How I Transformed My Apple Watch Ultra into the Ultimate One-Touch Gym Timer – A Simple Shortcut Hack

If you’re a gym-goer like me, you know the importance of timing your rest periods. The right amount of rest keeps your workouts efficient and helps you track your progress. I recently found a way to make my Apple Watch Ultra do just that—a one-touch rest timer, eliminating the need to tap multiple times or fuss with different apps mid-set. Here’s how I did it and why it’s been a game-changer for my training sessions.

The Setup: Why Apple Watch Ultra?

The Apple Watch Ultra stands out for its durability and fitness-focused features. With a larger screen, enhanced battery life, and a slew of built-in health tools, it’s like having a personal trainer on your wrist. But to make the most out of it, especially in a busy gym, I needed something quicker than navigating through apps. This is where Apple’s Shortcuts app comes in handy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a One-Touch Rest Timer

Setting up a shortcut may sound technical, but Apple’s interface makes it straightforward. If you haven’t used Shortcuts before, it’s an app that lets you create custom actions that your devices can carry out with a single tap or voice command. Here’s how I used it to create a one-touch rest timer for my workouts:

1. Open the Shortcuts App on your iPhone or directly on the Apple Watch Ultra.
2. Create a New Shortcut by tapping the plus (+) icon in the Shortcuts app. Select “Add Action.”
3. Set the Timer by searching for “Set Timer” in the action options. Choose your preferred rest time—I set mine to 60 seconds, which works great for strength training.
4. Assign the Shortcut a Name that you can remember easily, like “Gym Rest.” This step is important if you want to activate it by voice.
5. Add to Apple Watch by enabling the “Show on Apple Watch” option in the shortcut settings, ensuring it’s accessible directly on your watch.

Making It Accessible with a Single Tap

Now, this is where things get really efficient. To make this shortcut even faster, you can assign it to one of the action buttons on the Apple Watch Ultra. Here’s how:

• Customize the Action Button (the orange button on the side of the Ultra). Go into your watch settings, select “Action Button,” and choose “Shortcuts” as the assigned function. Select your new “Gym Rest” shortcut from the list.

Now, instead of scrolling through apps or using Siri, a quick tap on the side of the watch is all it takes to start your rest timer.

Benefits of Using a One-Touch Rest Timer

There’s something incredibly helpful about reducing distractions during workouts. Here’s why this shortcut has become a must-have for my gym sessions:

• No Distractions: I’m no longer breaking focus to scroll through the watch interface or looking for a timer in my phone.
• Consistency in Rest Periods: Keeping rest periods consistent has a huge impact on workout quality. Whether I’m doing strength training or cardio circuits, that one-tap timer helps me stay on track.
• Battery-Friendly: Using a simple timer instead of toggling between apps reduces screen time, saving battery on longer workout days.

Extra Tip: Using Siri with the Shortcut

If you’d rather not use the action button, you can trigger the shortcut by saying “Hey Siri, Gym Rest.” The voice activation feature is especially helpful when you’re deep into a workout and don’t want to press any buttons. It’s just another option to keep your rest timing consistent without interruption.

Why This Shortcut Stands Out

While the Apple Watch offers plenty of built-in health tools, setting up a custom rest timer has been an excellent addition for anyone who prioritizes efficiency in their workouts. The one-touch functionality simplifies my gym routine, leaving more room to focus on form, performance, and progress.

Creating this shortcut transformed my Apple Watch Ultra into an even more powerful tool in my fitness routine. This small adjustment has made timing in the gym a breeze, adding a layer of convenience that helps me maximize every workout. If you’re looking for a way to streamline your rest periods, give this shortcut a try. It’s simple, effective, and just one more way to make the most of your Apple Watch Ultra.

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