Start a workout, or not ?

[GerritV]

For my daily morning walk, I typically start up a workout.
Whenever I do a walk later in the afternoon, I don't start up a workout.

Later, looking at my activity tracking, I'm getting calories burnt and training minutes in both cases.
From the first walk, I'm getting a few more data: the distance and average speed (thanks to the GPS) and my average heartbeat.

Since the GPS seems to use quite a lot of battery power, and the extra data are not all that important for me, I wonder if I could just save me the trouble of starting (and ending) a workout - and instead just go out and walk or do any other activity. Saves some battery power as well.

How do others go about this?

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I usually start a (walking) workout whenever I want to time myself. Then the added data are interesting.

For a more leisurely walk, or even a bit of a brisk one, when I'm not too interested in time, I don't start it, but still - as you say - get the normal "ring" activities.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I always state a workout on my morning walk and just let the watch do its thing the rest of the day. If I go to the mall or shopping it gives me credit. It is "interesting".

 

[Bichon]

I nearly always start a workout when I'm walking for exercise. I want to see the heart rate and pace displays DURING the walk to know that my effort is brisk enough to derive cardiovascular benefit. I've found this to be especially important to push up my VO2 max trend line over time.

 

[MisterSavage]

I charge my watch every night so I don't care how much battery power a workout uses. I always start a workout for walks and other workouts. It's interesting looking at the data.

 

[GerritV]

Thanks to all who answered so far. I really learn from all of your interesting comments 👍

 

[arc of the universe]

great thread. thanks.

for me, i also choose which way, depending on the nature of the walk.

its true that the Workout app uses a lot more battery power. especially if you have set the monitoring functions to not be reduced during a workout (several monitoring functions can be reduced during a workout if you want).

i have noticed that if i dont set it as a workout, then the Exercise green minutes are far fewer than if i set it as a Workout where its forced to consider every clock minute an exercise minute.

also, as has been mentioned, VO2Max is a great health indicator that is best measured through the Workout app.

and, if you are setting a goal for, or, care about, average walking speed, then its best to NOT use the workout app for strolls or very slow walks. the Activity app's ↑ ↓ arrows use only Workout recorded walks to measure your trends.

 

[GerritV]

i have noticed that if i dont set it as a workout, then the Exercise green minutes are far fewer than if i set it as a Workout where its forced to consider every clock minute an exercise minute.

Interesting, I wasn't aware of this.

and, if you are setting a goal for, or, care about, average walking speed, then its best to NOT use the workout app for strolls or very slow walks. the Activity app's ↑ ↓ arrows use only Workout recorded walks to measure your trends.

Exactly, I figured that one out a while ago.

 

[GerritV]

For now, I will continue to log my morning walks as a training (which indeed they are) and not log my recreational strolls. Admitted I'm somewhat addicted to read my daily scores ;-)
Thanks again you all for sharing your insights.