Disappointed with Apple Watch for health and heart rate metrics

All of my information is correct and the Apple calculations for exercise zones is correct.( blue, green, yellow, orange, and red) I started all three exercises. The heart rate should be at least in the blue zone to be considered an exercise. I gave an example of my heart rate in the green zone and not recorded as exercise. And, I gave an example of my heart rate below the blue zone that was recorded as exercise.

I do not pause when I cycle. And my recorded heart rate remains elevated after a short start up. Before the examples that I have already given, I noticed that only some of my minutes cycling was recorded as exercise minutes. I did manually lower the limits of the colored exercise zones with the same result.

Basically, when my heart rate is elevated enough to be in an exercise zone, for the time my heart rate is in an exercise zone that time should be recorded as exercise. It is not for outdoor cycling.

Also, if I don’t exercise - my heart rate is near my resting heart rate, that time should not be recorded as exercise.

When I chose outdoor walking as an exercise, sitting for five minutes doing nothing correctly did not record the time as exercise. But, as stated earlier, when I chose ‘other’ as an exercise, doing nothing was recorded as exercise.

I implemented your suggestions. I had the automatic pause turned off the whole time I have been using my watch. (It was already off) Also, I changed my exercise zones manually to be lower. The result of only part of my cycling time being recognized as exercise minutes keeps recurring. Yes, my age may contribute to a slower cycle speed but my heart rate is elevated and remains in my exercise zones for the entire time I am cycling.

it seems that the Apple Watch does not recognize my cycling as exercising ( regardless of my heart rate) if my speed is lower than 7 mph.

I did the following cycle rides:

A) I rode my 50 pound tricycle for 1.15 miles at an average of 6.7 mph. No minute were added to my exercise ring although my heart rate was in my exercise zones. I did this soon after I had taken a walk and my legs were somewhat tired.

B) I rode the same heavy bike over the exact same route at an average 7.3 mph. I rolled through stop signs and did this ride the next day when my legs were not tired. 100% of my time on my bike was added to my exercise ring. My heart rate was lower than it was in A).

ironically, I am using the heavy bike to get more exercise. Exercising on a bike (since it is not weight bearing) has less impact of knees and other joints. The tricycle is safer for neighborhood rides. I am old; I am not obese but cycling may be a good option for older and obese people for their good health. My thought is that the Apple Watch is not the best option for some cyclists. If one is exercising their heart, the exercise should depend on heart rate.

I may ride my high performance road bike ( -18 pounds) over the same distance in the next few days.

Do you know of another watch brand that will better serve me?

I also have a high performance road bike that weighs about 18 pounds and rides.

I always selected a workout routine just before I started my workouts.

Thank you for your input. From discussing my frustration of the Apple Watch not recognizing my exercise minutes on the exercise ring and my testing, I have decided to find another smartwatch that is better suited for me.