Your Guide to Adding Exercise Data to Cronometer
Cronometer offers two primary methods for tracking your activity: automatic syncing with a compatible device or health platform, and manual entry directly into your diary. Understanding both options allows you to choose the best approach for your fitness tracking habits, ensuring all your exercise data is accurately reflected in your nutritional diary.
Method 1: Syncing with Fitness Apps and Devices
Automating your exercise tracking is the most convenient way to ensure accuracy and prevent missed entries. Cronometer integrates with numerous popular health apps and wearable devices.
How to Connect a Device or App
- Navigate to Settings: On the mobile app, tap 'More' (the three-dot menu icon) and then select 'Connect Apps & Devices'. On the web version, click 'More' and then 'Devices'.
- Select Your Device: Choose your device or platform from the list. Cronometer supports integrations with Apple Health, Health Connect (for Android), Garmin, Fitbit, WHOOP, Oura, and more.
- Authenticate and Authorize: You will be redirected to your device's or app's login page to authenticate your account. You must grant Cronometer permission to access your activity data.
- Confirm Sync Settings: After connecting, revisit the 'Connect Apps & Devices' section to confirm which metrics (e.g., exercise, heart rate, weight) you want to sync.
- Adjust Activity Level: This is a critical step to avoid double-counting calories. If you are syncing a device, Cronometer recommends setting your Baseline Activity Level to 'Sedentary' in your 'Energy Settings'. The platform will automatically override the sedentary burn with your more accurate, synced workout data.
Method 2: Manually Logging an Exercise
For those who prefer a hands-on approach or have an exercise that doesn't track automatically, manual entry is a straightforward process.
Step-by-Step Manual Entry
- Access the Diary: From the main diary screen, tap the orange '+' button on the mobile app or 'Add Exercise' on the web.
- Search for an Activity: Use the search bar to find a specific exercise, such as 'running,' 'walking,' or 'strength training'. You can also 'Browse all' by category.
- Specify Details: Once you select the exercise, you will enter the duration of the activity and an 'Effort level' (e.g., light, moderate, vigorous).
- Confirm Entry: Cronometer will calculate an estimated calorie burn based on your metrics and the Compendium of Physical Activities. Review the details and tap 'Add to Diary'.
Creating a Custom Exercise
If your specific activity isn't in the database, you can create a custom entry.
- Start Custom Exercise: After tapping 'Add Exercise,' select the '+ Custom Exercise' button.
- Name and Detail: Provide a name for your custom exercise and enter your estimated calorie burn or Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) value if you have it.
- Save for Future Use: Your custom exercise will be saved to your personal database for quick access in the future.
Comparison Table: Syncing vs. Manual Entry
| Feature | Syncing with a Device | Manual Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Generally high, especially with heart rate data | Variable, depends on user input of effort and duration |
| Convenience | Automatic once set up; less user interaction required | Requires conscious effort for every entry; flexible for custom activities |
| Efficiency | Real-time or regular background updates | Depends on how quickly you log after a workout |
| Data Coverage | Imports continuous data (e.g., heart rate, steps) | Focuses only on specific logged workouts |
| Setup | Initial setup and permission granting required | No setup, just add as needed |
Common Integration Platforms
Apple Health: Connects seamlessly via the mobile app to sync exercise and activity data from your Apple Watch or iPhone. Garmin: Links via the web or mobile app to import workout and biometric data. Health Connect (Android): This platform is used to link data from Google Fit and other health apps on Android devices. Starting in 2025, Cronometer will rely on Health Connect for Android data exchange. Fitbit: Syncs exercise data directly from your Fitbit device to Cronometer. WHOOP: Allows the import of activity and other biometrics like recovery and sleep data.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method
Choosing how to import exercise into Cronometer depends on your personal preference for convenience and control. For seamless, real-time tracking, syncing a wearable device or health platform is the optimal choice, provided you remember to adjust your baseline activity level to prevent double-counting. If you prefer meticulous control over every entry or need to track a unique activity, the manual entry feature offers excellent flexibility. By leveraging either or both methods, you can ensure your Cronometer diary paints a complete and accurate picture of your health and fitness journey.
