Functional strength training is all about building strength that can be applied to real-world activities. It’s not just about lifting weights at the gym; it’s about training your body to handle everyday tasks with ease. And with the help of your Apple Watch, tracking your progress and staying motivated has never been easier. In just a few steps, you’ll be able to use your Apple Watch to enhance your functional strength training routine.
Step by Step Tutorial: Functional Strength Training with Apple Watch
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve. By using your Apple Watch, you’ll be able to track your workouts, monitor your heart rate, and even celebrate your achievements with awards. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Choose Your Workout Type
Select the "Strength Training" workout type on your Apple Watch’s Workout app.
When you’re getting ready to start your functional strength training session, it’s important to tell your Apple Watch what kind of workout you’re doing. This way, it can accurately track your movements and give you credit for your hard work. Simply open the Workout app on your watch and scroll until you find "Strength Training."
Step 2: Set Your Goals
Decide if you want to set a calorie, time, or open goal for your workout.
Your Apple Watch can help keep you on track by setting goals for your workout. Maybe you want to burn a certain number of calories, work out for a specific amount of time, or just go with the flow and see where your workout takes you. Whatever your preference, setting a goal can give you something to strive for.
Step 3: Start Your Workout
Press "Start" and begin your functional strength training routine.
Now that you’ve set everything up, it’s time to get moving! Press "Start" on your watch and begin your strength training. Your Apple Watch will track your heart rate, calories burned, and the duration of your workout, giving you real-time feedback as you exercise.
Step 4: Use the Breathe App for Recovery
Utilize the Breathe app on your Apple Watch during rest periods for guided breathing exercises.
Functional strength training can be intense, so it’s important to take breaks and recover. The Breathe app on your Apple Watch is perfect for this. It guides you through calming breathing exercises that can help you relax and prepare for the next set of exercises.
Step 5: End Your Workout
Swipe right and press "End" when you’ve completed your functional strength training.
Once you’ve finished your workout, make sure to properly end it on your Apple Watch. This will finalize your workout data and ensure it’s saved to your activity history. Plus, you might even earn some awards for your efforts!
After completing your functional strength training with your Apple Watch, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of your workout. You’ll see how many calories you’ve burned, your average heart rate, and the duration of your workout. This information is valuable for tracking your progress and setting new goals.
Tips for Functional Strength Training with Apple Watch
- Make sure your Apple Watch is snug on your wrist for accurate heart rate monitoring.
- Customize your metrics view to see the information most relevant to you during your workout.
- Use the Activity app on your iPhone to see more detailed workout summaries and trends over time.
- Take advantage of the awards and achievements in the Fitness app to stay motivated.
- Explore third-party apps that can enhance your functional strength training experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Apple Watch track strength training?
The Apple Watch uses its built-in sensors, like the accelerometer and gyroscope, to track your movements during strength training.
Can I add my own workout if it’s not listed?
Yes, you can use the "Add Workout" option at the bottom of the Workout app to include workouts not listed by default.
Will my functional strength training workouts contribute to my Activity rings?
Absolutely! Any workout you track with your Apple Watch, including functional strength training, counts towards closing your Activity rings.
How often should I do functional strength training?
It depends on your fitness goals and current level, but generally, two to three times a week is beneficial for building functional strength.
Can I listen to music on my Apple Watch during my workout?
Yes, you can control your music directly from your Apple Watch, making it easy to get pumped up with your favorite tunes during your workout.
Summary
- Choose the "Strength Training" workout type.
- Set your workout goals.
- Start your workout.
- Use the Breathe app for recovery.
- End your workout when completed.
Conclusion
Functional strength training is a game-changer when it comes to improving your overall fitness and ability to handle daily tasks. And with the Apple Watch by your side, you’ve got a powerful tool that not only tracks your workouts but also motivates you to keep pushing forward. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, incorporating the Apple Watch into your functional strength training routine can make a world of difference. So, what are you waiting for? Strap on that Apple Watch, select your workout, and get ready to experience functional strength training like never before. Keep at it, and you’ll be amazed at the progress you can make – all with a little help from your high-tech workout buddy!