How to share Activity and Workout data with watchOS 3

One of the topics we talk about all the time on the App Factor Podcast, is fitness and all the geeky accessories we use to keep our health in check. The Apple Watch has been an enormous key in keeping me and others on track when it comes to getting in steps, standing, working out and lots more.

While other fitness trackers such as the Fitbit have included competition amongst friends for some time, Apple held off until recently when they announced Activity and Workout sharing in watchOS 3.

With Activity sharing, you can see the main three rings (Move, Exercise, and Stand) of the people you’re sharing with. You can also see how many steps and miles they’ve clocked for the day, and if they’ve done any workouts. Checking the Activity app on your wrist a few times a day can help spark some healthy competition.

Thankfully, it’s very easy to set up Activity and Workout sharing on your Apple Watch. You’re going to need to be on watchOS 3, and your iPhone should be on iOS 10.

How to share Activity and Workout data

1. Open the Activity app on your iPhone and tap on the Sharing button in the lower right corner of the screen.
2. Here you’ll be greeted with a Get Started screen, or if you’ve already started sharing with friends, you’ll see a breakdown of activity sorted by days. If you’d like to share with a new person, press on the + button in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
3. Now you’ll be given suggestions of people to add. Simply tap on their name and press Send. Once they’ve accepted your request, you’ll both be able to see each other’s Activity and Workout data.

How to encourage friends with the Activity app on your Apple Watch

One of the best parts of Activity sharing is that you can encourage your friends and family, right from your wrist! Here’s how:

1. Open the Activity app on your Apple Watch, swipe left to go to the Activity Sharing screen, and tap on a friend’s name.
2. Scroll down all the way to the bottom of the screen and tap on Send Message.
3. Here you’ll be presented with a number of ways to reach out to your friend, whether that’s to send encouragement, to taunt them or otherwise!

If your friend has hit a milestone, or has completed a Workout, you’ll be notified right on your wrist, and Apple has included some fun workout-centric responses you can send with a simple tap.

Have you been enjoying the new Activity sharing in watchOS 3?

Activity sharing can help you stay on track, get a little push with healthy competition, and lots more. Are you using this feature on your Apple Watch? Let me know in the comments section!