"Return to workout" shortcut removed?

[jclardy]

Maybe I am remembering this incorrectly, but in the past when I had a workout running and went back to the watch face, there would be a green running man icon (that then turned into the notification dot after a second, I think it flashed slowly between the two states.) Tapping on that icon returned you to the running workout. Was this removed in watchOS 9? Is there some way to get it back if so?

It's a small thing but it feels odd to me that I can be on the homescreen and have no indication a workout is still running. The watch does seem to automatically go back to the workout when you drop your wrist, but I think that feature can be turned off.

I guess we just have to wait for "Live activities" to make their way to the watch next year to get a better status area on the watch. Think a place for timers/uber rides/workouts/music/podcasts to display that they are active without having to be on a specific watchface with a specific widget.

 

[Arran]

I noticed that too. It’s a pain getting back to the workout display as I often launch other apps mid-workout.

All the more confusing on the ultra as I instinctively press the crown to return to the watch face: No running man at the top and no workout complication either. All because I configured the action button to launch workouts so I could free-up a complication spot for something else! Next thought: fumble for the side button, hit it and it marks a segment! Not what I intended, but at least I’m back in workouts!

 

[skyhawkmatthew]

Yes, it's gone. Same for the little play icon that used to be up there to jump you to whatever app is playing audio. I agree it is an annoying regression as I often want to quickly check a complication or notifications and then jump back to my workout.

 

[jclardy]

Yes, it's gone. Same for the little play icon that used to be up there to jump you to whatever app is playing audio. I agree it is an annoying regression as I often want to quickly check a complication or notifications and then jump back to my workout.

Ah interesting, I was wondering about audio as well but haven't tried it as I usually play via my phone. I'd guess this is hopefully just a temporary regression until the live activities api comes to Apple Watch in some way. I'd be happy if it was just in control center at the least...

 

[NoBoMac]

Never was a fan of it: sausage fingers, little target, and if wearing gloves...

Ages ago, I went with a workout watch face that has the Workouts app as a complication, and my podcast app (exclusively listen to pods during workouts). Start a Workout, switch the face via an Automation. Workout ends, switch face back.