What Apple Watch workout do I use for yard work?

July 31, 2023 7:31 PM

When I grind coffee, my Apple Watch asks whether I want it to track my Elliptical Workout. So when I work up a sweat while we volunteer at the local community farm or when I'm working in the yard, what predefined Workout should I use?

I am also looking for suggestions of which one to use when shoveling snow this winter: it's totally bullshit not to get credit for that!

posted by wenestvedt to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

I usually choose functional strength training for stuff like that. (But I'm interested in hearing what others have to say.)
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:59 PM on July 31, 2023 [3 favorites]

I use the "other" workout category for physically involved housework (and to keep an eye on my heart rate in the shower for POTS-adjacent reasons) but like BlahLaLa, interested in other people's practices!
posted by cabbage raccoon at 10:28 PM on July 31, 2023 [4 favorites]

My catchall for this type of thing is "Cross Training" and it's nice and vague. I feel it gives me the leeway I need (while also giving credit for the calories I'm burning) whether I'm crouching over a patch of weeds or vigorously shoveling mulch.
posted by knotty knots at 12:56 AM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

Ditto on Cross Training
posted by seanmpuckett at 4:54 AM on August 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

I switch between other and mixed cardio. They should definitely have a category for yardwork and housework. Archery is one and that seems WAY less common an activity!
posted by SaneCatLady at 5:36 AM on August 1, 2023 [4 favorites]

I use Play, as a I am easily amused by irony.
posted by mollweide at 6:10 AM on August 1, 2023 [4 favorites]

There definitely is an untapped market for more precise Apple Fitness workouts. Some ideas from Basic Apple Guy.

Personally, I've always wanted there to be a "live musician" workout because between loading in and out and performing, I'll often get upwards of 5 miles of steps in plus the additional cardio. Thanks for the suggestion of "Play."
posted by emelenjr at 6:43 AM on August 1, 2023 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: I just read this factoid:

According to Harvard Health Publications, 30 minutes of general gardening for a 155-pound person can burn 167 calories, more than water aerobics at 149. Mowing the lawn with a push mower can expend 205 calories, the same as disco dancing. Digging in the dirt can use up 186 calories, on par with skateboarding.

The source appears to be this web page, which lists gardening as the same caloric expenditure as walking or "Heavy Cleaning." In fact there are tons of other activities listed which could be useful for finding substitute workouts.
--
And I just saw this interesting suggestion if you want to make up your own workout from raw data:

1. On your Apple Watch, open the Workout app.
2. Tap Other.
3. Complete your workout.
4. When you're done, swipe right, then tap End.
5. Tap Name Workout.
6. Tap the type of workout to gardening, then tap Save.
7. Next time you start a workout gardening will be in the list.

posted by wenestvedt at 8:43 AM on August 1, 2023 [13 favorites]