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Getting Started with Walk Analytics

Complete guide to setting up Walk Analytics and understanding your walking analytics journey

Quick Start Guide

Welcome to Walk Analytics! This guide will help you get started with advanced gait analysis and walking performance tracking in just a few minutes.

Step 1: Download and Install

  1. Download Walk Analytics from the App Store
  2. Open the app on your iPhone or iPad
  3. Grant permission to access Apple Health when prompted
  4. Start your 7-day free trial (no credit card required)

Step 2: Connect Apple Health

Walk Analytics analyzes your walking workouts from Apple Health:

  • Automatic Import: Your existing walking workouts are imported automatically
  • Real-time Sync: New walks from Apple Watch or iPhone are analyzed instantly
  • Privacy First: All data stays on your device - no cloud upload

Step 3: Understand Your Dashboard

The main dashboard shows your key walking metrics:

  • Recent Walks: Your latest walking workouts with key stats
  • Weekly Summary: Total distance, time, and Walking Stress Score (WSS)
  • Gait Metrics: Stride symmetry, cadence, and efficiency scores
  • Training Zones: Time spent in each heart rate zone

Key Concepts

Gait Analysis

Gait analysis examines how you walk. Walk Analytics tracks:

  • Stride Length: Distance covered per stride
  • Cadence: Steps per minute
  • Stride Symmetry: Balance between left and right legs
  • Ground Contact Time: How long your foot touches the ground
  • Double Support Time: When both feet are on the ground simultaneously

Learn more about gait analysis fundamentals.

Walking Zones

Training in different intensity zones provides specific health benefits:

  • Zone 1 (Recovery): Very light walking for recovery
  • Zone 2 (Fat Burn): Optimal for fat burning and aerobic base
  • Zone 3 (Aerobic): Cardiovascular fitness improvement
  • Zone 4 (Threshold): High-intensity aerobic capacity
  • Zone 5 (Peak): Maximum effort for short bursts

Explore the complete walking zones guide.

Walking Stress Score (WSS)

WSS quantifies the physiological stress of each walk:

  • Based on heart rate intensity and duration
  • Helps balance training load with recovery
  • Prevents overtraining and optimizes progress
  • Track weekly and monthly trends

Calculate your WSS with our WSS calculator.

Recording Your First Walk

Using Apple Watch

  1. Start a "Walking" workout on your Apple Watch
  2. Walk naturally - no need to change your form
  3. End the workout when finished
  4. Walk Analytics automatically imports and analyzes it

Using iPhone Only

  1. Enable "Fitness Tracking" in iPhone Settings
  2. Carry your iPhone during walks
  3. Walking activities are logged automatically
  4. Review in Walk Analytics for analysis

Interpreting Your Metrics

Good vs. Concerning Signs

Metric Good Range What It Means
Stride Symmetry > 95% Balanced gait, low injury risk
Cadence 100-130 steps/min Efficient walking pace
Weekly WSS 200-500 Healthy training load
Zone 2 Time 60-80% of total Strong aerobic base

Pro Tips for Success

1. Start with Baseline Assessment

Record 2-3 normal walks first to establish your baseline metrics before making changes.

2. Focus on Zone 2 Walking

Spend 60-80% of your walking time in Zone 2 for optimal health benefits and fat burning.

3. Monitor Gait Symmetry

If symmetry drops below 90%, consider form work or consulting a professional to prevent injury.

4. Build Gradually

Increase weekly WSS by no more than 10% per week to avoid overtraining.

5. Consistency Over Intensity

Regular moderate walking beats occasional intense walks for long-term health.

Troubleshooting

Metrics Not Showing

  • Ensure Apple Health permissions are granted
  • Check that workouts are properly labeled as "Walking" in Health app
  • For heart rate zones, verify heart rate data is being recorded

Inaccurate Stride Metrics

  • Calibrate Apple Watch by walking outdoor routes with accurate GPS
  • Ensure proper watch fit (snug but comfortable)
  • Walk with natural arm swing for better motion detection

Next Steps