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cycling without selecting "outdoor cycle" activity

I did a 30-mile ride and forgot to select "outdoor cycling" activity on my Apple Watch 4. Discovered my faux pas at the finish. Watch recorded 100+ flights, lots of steps (9K+, and minimal calories (500+) when compared to those that consistently record when I remember to select "outdoor cycling" activity.

When selecting "outdoor cycling" activity, my stats will be 30 miles, 1100+ calories, 16.2 mph, 120 average heart rate, 0 steps and 0 flights.

Does anyone know why the big discrepancy in calories? Also, I though that Apple Watch would recognize cycling activity - guess not.

Apple Watch Series 4, watchOS 6

Posted on Mar 29, 2020 2:32 PM

Top-ranking reply

brenden dv

Community Specialist

Posted on Mar 31, 2020 3:27 PM

Hi there, Geoffrey.

I see that you forgot to select the specific activity you were using to work out. When you finished, the amount of calories expended were less that when you cycle, and I'm glad to help with this.

Workout types on Apple Watch -- Each of the workout types provided includes a calculation regarding calories used. It appears that your Watch only registered your "steps", and walking or climbing stairs doesn't use as many calories as when you're cycling.

Take care.

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cycling without selecting "outdoor cycle" activity

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