Apple Watch Training Load: An Encouraging Feature with Further Development Needed
Apple has consistently marketed the Apple Watch as a robust health and fitness ally, providing users with an array of tools to track their activity, heart rate, sleep, and more. With the launch of watchOS 11 and iOS 18, Apple introduced a new feature called Training Load, aimed at assisting users in understanding the intensity of their workouts over time. Although the feature has potential, early users have found that it doesn’t consistently provide accurate or thorough insights — especially for non-traditional workouts like snowboarding.
What Is Training Load?
Training Load is a new metric offered by Apple that seeks to measure the physical strain your body undergoes from workouts. It computes a 28-day weighted average of your workout intensity, taking into account both the duration and perceived effort for each session. This average is then compared to your most recent seven days of activity to assess whether your current training intensity is below, consistent, or above your usual load.
The objective is to help users avoid overtraining or undertraining by offering a visual representation of their exertion levels. This concept is borrowed from professional sports training and tailored for everyday users wishing to enhance their fitness regimens.
The Problem: Incomplete Data
While the idea behind Training Load is solid, its implementation has left certain users dissatisfied. A significant concern is that not all workouts are properly reflected in the “All Workouts” section of the Training Load graph. For instance, snowboarding sessions — even if tracked via the Apple Watch — might not show up in the Training Load summary.
This inconsistency can lead to erroneous conclusions. A user who spends a week snowboarding at high altitudes and tracks every session may find their Training Load has drastically decreased when they open the Fitness app. The app might indicate they are “well below” their typical activity level, despite their engagement in rigorous exercise.
This concern escalates when users depend on Training Load to inform their recovery and training decisions. If the app suggests you are well-rested while you are, in fact, fatigued from strenuous activity, it could result in overtraining and possible injury.
Why It Matters
The Apple Watch is frequently lauded for its precision and dependability in health tracking. Features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking have aided users in identifying health concerns and enhancing their lifestyles. However, the limitations of the Training Load feature underscore the difficulties in developing a universal fitness algorithm.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts participating in a range of activities — from running and cycling to skiing and snowboarding — it is crucial that all forms of exercise are adequately represented in their health metrics. Otherwise, the insights offered by the Apple Watch may be incomplete or misleading.
What Apple Can Do
To enhance the accuracy and usefulness of Training Load, Apple could explore the following improvements:
1. Expand Workout Recognition:
Ensure that every workout type, including snowboarding, skiing, and other unconventional activities, is included in the Training Load calculation.
2. Enhance Algorithm Transparency:
Offer users greater clarity on how Training Load is computed, including details on which workouts are incorporated or left out.
3. Provide Manual Adjustments:
Allow users the option to manually adjust or verify the intensity level of a workout should the automatic detection be erroneous.
4. Integrate with Third-Party Apps:
Facilitate better compatibility with third-party fitness applications and devices, which may provide more accurate tracking for particular sports.
5. Incorporate Beta Feedback:
Given that some issues have been noted by users on the watchOS 11 beta, Apple should prioritize rectifying these before the final release.
The Bottom Line
Training Load marks progress in Apple’s fitness ecosystem, offering users a more detailed view of their physical activity. However, the functionality is still in its developmental phase and needs refinement to achieve true effectiveness. Until improvements are made, users should be cautious about depending solely on Training Load for their training decisions and should remain attuned to their bodies while consulting additional metrics for a comprehensive understanding of their health.
As Apple continues to develop the Apple Watch and its health features, user feedback will be essential in creating a more accurate and inclusive fitness tracking experience. For now, Training Load presents a promising tool — but one that requires additional fine-tuning.
