If you use an elliptical trainer, you might wonder: does the elliptical count as steps on Apple Watch? It’s a common question for anyone trying to close their rings. The short answer is yes, but it doesn’t always work the way you might expect.
Your Apple Watch uses a combination of sensors to track movement. Understanding how it records elliptical workouts helps you get the most accurate data. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Does The Elliptical Count As Steps On Apple Watch
When you select the “Elliptical” workout on your Apple Watch, it tracks your effort differently than a regular walk. It prioritizes metrics like calories and heart rate over step count. However, steps are still recorded during the session.
The watch uses its accelerometer to detect your arm swing and body motion. Even though your feet aren’t leaving the ground, the movement is similar enough to register. But the step count might seem lower compared to a run of the same duration.
How the Apple Watch Tracks Different Workouts
Your watch is smart, but it needs your help to be precise. Choosing the correct workout mode tells the watch which algorithms to use.
- Elliptical Mode: This focuses on calorie burn and heart rate. It estimates steps based on your arm movement and stride.
- Mixed Cardio Mode: A good option if your routine varies. It tracks overall exertion but may be less precise for steps.
- Outdoor Walk/Run Mode: These use GPS and the accelerometer for highly accurate step and distance tracking.
For the best results, always start an Elliptical workout from your Workout app. If you forget, the watch will still try to guess your activity, but the data won’t be as reliable.
Why Your Step Count Might Seem Low
It’s frustrating to finish a long elliptical session and see a low step number. There’s a few reasons for this.
First, if you hold the stationary handles, your arm isn’t swinging. The watch relies heavily on that arm motion to count steps. Second, the elliptical stride is smoother than a walking stride. The sensor can sometimes miss these subtler movements.
Finally, the watch’s primary goal in Elliptical mode is to measure calorie expenditure. Step counting becomes a secondary metric. So while it does count steps, it’s not the main focus of the tracking.
Tips to Improve Step Tracking Accuracy
You can take simple steps to get a better step count.
- Let your arms swing naturally instead of gripping the handles.
- Ensure your watch is snug on your wrist, not loose.
- Double-check that you started the correct “Elliptical” workout.
- Sync your watch and iPhone regularly to ensure data transfers properly.
Remember, consistency is key. Even if the number isn’t perfect, tracking every workout shows your true progress over time.
Calories vs. Steps: What Matters More?
On an elliptical, calorie burn is often a more meaningful metric than step count. The machine provides resistance, which builds strength and endurance.
Your Apple Watch uses your heart rate, weight, and age to calculate calories. This gives a good picture of your workout intensity. Focusing on your Move ring and heart rate zones can be more motivating than just step goals.
That said, if your main goal is to increase daily steps, you might want to add a brisk walk to your routine. Using both the elliptical and walking gives you a balanced fitness approach.
Syncing with Apple Health and Other Apps
All your workout data flows into the Apple Health app. This creates a central record of your fitness. Other apps you use, like MyFitnessPal, can read this data too.
Sometimes, you might see a discrepancy between apps. This is usually because each app interprets the raw data slightly differently. Apple Health is considered the source of truth for your Apple Watch information.
If you think the data is wrong, try restarting both your iPhone and Apple Watch. This often fixes minor syncing glitches that can cause problems.
Manual Entry as a Last Resort
In rare cases, a workout might not save at all. If this happens, you can manually add it.
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Browse” at the bottom right.
- Go to Activity > Workouts.
- Tap “Add Data” in the top right corner and enter your details.
Manual entries won’t add to your Apple Watch awards, but they keep your health records complete. It’s better than losing the data entirely.
Comparing Elliptical Steps to Other Machines
Not all gym equipment tracks the same way. Here’s a quick comparison.
- Treadmill: Counts steps very accurately, especially if you start a “Indoor Run” workout.
- Stair Climber: Similar to elliptical; steps are estimated but focus is on calorie burn.
- Stationary Bike: Does not count steps at all, as there’s no stepping motion.
Knowing this helps you set realistic expectations for each type of exercise you do. The important thing is that your getting a good workout.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the elliptical give you steps on Apple Watch?
Yes, it does. When you log an Elliptical workout, your watch estimates steps based on your arm and body movement, even though your feet don’t leave the pedals.
Why didn’t my elliptical workout add many steps?
If you were holding the stable handles, your arm didn’t swing. The watch needs that motion to count steps effectively. Also, the smooth stride can be harder for the sensor to detect compared to walking.
Is elliptical or walking better for Apple Watch steps?
Walking will always generate a more accurate and higher step count. But the elliptical is better for low-impact cardio and burning calories. They serve different purposes in a fitness plan.
Can I change my elliptical workout to steps?
No, you cannot directly convert an elliptical workout into a step-based one. The data is recorded differently from the start. For a high step count, a walking or running workout is the best choice.
Do elliptical steps close the Exercise ring?
Absolutely. Any logged workout, including elliptical, contributes to your Exercise ring. The ring measures minutes of activity equivalent to a brisk walk, so your elliptical time counts directly.
In conclusion, using the elliptical does count as steps on your Apple Watch. While the number may not always match a walk, it’s still tracking your effort. The key is to use the right workout setting and focus on the overall benefits—improved cardio, calorie burn, and consistency. Keep moving, and your watch will help you track the journey.