Samsung offers a lot of tools, many of which you probably just ignore. Health is one of the tools you should probably take a closer look at because it’s actually really useful.
Samsung Health (originally S Health) is a free mobile application developed by Samsung that serves to track various aspects of daily life contributing to health and wellness.
I can say that, personally, this is significantly useful for my health and well-being since it is more than just a glorified step or calorie tracker. It can track your weight, calorie intake, calorie burn, steps, runs, heart rate, stress levels, caffeine intake, blood pressure, sleep, blood glucose, bike rides, hikes, and a lot more.
The intuitive charts, helpful tips and physical exercise programs will guide you to achieve your fitness and diet goals. You may also manage your fitness activities, track your weight and monitor your diet using Samsung Galaxy and Watch devices.
In this article, I will be discussing how this mobile application helped me monitor my health status anywhere and anytime.
The Samsung Health Main Page
Samsung Health’s main page is where you’ll start with the app, as well as where you’ll likely spend most of your time. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
It generally looks like this:
The first category on the top shows the Step Tracker.
As for my tracker, it says I’ve done 7,209 steps on May 11 exceeding my 6,000 step target (which is customizable). Honestly, the number of steps I’ve been performing these days were much lower than before due to the quarantine period, but usually, during working days, my step tracker exceeds 10,000 often times. For me, I can say, it’s quite high because I commute for an hour going to work while using the public transport.
It can be tracked daily, weekly or monthly showing the average number of steps, average distance, calories burned as well as steps at a healthy pace.
The second category shows the Active Time.
By pressing it, the screen below will appear showing the average time of activity for the whole day. Aside from that, it will show the amount of calories burned and distance covered by the activities performed – in my case, walking and running.
The third category shows different Exercises.
And this, my dear friends, is what I use for my daily morning workout, specifically the Running exercise.
But if you’re not a fan of running or jogging, there are some other exercises you may prefer such as walking, cycling, aerobics, hiking and swimming. Likewise, other activities which are usually performed inside the gym or fitness centers are available too, such as treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical trainer, weight machines and circuit training.
The sequence on how these exercises appear on your homepage can be customized according to your preference. You may also add more workouts using the button on the right side bottom.
As an example, and please don’t judge! 🙂 … (as I’ve told you, I haven’t been very active since the start of the quarantine period) … here are some of the workouts I did for the last 30 days.
As you can see, there’s only running and walking, which is auto-detected by my smart band (will discuss more about it later). Both comes with specific details such as the duration of exercise, amount of calories burned and distance traveled.
Isn’t it wonderful yet?!
Following this category are the Food, and then Sleep categories.
Unfortunately, I’ve got nothing to share about my Food intake. But in this, you will be tracking your meals from breakfast, lunch to dinner a well as the morning afternoon and evening snacks.
While for Sleep, these are the data I have.
Sleeping for at least 8 hours every day is very important to me, may it be during weekdays or the weekends. And I can proudly say that, I follow this ritual religiously and meticulously, even during this quarantine period when I’m just working from home.
As shown below, I always go to bed around 10:30 at night (right after I finish one or two Netflix episodes) and wake up after 6:30 in the morning, this is so that I can do my daily morning run.
Also, my sleep wake cycle is being accurately tracked by my smart band. It starts monitoring my sleep whenever there is a sudden reduction on movements.
Following is the Weight category.
These are my “unofficial” height and weight. I call it unofficial because I’m not sure about what my accurate weight is as of the moment. I must gain some weight due to this lazy quarantine period. But hopefully, my BMI will still be in the normal range.
This app will help you track your weight gains and losses, just you will need to input the information manually. It’s up to your preference! You may update it weekly, monthly or quarterly.
Next, is the Heart Rate category.
There are two ways I can measure my heart rate in order for it to appear in this application. I can either use my smart band or use the Samsung Heart Rate Sensor located at the back of my phone.[mfn] https://www.samsung.com/us/heartratesensor/ [/mfn]
Caution! Do not look directly at the heart rate sensor’s lights. Doing so may impair your vision.
Then, there is the Stress category.
Similar to the Heart Rate, Stress monitor also uses the Samsung Heart Rate Sensor where you will also put your finger, preferably the pointer finger, on the sensor making sure that your finger is at the center of the sensor.
While measuring it, breathe, be calm, don’t press the sensor too hard and remain still and quiet.[mfn] https://www.samsung.com/us/heartratesensor/ [/mfn]
Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and drugs can affect stress measurement. Maybe I’ve had too much coffee that’s why mine is showing “high”.
Deep breathing can help reduce stress. To calm your mind and body, try to exhale for as long or longer than you inhale.
Lastly, are the Water, Caffeine, and Blood Pressure categories.
These are used to track your water and caffeine intake which you have to record manually. Likewise, you will have to update your blood pressure by entering your blood pressure values (systolic and diastolic), pulse rate as well as medications if taking any.
Navigating throughout the app, you will be able to find Weekly Summaries of your activities as shown below.
This is very helpful as you don’t need to accomplish a manual log book just to make sure you are following your health regimen. Instead, you will monitor it accurately, digitally making use of the cutting-edge technology.
Going back to exercises, and as what I’ve said earlier, I love to jog every morning. I have to do it too (nowadays) because our gym was closed since the quarantine have started.
Through the Samsung Health App, I’m able to use the “running” tracker by selecting it on the “Exercise” category.
The Running exercise has been categrized according to your target or preference as follows:
Pace Target
– Light Walking Coach (Burn Fat – 30 mins)
– Brisk Walking Coach (Burn Fat – 50 mins)
– Light Jogging Coach (Cardio – 30 mins)
– Light Running Coach (Cardio – 30 mins) **what I usually use**
– Power Walking Coach (Burn Fat – 40 mins)
– Calorie Burning Coach (Burn Fat – 60 mins)
– Endurance Jogging Coach (Cardio – 50 mins)
– Endurance Running Coach (Cardio – 60 mins)
– Speed Increasing Coach (Cardio – 40 mins)
– Speed Endurance Coach (Cardio – 70 mins)
Distance Target
Duration Target
burned Calorie Target
Basic Workout
8 Health Benefits of A Daily 30-Minute Exercise
Major Health And Fitness Benefits of Strength Training
Exercise During Period: Benefits, Tips and Things to Avoid
I personally love using the Samsung Health app every time I go for my morning run or even for a short jog. It’s like having an awesome companion, since I usually go alone, through the use of Samsung Health Voice Coach which will guide you throughout your workout (once enabled).[mfn]https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/mobile-devices/how-to-install-applications-on-the-galaxy-gear/ [/mfn]
The voice signals you the start and end of the whole workout, even the warm-up and cool down period. It also tells you when to increase your speed so that you will be able to reach a target distance, and it well also tell you to “slow down” or ” run faster” if necessary. This is quite convincing especially when running.[mfn] https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/events/galaxy-virtual-studio/wearables/gear-iconx/fitness-voice-coaching/ [/mfn]
I know that for some, running or jogging is quite a boring exercise as you are just doing the same thing over a period of time. But I assure you, this Voice Coach will encourage you to workout even if you’re already exhausted and short of breath, and most importantly, it will help you finish your goal.
Here are some samples of my “Light Running Coach” data as a result of a short 30-minute run. Cool, isn’t it?!
All the details you need are here – location, weather, date, time, duration, distance and average speed. What more could you ask for? 🙂
The Together Page
If the main page is all about tracking your individual stats, the “Together Page” is all about comparing your steps and whatnot to literally everyone else.
Here, you can compete with your friends and check your ranking once your Samsung account is registered.
If you like the idea of making a game of your steps, then you’ll like this page. It’s really just harmless fun, another way to motivate you to take more steps. You can opt into global challenges and the like to push yourself a little bit more.
Or, like me, you can just check once in a while or ignore this page altogether. 🙂
The Accessories
If you’re in the market for a new wearable, sensor, blood pressure monitor, glucose meter, heart rate sensor, or scale and want to make sure it’s compatible with Health, this is the menu for you.
This takes all the accessories that are compatible with Samsung Health and breaks them down into categories, making it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. It’s definitely not necessary that you run out and get new accessories just because you start using the Health app, but if you need a particular kind of monitor or device anyway, why not get a compatible one?
As for me, and as you can see below, I’m using the Samsung Galaxy Fit Band and I wear it 24/7. I only remove it when I need to charge it. It is a good device too, I can say, aside from being water-proof it is also lightweight and durable.[mfn] https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/wearables/galaxy-fit/ [/mfn]
Through the Samsung Health App, you’ve got lots of things to do. Aside from above mentioned, you may also check daily health news of your preference with customized news feed. Aimed to keep your body strong and healthy with tips offered by health professionals. (Available in some countries only)
In additiona, you may also discover the best health and fitness apps that can connect with Samsung Health. Many health apps including ‘Technogym’ and ‘MyFitnessPal’ can be linked with Samsung Health.
So what are you waiting for? Try this app now! (if you have a Samsung mobile device)
And by the way, just so you know, you don’t need to buy a smart watch, a band or any other accessories to be able to use the main features of the app. The app itself is already utilizable. Trust me. 🙂
Please note that Samsung Health is intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of diseases.
I love the detailed info and the breakdown of how the app is used!
Thank you Zen! Hope it helps to motivate you more on pursuing health and wellness.
Thank you for this informative post! I recently switched to a samsung from an iphone and I was looking for a new health app to keep me on track with my fitness goals. This app is perfect, thank you for sharing so many details with us!
You’re welcome Cynthia! Indeed, Samsung has a lot to offer especially when it comes to physical health. It can help us with lots of things. Hope this post helps you with it. Good luck on your goal of health and wellness!
Nice review! I have been using pedometers everytime i travel. I remember my Japan trip, my pedometer recorded 25,000 steps lol
What?? That’s hilarious Paolo! You should have enjoyed walking..ha ha
During working days, mine will never exceed 20k, it should be around 10k to 14k especially when I run on a treadmill at night.
This is great information. I have an iphone and I know it has similar features but I haven’t really looked at them. You are right that I should be taking advantage of it because it really is an important feature.
Indeed Marie! It would be really helpful especially that we are always using and carrying our phones all the time. Might as well use it to track our health.
this is a great app helping you track your stats and goals. This makes me miss running. I had an injury early this year and covid is very timely as well because it gives way to my recovery… great review, btw!
Thank you littlemissadvencha! Happy to share helpful information on health and wellness especially when it comes to keeping track of our health goals.
What a good way to track your progress.
Indeed Katlyn, hope you would be able to benefit from it too!
This is a great review and I really find that tracking my fitness and health really motivates me!
That’s right Victoria! This app made me feel health motivated too. Hope it does the same to you! Good luck to our road to health and wellness.
wow. this is such a very thorough and detailed post. i love that you chose to use graphics and screenshots to support your post for those of us who don’t know much about samsung.
Thank you Joy Michelle! Showing pictures is such a great way to define this mobile application and to be understood easily. Thank you for taking time to read our post, hope it could help on the attainment of your healh goals.
Ooo this looks really useful, as more people are working out and exercising during lockdown, so will be checking this out
Absolutely! This such a great time to make the most out of this mobile application. Hope it would be useful for you too!
I did not know that samsung had a health app but it really looks lovely.
If my memory serves me right, this application is on default, means it was already installed to your Samsung phone once you buy one. If not, it is downloadable from Play Store.
Wow! I didn’t know Samsung Health App exists! It’s really helpful especially for those health conscious people.
Indeed Emmanuel! It is very beneficial when it comes to monitoring our health on a daily basis.
It really looks like an awesome app but I have an Iphone do you think it would work with it?
Hi Steven, I’m not sure which app is its equivalent with iPhone, but from what I’ve heard, there is one app with the same features. Hope you would be able to find it, I’m really interested to know about it too!
These are some excellent tips for using the app that I can put to great use right away!
Glad to hear that Lavern! Hope you would be able to fully utilize it on keeping track of your health goals.
I didn’t know that it was such a great app. Now that I know, I will surely use it.
Happy to hear that Nilakshi! Hope you would be able to fully utilize it on monitoring your health.
The health apps are amazing. I use google fit for my walks, bike rides and yoga. It has an alarm to warn me that is time for my training. Very usefull
Thank you for sharing your experience Marta! I think you are discussing Galaxy Fit, and yes, this smart watch/band is really useful. It also gives an alarm when it’s to move or be active.
I have this app on my Samsung phone before until it got stolen. I miss using this app.
Oh, that is very unfortunate to hear Magz. It’s still possible to be healthy without this app. You may take down notes about your activities and training schedule instead.
What a colorful and multi-functional app with so many functions! Thanks a lot for the detailed guide and I look forward to try it myself! – Knycx Journeying
Sounds great Kenny! Hope you would be able to benefit from its features too! Good luck, we would love to hear from your experience too!
Honestly, this is my very first time to learn that Samsung Health App. I haven’t heard yet of its benefits. This is such a great post. Thanks for letting me know this app. I should definitely try this app too for better health.
Interesting right? First, I have never thought that I would be able to benefit from such an app. Hence, it has been very beneficial for me on my daily exercises and training. Hope it would be beneficial for you too! Good luck on your road to health and wellness!
I love this! I also have a Samsung phone, but I am using another app. Im gonna give this one a try!
That’s interesting! Hope to know which app you are using right now, would love to try it as well.
I have an iphone and use that app. however this app seems like it does alot. Always good to be in touch with our health.
Absolutely right! It feels great to be able to monitor and keep track of our health.
This Samsung healthy app sounds nice I have this on my Iphone too it’s so important to take care our health.
Nice to hear Maysz! Hope you would be able to benefit from this app too.
Uhhh. I read below me that I can get it on my iphone? I’m going to be checking it out soon!!
I’m unaware that this feature may be present in iPhone too! Please check and let me know if it’s good too!
Wow very helpful information, i’m downloading the app now!
Sounds great Vanessa! Good luck to your road to health and wellness.