed time, and calories burned.
Unlocking the Screen
After finishing your swim, you’ll need to unlock the screen:
Use the Digital Crown
Press and hold the Digital Crown until the display says “Unlocked.” This action expels any water from the speaker and unlocks the screen.
Dry the Screen
It’s a good idea to dry the screen with a towel to prevent any accidental taps.
Ending the Workout
To end your swimming workout, follow these steps:
Press the Digital Crown and Side Button
Press the Digital Crown and side button simultaneously to pause the workout.
Swipe Right and Tap End
Swipe right on the screen, then tap the End button. This will stop the workout and save the data.
View the Summary
After ending the workout, you can view a summary on your Apple Watch. This summary includes the total distance swum, time, calories burned, and the types of strokes you used during your swim.
Viewing Splits and Sets
For more detailed metrics, you can view your splits and sets on your iPhone:
Open the Fitness App
On your iPhone, open the Fitness app. This app collects all your workout data from your Apple Watch.
Tap Show More Next to Workouts
In the Fitness app, tap “Show More” next to the Workouts section. This will display a list of all your recorded workouts.
Select the Swim Workout
Tap on the swim workout you want to view. This will open a detailed view of the workout metrics.
View Splits and Auto Sets
In the detailed view, you can see splits and auto sets. Splits show your total workout time divided by distance, while auto sets display your swim and rest times separately. This detailed information helps you analyze your performance and progress.
Improving Accuracy
For the most accurate tracking of your swimming workouts, follow these tips:
Set the Pool Length Accurately
For Pool Swim workouts, make sure you set the pool length accurately. This ensures that the Apple Watch measures your laps and distance correctly.
Calibrate Your Apple Watch
Your Apple Watch estimates measurements based on the information you entered during setup, such as your height, weight, and age. Regularly calibrate your Apple Watch by performing a variety of workouts, including walking and running, to improve the accuracy of all activity measurements.
Use the Multiple Metric Workout View
Consider using the Multiple Metric Workout View on your iPhone when swimming with your Apple Watch. This view allows you to see multiple metrics at once, providing a comprehensive overview of your workout.
Keep the Watch Securely Fastened
Ensure your Apple Watch is securely fastened to your wrist. A snug fit helps the watch’s sensors accurately track your heart rate and movements during your swim.
Additional Tips and Resources
For more detailed instructions and tips, refer to the official Apple Support guide. If you’re using the MySwimPro app, you can also load workouts to your Apple Watch by following their instructions. Additionally, consider using apps that offer guided swim workouts and performance analytics to enhance your training.
Conclusion
Adding swimming to your Apple Watch is a great way to monitor and improve your swimming performance. Whether you’re swimming in a pool or open water, the Apple Watch provides detailed metrics and insights to help you achieve your fitness goals. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can start tracking your swimming workouts accurately and take advantage of the advanced features offered by the Apple Watch.
Remember to regularly update your watch and app software to ensure you have the latest features and improvements. With the right setup and consistent training, your Apple Watch can be an invaluable tool in your swimming journey. Enjoy your swimming workouts and make the most of the technology at your fingertips!
