Climbing is a popular sport, and many climbers want to track and improve their climbing abilities. Apple Watches come with various pre-installed workouts, but how reliable is the Apple Watch climbing workout?
Keep reading if you’re considering adding your smartwatch to your climbing hobby. We’ve researched everything you need to know about the Apple Watch climbing workout before you hit the climbing gym.
Whether you prefer bouldering or trad climbing, keep reading to find out more.
What Metrics Does The Apple Watch Climbing Workout Check?
So, you’re getting your ropes and shoes ready. But, what can you actually track with the built-in climbing app?
Compared to metrics climbers actually want, the Apple Watch climbing workout is basic.
This feature provides:
- Heart rate trackers
- Calories
- Duration
As you can see, there aren’t any specific metrics for this workout feature. Not only that, but certain reports have found the app doesn’t track calories so accurately, leaving climbers with lackluster tracking.
While Apple does provide users with an impressive range of built-in workouts, not all are optimized for sports. Of course, workout features come down to personal opinion, but the general feeling about Apple’s bouldering and climbing workouts isn’t great.
Read more about Apple’s workouts here.
Can The Apple Watch Climbing Workout Track Elevation?
One prominent question climbers have about the Apple Watch climbing workout is, “Can the workout track my elevation gain?”
Elevation is key to your practice if you’re a rope climber or a trad climber. This metric isn’t as crucial to boulderers, but many would still like to know how quickly they gained height while on the wall.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch tool doesn’t allow this. While climbing isn’t as popular as running or swimming, the sport still boasts a large community, and it would be great to see Apple adding more detail to this tracker.
Alternative Climbing Options
If you’re ready to include a smartwatch into your climbing routine but don’t want to use the Apple Watch climbing workout, you’re in luck.
Thankfully, there are some excellent third-party apps available for smartwatch users. Here are some of the best options.
Redpoint
One of the most popular apps for climbing and bouldering is Redpoint. This app provides more detailed feedback and data on your training, plus users can use their Apple Watch or iPhone as a tracker.
Redpoint works with the 15 worldwide climbing grading scales, provides long-term analysis, and is compatible with all climbing exercises. From sport climbing and top rope to trad climbing and bouldering, you’re always ready to go.
27 Crags
Another popular climbing app is 27 Crags. This offers an extensive database of climbing routes, and users can explore over 10,000 global spots. 27 Crags also provides GPS features to help you navigate climbs, which can be used offline. This app is free to download too.
Final Thoughts
No hobby is too niche for good tracking! While the Apple Watch climbing workout is suitable for beginners, you’ll want better metrics as you advance into the sport. Though we’d love to see a more advanced workout from the brand, third-party apps will help you navigate the rock for now. Good luck!
See more smartwatch news and the latest releases here.
Last Updated on August 27, 2022
Isobel is a freelance copy and content writer who regularly contributes to Superwatches. Well-versed in all the ins and outs of the smartwatch industry. Isobel specializes in Fashion and design and is a First Class fashion design graduate.
Currently lives in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.