If you just unwrapped a new Apple Watch this morning, read on for some guidance on our favorite Apple Watch features for fitness and more.

Activity Rings

The Activity Rings on your Apple Watch provide a simple and effective way to track your daily movement goals. The Stand ring reminds you to stand up and move around for at least one minute every hour for 12 hours a day. The Exercise ring tracks your active minutes, while the Move ring shows your total daily calorie burn goal. Closing these rings each day can encourage you to stay active and lead a healthier lifestyle.

You can adjust your Move goal to fit your own fitness level and goals. To change it, open the Activity app on your watch, go to the Move ring, and firmly press the display. From there, you can increase or decrease your daily Move goal.

Workout App

The Workout app on the Apple Watch is a powerful tool for tracking various types of exercises. From running and cycling to swimming and yoga, the Workout app can accurately monitor your workouts and provide detailed metrics such as heart rate, distance, pace, and calories burned. You can also set specific goals for each workout and receive real-time updates during your exercise sessions.

To start a workout using the Workout app, simply open the app on your watch, select the type of exercise you want to track, and press the start button. Your Apple Watch will then begin recording your workout data, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals without worrying about tracking your progress.

Fall Detection

Fall Detection is a safety feature that can automatically call emergency services if your Apple Watch detects a hard fall and you don't respond within 60 seconds. This feature is particularly useful for older adults or individuals with medical conditions that may put them at risk of falls.

To enable Fall Detection on your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, select Emergency SOS, and toggle on Fall Detection. You can also set up emergency contacts who will be alerted if a fall is detected and emergency services are called.

ECG and Heart Rate Monitoring

The Apple Watch Series 4 and later models come equipped with an ECG app that can provide valuable insights into your heart health. By placing your finger on the digital crown, you can generate an electrocardiogram in just 30 seconds, allowing you to monitor for signs of atrial fibrillation and other potential heart issues.

In addition to the ECG app, the Apple Watch continuously monitors your heart rate throughout the day and can alert you if it detects unusually high or low heart rates. This feature can help you stay informed about your cardiovascular health and take action if any irregularities are detected.

Sleep Tracking

With watchOS 7 and later, the Apple Watch introduced native sleep tracking capabilities that allow you to monitor your sleep patterns and set bedtime routines. The Sleep app on your watch provides insights into your sleep duration, restfulness, and bedtime consistency, helping you establish healthy sleep habits.

To enable Sleep Tracking on your Apple Watch, open the Health app on your iPhone, go to the Browse tab, select Sleep, and customize your sleep goals and schedules. Your Apple Watch will then track your sleep automatically and provide you with detailed sleep analysis each morning.

Apple Pay

Apple Pay on the Apple Watch allows you to make secure and convenient payments directly from your wrist. Whether you're shopping in-store or making purchases online, you can use Apple Pay to quickly and securely complete transactions without needing to pull out your wallet or phone.

To set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to the My Watch tab, select Wallet & Apple Pay, and follow the on-screen instructions to add your credit or debit cards. Once set up, you can use Apple Pay by double-clicking the side button on your watch and holding it near a contactless payment terminal.

Customizing Watch Faces

One of the most enjoyable aspects of owning an Apple Watch is customizing your watch face to suit your style and preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional analog face, a digital face with complications, or a vibrant animated face, you can choose from a wide range of designs and colors to personalize your Apple Watch.

To customize your watch face, firmly press the display on your watch to enter edit mode, where you can swipe through different faces, customize complications, and change colors and styles. You can also create multiple watch faces for different occasions and switch between them with a swipe of your finger.

App Store and Third-Party Apps

The App Store on the Apple Watch allows you to download a variety of apps directly to your wrist, expanding the capabilities and functionality of your device. From fitness trackers and weather apps to music streaming services and productivity tools, you can find apps that cater to your interests and lifestyle.

To browse and download apps on your Apple Watch, open the App Store app, search for the app you want, and tap on the Install button. Once downloaded, you can access the app from the Home screen on your watch and enjoy its features without needing to reach for your iPhone.

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