Photo: KANUT PHOTO (Shutterstock)
There’s a hidden Apple Watch feature that could change the way you log your exercise. It’s called “Segments,” and it allows you to neatly categorize different stages of your workouts. If you’re doing multiple types of routines, you’d normally log each of them as a new workout on the Apple Watch, but Segments allows you to quickly log different types of exercise within the same workout.
For example, if you are running around a track, you can log your lap times using Segments. Similarly, if you’re doing HIIT or Functional Strength Training, you can use Segments to record different parts of your routine. Some of us like to do a bit of cardio first and then move on to lifting, or vice versa. All of these can easily be logged under one workout, making it easy to track your progress and reduce the time you spend fiddling with your watch.
The best thing about Segments is that it’s extremely easy to use—just fire up any workout on your Apple Watch and double-tap the screen when you’re done with the first part of your exercise. You’ll see an onscreen confirmation informing you that the first segment has been recorded, along with details of your performance in that segment.
Screenshot: Apple
The information recorded for each segment varies depending on the type of workout you’re recording. For walking and running workouts, your watch will record the time taken, distance covered, and average pace. Note that using Segments does not override the data for splits in walking or running workouts. The difference is that splits are automatically logged once per mile or kilometer you cover, while Segments need to be manually logged.
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In other types of workouts, you’ll see a log of calories burned and the duration of each segment. It’s also worth noting that since your Apple Watch’s touchscreen is locked during swimming workouts, you can’t log segments for those. However, the watch logs sets automatically the moment you rest on any side of the pool for 10 seconds or more.
The Fitness app on the iPhone showing Segments recorded during a strength training workout.Screenshot: Pranay Parab
The hardest part about using Segments is remembering to double-tap the watch when you’ve finished one stage of your workout. But once you get into the habit of doing so, you’ll see useful data in the Fitness app and save yourself the bother of firing up a new workout each time.
