Why Train With Power?

The Apple Watch now supports both native running power and external Bluetooth power meters, making it easier than ever to measure and utilize power data during workouts. Unlike heart rate — which can be affected by hydration, ambient temperature, and fatigue — power provides a precise measure of the actual energy used during your workout.

What is Power?

Power measurements quantify the energy you expend in watts while propelling yourself forward — either through your feet while running or through pressure applied to bike pedals. Cyclists and runners have used power measurements for years, though the devices weren't always widely accessible.

The Apple Watch now supports both native running power and external Bluetooth power meters, bringing professional-grade measurement to everyday athletes.

Why Power?

Unlike heart rate data, which varies based on hydration, temperature, and fatigue levels, power provides an objective measurement of your actual energy expenditure. Heart rate reflects your body's response, while power data measures your performance itself.

Power is especially valuable for cycling, where speed and heart rate can paint an incomplete picture. A higher speed might indicate a downhill section rather than increased effort, and elevated heart rates could stem from exhaustion, caffeine, or heat rather than workout intensity. Power values offer a precise, unbiased view of your intensity.

How Do I Track Power?

For Running: No external devices needed. Simply record a running workout with FITIV Pulse and review power data in your post-workout summary.

For Cycling: Connect an external Bluetooth power meter to your Apple Watch:

1. Open Settings on your Apple Watch and tap Bluetooth
2. Under Health Devices, select your sensor
3. Tap the (i) icon to adjust wheel size or crank length

Set your Functional Power Threshold (FTP) in FITIV Pulse for accurate power zone data.

How Do I Use Power Data?

Your power data categorizes into zones based on your FTP value. Use it to measure intensity and tailor training:

• Improve Endurance: Target zone 2 for sustainable pace
• Increase Speed: Work with higher zones to challenge your limits

Do I Still Need to Measure Heart Rate?

Power data alone doesn't tell the complete story. Combining power and heart rate data allows you to track objective energy output while monitoring your body's improved fitness from training. The more fitness data you collect, the better you can analyze progress and identify training needs.

A rising power output at the same heart rate over time is one of the clearest signals of improving fitness — and it's only visible when you're tracking both.