How to Add Sauna to Apple Watch Workouts
I go to the sauna often and wear my Apple Watch there (even though it is not recommended to have an Apple Watch in the sauna). Saunas produce extremely high temperatures and humidity levels that can exceed Apple Watch’s designed operational limits. Extended exposure to such conditions can damage the Apple Watch.
According to a scientific study, a 25-minute sauna session provides heart benefits comparable to a moderate-intensity exercise session. Saunas can raise your heart rate and provide some cardiovascular benefits. Thus, you may want to track your activity during sauna sessions, and you can use your Apple Watch for this. In this article, I will show you how to create a new custom workout on your Apple Watch that can be activated while in the sauna.
Should you wear your Apple Watch in the sauna
The Apple Watch is water resistant. You can shower or swim with it. This does not mean that they are sauna-safe. Apple says you should avoid wearing your Apple Watch in a sauna unless you are using an Apple Watch Ultra or later. If you have another Apple Watch model, it is recommended that you do not wear it. If you have an Apple Watch Ultra model, Apple says that you should not wear it in a sauna above 55° C (130° F).
However, as I stated above, I often wear my Apple Watch in the sauna. Mine is not an Ultra model. I do get a temperature warning sometimes if the sauna is too hot. Other than that, I have been using my watch without an issue. It is up to you if you want to wear it or not.
Steps to create a sauna workout in Apple Watch
There is no preset sauna workout on Apple Watch. However, you can create a custom workout. Here is how:
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Scroll all the way down and tap Add Workout.
- You will see a big list of activities, such as martial arts, lacrosse, jump rope, etc. Select Other.
- Tap the three-dot (…) button.
- Tap Create Workout.
- Tap Custom.
- Then tap the + Add button, select Work, and then use Time as the goal. Set a time goal. Most people stay in the sauna between 15 and 25 min. Tap Done.
- Scroll down to find the Custom Title field and name it Sauna.
- Scroll all the way down and tap Create Workout. You are done. Whenever you go into a sauna, start this workout.
Related articles