Fitiv Pulse + Apple Watch: The Complete Integration
Fitiv Pulse is built around Apple Watch. Every feature — HRV monitoring, heart rate zone tracking, workout recording, GPS, and recovery scoring — is optimized to take full advantage of Apple Watch sensors, including the optical heart rate sensor, ECG (on Series 4+), GPS, and accelerometer.
What Apple Watch Data Fitiv Uses
Heart Rate & HRV
Fitiv reads continuous heart rate data from Apple Watch throughout the day and during workouts. For HRV, Fitiv uses Apple Watch's beat-to-beat heart rate data to calculate RMSSD (the standard HRV measurement), giving you a morning readiness score based on your autonomic nervous system recovery.
Supported models: All Apple Watch models (Series 1 through Ultra). ECG chip (Series 4+) improves overnight HRV accuracy.
GPS
Apple Watch Series 2 and later have built-in GPS. Fitiv uses this for:
- Route mapping for runs and rides
- Pace and distance tracking
- Elevation data
- Speed zones
When you run or cycle with Apple Watch (no phone needed), Fitiv logs the full GPS track.
Workout Recording
Fitiv records workouts directly on Apple Watch, including:
- Heart rate throughout the workout
- Calories burned
- Duration and splits
- Zone time distribution
The Apple Watch app works independently — you don't need your iPhone present.
Setting Up Fitiv with Apple Watch
- Download Fitiv Pulse from the App Store on your iPhone
- The Apple Watch app installs automatically
- Grant Health app permissions (Heart Rate, Workouts, Sleep)
- Enable Background App Refresh for continuous HRV monitoring
Health app integration: Fitiv reads and writes to Apple Health, so your data syncs with other apps that use Health data.
Heart Rate Zones on Apple Watch
Fitiv calculates your personal heart rate zones based on your age-predicted or measured maximum heart rate. During workouts, the Apple Watch face shows:
- Current zone (1–5)
- Time spent in each zone
- Heart rate trend
Zone 2 training (60–70% max HR) is displayed in real time so you can stay aerobic during long efforts.
HRV Monitoring with Apple Watch
Apple Watch measures HRV during sleep using the optical PPG sensor. Fitiv collects this data to calculate:
RMSSD: Root Mean Square of Successive Differences — the standard metric for parasympathetic activity. Higher RMSSD = better recovery.
Training Readiness Score: A 0–100 score combining your 7-day HRV trend, last night's sleep, and recent training load. If your readiness is below 60, Fitiv suggests a recovery day or easy session.
Recovery Score + Sleep
Fitiv reads Apple Watch sleep data including sleep duration and stages (Series 4+ with watchOS 9+). This feeds into your daily recovery score alongside HRV.
Apple Watch Complications
Fitiv adds Watch complications for quick-glance access to:
- Today's readiness score
- Current heart rate zone during workouts
- Training load trend
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Fitiv work with Apple Watch without an iPhone? A: You can record workouts on Apple Watch independently. The full analysis (HRV trends, recovery score, training load) syncs when you reconnect to your iPhone.
Q: Which Apple Watch models are supported? A: All Apple Watch models from Series 1 through Ultra. Series 4+ with the ECG chip gives more accurate HRV data.
Q: Does Fitiv work with Apple Watch Ultra? A: Yes. Apple Watch Ultra's dual-frequency GPS provides even more accurate route tracking for trail runs and cycling.
Q: Can I use Fitiv on Apple Watch without wearing it overnight? A: Yes, but overnight wear significantly improves HRV accuracy. Fitiv also accepts manual HRV readings from external sensors.