# Apple Watch Ultra fitness tracking and workout features > Updated: 2026-07-07 · Source: https://dorsi.ai/topics/apple-watch-ultra With its robust design and advanced sensors, the Apple Watch Ultra represents the pinnacle of wearable health technology. Continuous monitoring of… The Apple Watch Ultra is built for athletes who push hard outdoors. Its dual-frequency GPS keeps tracking accurate even in dense city canyons or under tree cover. The Action Button lets me start a run or a dive without looking at the screen. Battery life hits 36 hours typical use, enough for a multi-day backpacking trip without charging. If you want a watch that survives scrapes on granite and still gives you heart rate variability and recovery scores, the Ultra is the one. Dorsi uses that data to coach your next move. With its robust design and advanced sensors, the Apple Watch Ultra represents the pinnacle of wearable health technology. Continuous monitoring of physiological metrics, including VO2 max, a key indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness [1], makes it a powerful tool for fitness enthusiasts. Smartwatches are increasingly used for screening heart rhythm irregularities, with the Apple Watch's ECG capability enabling detection of tachyarrhythmias [2]. Given that palpitations affect up to 11% of the general population [3], such features are invaluable. Beyond tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra supports broader digital health interventions [4] and is part of the growing ecosystem of connected medical devices [5]. Its ability to monitor heart rate variability through advanced algorithms [6] further enhances its utility for personalized training. Whether you're an athlete or simply health-conscious, the Apple Watch Ultra offers comprehensive insights to optimize performance and well-being. ## How do I set up the Workout app for strength sessions? Open the Watch app on your iPhone, scroll to Workout. Tap Workout View and select 'Add Workout' then 'Strength Training'. Customize the metrics to show heart rate, active calories, and duration. Skip the auto-pause feature for lifting, you want continuous tracking. ## Map the Action button to start a workout The orange Action button on the Ultra is a game changer. Go to Settings > Action Button. Set it to launch a custom workout. I use it for Strength Training. One press and I'm in. No scrolling through menus mid-set. ## Track recovery with HRV and resting heart rate Apple Watch Ultra gives you HRV readings. Check them each morning before coffee. A consistent baseline is key. If your HRV drops 10-15 points from your 7-day average, you might need a rest day. Don't let a single low reading scare you off. ## Compare route tracking for outdoor runs The Ultra has dual-frequency GPS. For runners, this matters. It locks onto satellites faster and handles city canyons better. On a recent 10k run through downtown, my old watch lost signal twice. The Ultra nailed it. Use it to track precise route data for pacing analysis.