Apple Watch for just long and short walks?

[tranceking26]

I need to exercise more, and lose some serious weight, but for now it will be just walking once a day or multiple times a day, at a brisk pace.

In the future I may try my local swimming pool. I don't plan on joining a gym or anything.

Would a Series 3 or earlier be good for this? My only preference would be the space grey colour, but it ain't essential.

What apps would you recommend for this?

 

[0128672]

Before I sold my Series 3, walking was all I used it for. I found Apple's Activity app daily goals to be very good, and didn't use any third-party apps.

 

[MPclk2006]

Even a used series 1 would be good for this, I had one until recently when I upgraded to a series 3.

 

[firedept]

Series 3 with just the apps included with the watch will work well for your needs.

 

[Retops]

it will be perfect The included workout app’s “outdoor walk” feature will provide you all needed data and let you track your progress.

 

[MacDevil7334]

If you are planning to swim with it eventually, get a Series 2 or later. The Series 1 lacks the needed water resistance for swimming. These days though, a used S3 (or even a S4) can be had for not that much. I’d try to get at least a S3 if you can. The faster processor in the S3 and later makes a huge difference in the day to day use of the watch.

 

[26139]

I use a Series 2 for exactly this. Would definitely recommend a Series 3 or newer, though. My 2 is rough.

 

[0128672]

Series 3 are on sale a few places for $179 now (for the 38mm wi-fi), and Series 5 is on sale at many stores (Amazon, Target, Best Buy) for $299. I'm in indecision/overthinking it mode about the relatively small price difference or waiting until the 6 is announced. LOL guess I need to go for a walk to sort it out.

Although the prices are slightly higher than these recent sales, there's also Apple Refurb AWs (some higher configs than what you might find on the non-Apple store sales): https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/watch

Update: I picked up a space gray S5 from Target. I was waffling about whether to get one at all (I had one an S3 a couple years ago but sold it), wait, etc etc, but the truth is no matter how disciplined I am, I get more exercise with the watch. Call it "close the rings guilt", but it works.

 

[iamasmith]

S3 would be great, the only thing to mention is that it's sometimes easier to get to see lengths when swimming with the AOD of the S5. I used my S3 without any problem for swimming, walking and running but the S5 AOD made a huge difference in not having to fiddle around multiple times at some intervals to see the lengths I had done in the pool.

 

[Cassandle]

I have a Series 3 (and have had it for 2 and half years) and it's still a fantastic device. It's definitely a good choice for your needs.

 

[G.McGilli]

What apps would you recommend for this?

Might not interest you - but I'd look for something that can show you your step count - I know that helps motivate many people instead of just seeing a ring of colour.

 

[0128672]

Might not interest you - but I'd look for something that can show you your step count - I know that helps motivate many people instead of just seeing a ring of colour.

The Activity app on the watch shows the step count. Tap on the rings and scroll down to see Total Steps, Total Distance, and Flights Climbed.

 

[tranceking26]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm looking at the S3 right now. What size S3 should I go for? I have quite thin wrists, so would the 38mm be best?

What size do you have?

 

[Loge]

I still have a Series 2 and it's fine for tracking walks and runs. My wrists are thin, but I still went with 42 (after having had a Series 1 at 38) and find it no problem at all and much prefer the larger screen.

 

[tranceking26]

I picked the S3 in 38mm, it was a surprise how small it is but I'm used to it already.

Already feeling more motivated to get out and do things during my day!

 

[RedGT]

I enjoy walking and the exercise element that comes with it, but sometimes I think having a pedometer is just a bit of a toy. I usually know when I’ve done a decent amount of steps which I would say 20,000 is a good target....I suppose it’s is kinda interesting to see how many steps you’ve done, but as I said it’s just a toy on a gadget....but recently I have been looking for a step counter that gives you a notification every 5000 steps, but can’t find one, if anyone has come across such an app then can you point me in the direction of one.