How I used the Pixel Watch 3’s excellent heart rate data to get back in shape

The Pixel Watch 3 tracks everything from steps to sleep and supports dozens of activity modes. It also offers a big enough display for me to glimpse at stats mid-workout. But it’s highly reliable heart rate tracking that sets the Pixel Watch 3 apart.

Fitbit allows me to train within the appropriate heart rate zone for targeting my fitness goals. For example, staying in a lower zone will promote fat burning, while higher zones boost cardiovascular health. The watch splits my real-time heart rate into four categories: Peak (>167bpm), vigorous (139-167bpm), moderate (116-139bpm), and light (<116bpm).

After each workout, I can review my results on the device or in the Fitbit app to evaluate how hard I’ve trained and see if I should push less or more next time around. It’s so validating to see that, thanks to frequent training, a workout that used to send my heart racing a few weeks ago doesn’t affect me as much now.

For bigger-picture insights, the Pixel Watch 3 also supports Fitbit’s latest training tools: the revamped Readiness Score, Cardio Load, and Target Load. These metrics track workout intensity and overall exertion. While I find the live workout tools more clutch, these additional metrics are useful for training insights and identifying trends.

Balancing my current fitness with my past performance has made it tricky to determine exactly how hard to push. Heart rate zones help me moderate my training, ensuring that I don’t overdo it (or take it too easy). For example, during a particularly grueling hill run, my watch gave me the permission I needed to slow down. On the other hand, during a sweaty gym session, my heart rate zones made it clear I was just hot, not working too hard (or even hard enough, honestly). When I see my beats straggling in the Light zone, I know to up the intensity. When I feel like I’m about to collapse, I can verify that my heart rate has jumped into the Peak zone. This data-driven approach helps me avoid injury, avoid burnout, and build confidence. When I don’t feel like I am making progress, I can look at my workout data and see that I am hitting target zones. I can also check in with my Cardio Load and see a steady increase.

In short, the Google Pixel Watch 3 has been invaluable. Its accurate heart rate tracking, along with tools like Cardio Load and Target Load, help me stay on track, avoid overtraining, and push toward my fitness goals with confidence. Whether it’s real-time heart rate data during workouts or more comprehensive insights into my overall health, the watch is making it easier to train smarter.