How to customize your Apple Watch workouts

Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

You can use any compatible fitness app to track activities on the Apple Watch, but the native Workout app gives you a lot of options. The default settings may not be what you want. If you are following a training plan, have specific targets you want to hit, or want to choose which metrics you see on screen, this is also true.

The Workout app can be tailored to your needs. How to start is here.

Setting a workout goal

Image: Apple

You don't have to have a specific goal to start an activity in the Workout app. It is the default since it is the most flexible option. It isn't the most helpful if you want to work out for a specific period of time.

To set a goal for most activities.

• Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
• Scroll down toyour desired activity.
• In the upper-right corner, hit the three-dotted button.
• Select between Calorie, Time, or Open goals.
• Adjust to your desired target.
• Hit Start.

There is an additional option to set distance goals. These activities include outdoor and indoor running, outdoor and indoor walking, outdoor and indoor cycling, outdoor and indoor swimming, and hiking. The process is the same.

You can set a pace alert while running outdoors. This feature will let you know when you are behind or ahead of a pace. For your average pace and rolling pace, you can do this. Your average pace is how fast you run. Rolling refers to your pace.

This feature can be enabled:

• Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
• Select Outdoor Running.
• In the upper-right corner, hit the three-dotted button.
• Scroll down below the Open, Calorie, Time, and Distance goals.
• Select Set Alert.
• Choose your desired pace.
• Select whether you want the pace alert for Average or Rolling.
• Select between the Open, Calorie, Time, and Distance goals.
• Hit Start.

Switching activities

Image: Apple

If you are the type of person who does back-to-back workouts, you can save yourself some time. You can hop straight into it instead of having to stop each activity.

• During a workout, swipe right.
• Select the “+ New” button.
• Select your next desired workout.
• You can repeat these steps as many times as needed.
• When you’re done for the day, swipe right.
• Select End.
• Scroll down through your workout summary.
• Hit Done.

Marking segments

Image: Apple

Some activities automatically record splits, but they are usually at set distances. Running is an example. The app doesn't record your mile splits. You may want to mark your own segments. You may want to note when you switched speeds if you are running fartleks. Maybe you would rather know how you ran up a hill versus a flat stretch. You might like to note laps on the track. This is not limited to running. You may find this useful for other activities.

Whatever the reason, here's how to make segments.

• During your workout, raise your wrist and double-tap the screen.
• A summary of that segment should pop up.
• Repeat as many times as needed.
• End workout as you normally would.
• After the workout, you can then view segment details in the Fitness app on your iPhone.

Adding workout types

When you open up the Workout app for the first time, you may be disappointed to see that your favorite exercise isn't there. Sure, you could hit the other option, but Apple doesn't display all the possible workout types by default. If you want to track your barre class, a game of cricket, or even a session of Nintendo's Ring Fit Adventure, you can.

To add and view workout types.

• Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
• Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the list.
• Tap the Add Workout button.
• If you want to try Apple’s Fitness Plus audio workouts — like Time to Walk —select Audio Workout. (You must be a Fitness Plus subscriber.)
• Otherwise, scroll down through the list and select your desired activity.

There is no way to manually reorder the activities in the workout app. Apple will place your favorite activities at the top of the list.

Changing and reordering metrics

Screenshot: Victoria Song / The Verge

You might notice that you don't like the default metrics chosen by Apple when you check your progress mid workout. That's okay! The default metrics can be swapped for ones that are better for you. If you are on a hike, you would rather see your pace and current elevation than calories and elevation gain.

To change the metrics.

• Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and select the Workout app.
• Select Workout View.
• Scroll to the activity of your choice.
• In the upper right-hand corner, tap Edit.
• Tap the “-” icon on the metrics you want to replace.
• Tap Remove.
• In the Do not include list, tap the “+” icon for metrics you’d like to add.
• When you’re finished, tap Done.

The order of metrics should be rearranged.

• Follow the first five steps listed above.
• Select the icon with three bars next to metric you’d like to reorder.
• Drag the metric up or down the list.
• When you’re finished, tap Done.

You have it. You should be able to modify the native Workout app to your liking. Happy exercising!