Why weightlifting and similar workouts may not show as physically active

• Why weightlifting may look different in your data
• What to expect from the Motion metric during weightlifting
• Weightlifting recorded as a stress response
• How to log weightlifting manually

Why weightlifting may look different in your data

Activity detection in the NOWATCH app is based on wrist movement. During weightlifting, the arms are frequently stationary — between repetitions, while holding a position, or during rest periods — which may result in the session not being classified as a Physically Active state. This differs from continuous movement activities such as running or cycling, where sustained wrist motion is more consistently detected.

This is expected behaviour. The activity detection algorithm is designed to recognise rhythmic, sustained movement patterns, and may therefore respond differently to the static or intermittent motion characteristic of strength training.

What to expect from the Motion metric during weightlifting

The Motion metric tracks overall movement intensity throughout the day across five levels: Rest, Light, Mild, Moderate, and Vigorous. As Motion is derived from wrist movement, weightlifting sessions may register lower Motion levels compared to higher-movement activities such as running or brisk walking, regardless of the physical effort involved.

It is worth noting that this does not indicate a lack of data capture. Heart Rate and Heart Rate Zones recorded during the session will continue to reflect the body's physiological response to the workout, and are accessible via the Activity Report.

Good to know: Motion is currently available on iOS devices only.

Weightlifting recorded as a stress response

In some cases, a weightlifting session may be recorded as a stress response rather than physical activity, as an elevated heart rate during exercise can resemble a stress response to the algorithm. 

You can correct this directly in the app by editing the session and logging it as an activity. Doing so helps the algorithm better recognise the difference over time, improving the accuracy of your stress data going forward.

Learn how to adjust this in the following article: How to fix inaccurate stress readings during activity.

How to log weightlifting manually

Manually logging weightlifting helps give context to your Timeline and ensures your data more accurately reflects your day.

1. Go to the Timeline tab.
2. Move the cursor to the correct time on any chart.
3. Tap the + icon.
4. Select Log an activity.
5. Search for or select Weightlifting as the activity name.
6. Select a category — this step is important, as the change won't apply without it.
7. Adjust the start and end times if needed.
8. Tap Save.

You can also log an activity before you start via the Now tab, or quickly using the NOWATCH crown.

Learn more about logging and editing activities in this article.