If you want to track your indoor runs accurately, learning how to add treadmill workout to Apple Watch is key. This guide walks you through the simple process, ensuring your fitness data stays complete.
Using the Workout app on your Apple Watch makes it easy. Selecting the right option logs your distance, calories, and heart rate just like an outdoor run.
How to Add Treadmill Workout to Apple Watch
Here is the basic method to start a treadmill session. It’s the same for most Apple Watch models and works with the built-in Workout app.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Press the Digital Crown on your Apple Watch to open the app list.
- Tap the green Workout app icon (it looks like a person running).
- Scroll using the crown or your finger until you find “Treadmill.” You can choose either “Indoor Run” for running or “Indoor Walk” for walking.
- Tap your chosen workout type. You’ll see a countdown (3, 2, 1). Your workout begins automatically after it.
- To end, swipe right on the screen and tap the “End” button. Then confirm by tapping “End Workout.”
During Your Treadmill Session
While you’re working out, the main screen shows your stats. You can see your elapsed time, heart rate, calories burned, and pace.
- To pause, press the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time briefly. Tap the pause button that appears.
- To add a new metric screen, rotate the Digital Crown while the workout is visable.
- For a water lock to prevent accidental taps, swipe up from the bottom for Control Center and tap the water droplet icon. Remember to turn it off after by rotating the Digital Crown.
Correcting Distance or Calibration
Sometimes the estimated distance might feel off. The Apple Watch learns from your outdoor GPS runs to improve indoor estimates. To calibrate it:
- Do an outdoor run or walk using the “Outdoor Run” or “Outdoor Walk” workout for at least 20 minutes.
- Do this a few times on a flat, open area for good GPS signal. This helps your watch understand your stride length.
- Future treadmill workouts will use this data for a more accurate distance.
Adding a Workout After It’s Done
Forgot to start the workout? You can manually add it later in the iPhone Health app.
- Open the “Health” app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Browse” at the bottom right, then go to “Activity.”
- Tap “Workouts.”
- Tap “Add Data” in the top right corner.
- Select “Activity Type” and choose “Indoor Run” or “Indoor Walk.”
- Enter the start/end time, distance, and calories if you know them. Tap “Add” to save.
This won’t have heart rate data, but it preserves your effort in your activity rings.
Using Third-Party Apps
Apps like Nike Run Club or Strava also support treadmill tracking. The process is similar:
- Download the app on your iPhone (it will install on your Watch too).
- Open the app on your Watch and find the indoor run or treadmill option.
- Start the workout there. Data usually syncs back to the Apple Health app automatically, but check the app’s settings.
Common Issues and Fixes
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
Workout App Missing or Not Finding Treadmill
- Restart both your Apple Watch and your iPhone. This clears minor glitches.
- Check for software updates in the Watch app on your iPhone under General > Software Update.
- Ensure the Workout app isn’t hidden. Press the Digital Crown to see all apps; you can search for it by swiping down on the app screen.
Inaccurate Heart Rate or Calories
The watch’s heart rate sensor needs good contact. Make sure the band is snug but comfortable on the top of your wrist. Wiping the sensor on the back of the watch clean can also help.
If calories seem consistently wrong, check your personal health data in the iPhone Health app. Tap your profile picture, then “Health Details.” Ensure your weight, height, age, and sex are correct, as these effect calculations.
Workout Data Not Syncing to iPhone
If your treadmill workout isn’t showing up in your iPhone’s Fitness app:
- Make sure your devices are near each other and bluetooth is enabled.
- Open the Fitness app on your iPhone and pull down the main screen to force a sync.
- Check that “Fitness Tracking” is on. On your iPhone, go to Watch app > Privacy > ensure Fitness Tracking is toggled on.
Maximizing Your Treadmill Workout Data
To get the most from your tracking, a few extra steps can make a big difference.
Setting Workout Goals
You can set calorie, distance, or time goals before you start. When you tap the “Treadmill” workout option, instead of just tapping it, tap the three dots “…” next to it. Here you can set a custom goal. This is great for structured training days.
Connecting to Gym Equipment
If your treadmill supports GymKit or Bluetooth, you can connect for even better data. Look for the GymKit or Bluetooth icon on the machine.
- Start a treadmill workout on your Apple Watch.
- Hold your watch near the treadmill’s contact point (usually marked with a symbol).
- A connection prompt will appear; tap “Connect.” The machine’s distance, incline, and speed will sync directly to your watch.
Reviewing Your Trends
Over time, you can see your progress. In the Fitness app on iPhone, tap the “Summary” tab, then scroll to “Trends.” This shows if your cardio fitness is improving, which is influenced by consistent treadmill workouts. It’s a motiviting way to see long-term gains.
FAQ Section
How do I log a treadmill workout on Apple Watch if I forgot?
Use the manual add feature in the Health app on your iPhone, as described in the “Adding a Workout After It’s Done” section above. It’s a simple backup method.
What’s the difference between Indoor Run and Outdoor Run on Apple Watch?
“Indoor Run” uses the watch’s accelerometer and your calibrated stride (no GPS). “Outdoor Run” uses GPS for precise distance and mapping. Always pick “Indoor Run” for the treadmill to get the best estimate.
Can I add treadmill exercise to Apple Watch without the Workout app?
Yes, third-party apps like Nike Run Club or Peloton can record it. Also, if you just start moving, the Apple Watch may automatically log it as “Mixed Cardio,” but starting a workout manually is always more accurate.
Why is my Apple Watch treadmill distance wrong?
The most common reason is lack of calibration. Your watch needs to learn your stride by doing a few outdoor GPS-based runs or walks. After calibration, indoor distance estimates should improve significantly.
How to input treadmill workout into Apple Watch for HIIT?
For interval training on a treadmill, you can use the “High Intensity Interval Training” (HIIT) workout type in the Workout app. This tracks your effort across changing speeds and inclines effectively, though it may not estimate distance as precisely for the treadmill portion.
Does Apple Watch track incline on treadmill?
The built-in Workout app does not automatically track incline unless you connect to a GymKit-enabled treadmill. Otherwise, you would need to note that seperately. Some third-party apps may allow manual incline input.
With these steps, you can reliably track every treadmill session. Remember to calibrate your watch for the best accuracy and don’t hesitate to manually add a workout if you forget to start it. Consistent tracking helps you see your true fitness journey.