We all know that fitness is about more than just hitting the gym — it's about staying active throughout the day, keeping your heart healthy, and tracking your progress. But for many, the Apple Watch doesn't always give an accurate picture of how much exercise they're actually getting. Here's a simple hack that could change that.
Why Wearing Your Apple Watch on Your Ankle Might Be Better
Ana Espinal, a fitness influencer from NYC, shared a game-changing tip on TikTok: instead of wearing your Apple Watch on your wrist, try strapping it to your ankle. Espinal claims this method gives much more accurate readings — especially for tracking steps and movement during physical activities.
"Found out about the ankle thing and never went back," she told her followers, explaining that every time she wore her watch on her wrist, it would pause or fail to record her full workout. Moving it to her ankle made a significant difference.
The Science Behind It
Apple Watches are packed with technology that tracks heart rate, calories burned, and overall physical activity. While they're known for accuracy in monitoring heart health, wrist placement can sometimes result in inaccurate step counting — especially when your arms are stationary or holding something like a shopping cart.
Other Fitness Enthusiasts Are Swearing By It
Espinal isn't alone. Kristen Hollingshaus, a San Francisco content creator, has been using this hack for years — finding it especially helpful while using a walking pad or during low-intensity activities.
TikTok user @MediocreMomAdventures put it to the test at Target: walking with the watch on her wrist while pushing a shopping cart tracked only 91 steps in 10 minutes. The same walk with the watch in her sock? 835 steps. The difference is hard to ignore.
The Takeaway
If you're looking for more accurate activity readings from your Apple Watch, this simple hack could make a big difference. Whether you're working out or just walking around, placing your watch on your ankle could provide much more precise step counts and calorie tracking. Give it a try — you might be surprised at the results!
