We’ll take a closer look at Nike Run Club on the Apple Watch and everything you can accomplish with the free app.
What Is the Nike Run Club App?
The Nike Run Club app is available for the iPhone along with Android devices.
A popular, and completely free option from the fitness giant, the app is made for anyone who enjoys running—outdoors or even inside.
During your run, the app can provide real-time data like distance traveled, calories burned, heart rate information, and a map of your run.
And the app provides much more than that important information. Some of the additional features include training plans to help prepare you for longer runs and even guided runs with positive encouragement.
You can find out more about the version of the app for handsets in our primer on how to make the most of the Nike Run Club app.
An Overview of Nike Run Club on Apple Watch
The Nike Run Club app for Apple Watch brings a large majority of the great features from the smartphone version to the smaller screen of the watch.
Unlike some Apple Watch apps, Nike Run Club is completely independent. That means you don’t need an iPhone nearby to use the app. All you need is a Wi-Fi network you’ve previously connected to or a cellular network when using the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular version.
Make sure to find out about other Apple Watch apps that don’t require an iPhone to use.
If you have an Apple Watch, you’ll need to download the Nike Run Club app to your device to get started. But there’s no need to worry about the step if you have any Apple Watch Nike.
That special version of the Apple Watch features exclusive Nike-themed watch faces and Nike Run Club complications. The app is also pre-installed on the watch. And the Apple Watch Nike version is the same cost as the regular Apple Watch.
So if you’re looking for an Apple Watch and are interested in using the Nike Run Club app, the Apple Watch Nike is a great choice.
Going on a Run With Nike Run Club
Getting started on a run with the Nike Run Club app on your Apple Watch is easy. Open up the app and tap the Start button on the main run screen for a quick start.
Alternatively, you can scroll down and select a run of a custom distance or duration. You can also select a speed run.
Once a run is started, the main screen will show the distance ran, your current heart rate, and pace.
Swipe right to bring up a Controls screen. Select the Pause button whenever you need a quick break. On that screen, you can see more information including distance, average pace, time, calories burned, heart rate, and cadence.
At the very bottom, select the map icon to see where you’re currently located and a map of the area.
On the same Controls screen, press the water drop icon to lock the screen and make sure no water can get inside the Apple Watch. That’s a great feature to use while you’re outside and it is raining or snowing. To unlock the Apple Watch, turn the Digital Crown to eject any water.
With a swipe left, you can bring up music controls. Unfortunately, unlike the iPhone version, the Nike Run Club app doesn’t have direct integration with streaming music services. You’ll need to start your tunes in another app.
At the end of each run, on your watch screen, there is a summary screen with important data from the run. Even if you run without an iPhone, all that data will be available in the main Nike Run Club app on your iPhone to view later.
Before each run, you can swipe left to find the Settings screen. There, you can customize the app with a number of options like auto-pause, a voice-over of your progress, and more.
When not on a run, you can swipe right to the Activity screen and see your run total for the month and distance. You can also view streaks and recent activity. Click on a run to see a map of the route and other stats.
And it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but all of the data from Nike Run Club will also sync with Apple Health so you can better understand your overall health.
Using Guided Runs on Your Apple Watch
One of the best features of the app, Guided Runs, is available directly on the Apple Watch version of Nike Run Club. Swipe right past the main Run screen to see all the content.
On the main page, all the runs are placed into specific categories. You can also scroll down and select View All Runs.
When you find a Guided Run you’re interested in, select it to see a short overview and run details. Select Download to add it to your Apple Watch. When it’s ready to go, just select Start.
The Guided Runs feature a mix of coaches and some running legends to help keep you entertained and push you forward on the run.
Encouragement on Your Run With Cheers and Celebrations
Along with guided runs, the app also has a number of great social features so you can be supported from friends and family. Two of the best social features, Cheers and Celebrations, are available on the Apple Watch.
Cheers are audio encouragements from friends while Celebrations are customized encouragement when you reach a specific goal.
Ready to Go With Nike Run Club on Apple Watch
If you’re a runner, the Nike Run Club app and Apple Watch provide a perfect workout combination.
No matter your running level, the free app can help you understand how you’re doing and even help provide coaching so you can become even better.
