A beginner's guide to Google Fit and Apple Health

Built-in fitness tracking: Google Fit vs. Apple Health

Many fitness trackers promise to help you achieve your fitness goals, but before you start shopping, consider the apps already on your phone. Google Fit (Android and iOS, launched 2014) and Apple Health (iOS, launched 2014) track activity using your device's sensors or compatible wearables. While they share similarities, their functionality and compatibility differ significantly. Google Fit offers a simpler step and activity counter, accessible across Android and iOS platforms. Apple Health provides more comprehensive health monitoring but is exclusive to Apple devices.

Let's explore both apps.

Google Fit: Setup and Usage

Download Google Fit (if not already installed) and log in with your Google account. After entering personal details (age, gender, weight, height) and setting fitness goals, you're ready to go. Google Fit automatically tracks steps, running, and cycling in the background. Manually add activities via the plus icon ( ) in the bottom right corner, selecting "Add activity" if needed.

Set goals (via the Profile tab) for steps and Heart Points (Google's metric based on WHO recommendations) to enhance engagement. The app tracks progress, providing feedback and encouraging movement.

The Home screen summarizes daily activity and progress toward goals. Detailed weekly summaries are available by scrolling, or tap the large circle for deeper analysis. View step and Heart Point statistics by day, week, or month, including activity highlights (e.g., that weekend hike). GPS-logged activities display route maps.

Real-time activity tracking is available via the plus icon ( ), selecting "Track workout," and choosing your activity. Mile markers (audio prompts) are included, though disableable in settings (Profile > cog icon > Spoken announcements).

Google Fit: Advanced Features

While convenient, carrying your phone during intense workouts isn't always practical. Pairing a wearable tracker enhances Google Fit's capabilities. Wear OS smartwatches seamlessly integrate, with some offering embedded GPS for route mapping. Data syncs with Google Fit upon returning home.

Other compatible wearables include Xiaomi, Under Armour, and Misfit bands. Note that Fitbit integration is currently absent, though this may change given Google's acquisition. iPhone users can download Google Fit, but Apple Watch compatibility is limited to Apple's ecosystem.

Integrate data from other apps: Sleep As Android (sleep tracking), Calorie Counter (diet tracking), Adidas Running, and Strava. While simpler than all-in-one solutions like Fitbit, Google Fit effectively tracks various activities and presents data clearly. Its phone integration ensures you won't miss daily step count reminders.

Apple Health: Setup and Usage

Apple aims for Apple Health to be a comprehensive health hub. It mirrors Google Fit's basic functions but expands to include tracking blood pressure, fiber intake, and more. However, it relies on third-party apps and devices for some data. You can also store medical details (blood type, allergies, medical records).

Apple Health automatically tracks steps and activities; disable this via Settings > Privacy > Motion & Fitness.

The app displays daily readings. View past week's data via "Show All Health Data," or use the Browse tab for detailed category exploration (e.g., stairs climbed, manual data entry, favorites pinning).

Manage connected apps via Data Sources & Access within each category. Control third-party app data access in Settings > Privacy > Health.

Access and edit key medical information (via your Apple ID avatar > Medical ID). Enable "Show When Locked" for emergency access, though this compromises privacy.

Apple Health: Advanced Features

Expand Apple Health's capabilities by connecting apps and devices. It often boasts broader third-party support than Google Fit, suggesting compatible apps for various data points.

Strava, Runkeeper, Lark (nutrition), and Clue (menstrual cycles) are examples of compatible apps. Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock offers comprehensive sleep tracking.

The Apple Watch is the ideal companion, tracking activities without the iPhone and providing reminders and progress charts. It's the only smartwatch enabling Health app target setting; other apps are needed otherwise.

Beyond the Apple Watch, compatible devices include the Wahoo Tickr X Heart Rate Monitor and Withings Body Cardio scale. Check device compatibility before purchasing.

Apple Health handles more data than Google Fit, but has a steeper learning curve. Both apps effectively provide basic activity statistics, regardless of whether you use a dedicated tracker.

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