Gentler Streak, the acclaimed health and fitness application for Apple devices, has unveiled version 5.5, introducing two significant features: integration of daily step counts and synchronization of the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) from Apple’s Workouts app. These enhancements aim to provide users with a more comprehensive and personalized fitness tracking experience.
Incorporating Daily Step Counts
A highly anticipated addition, Gentler Streak now retrieves daily step data from Apple Health, incorporating this information into the user’s Activity Path. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions or those whose routines involve substantial unrecorded walking. By acknowledging everyday movements, the app offers a more accurate reflection of a user’s physical activity.
Katarina Lotrič, CEO and co-founder of Gentler Streak, emphasized the thoughtful integration of this feature:
> Step count can easily turn into just another metric to chase – and that’s exactly the kind of pressure we’re working to avoid. To integrate steps in a way that truly fits Gentler Streak, we had to rethink both how they influence guidance and how they’re visualized. A ring might’ve seemed like a natural UI choice, but rings tend to create a subconscious need to complete them, which clashes with our core principle: adapting to where the user is, not the other way around. This solution is meant to reflect what is – not to drive behaviour, but to support better understanding of it.
The step count feature includes:
– A subtle visual representation of daily steps.
– Detailed metrics such as current step count, total distance, duration, flights climbed, and walking heart rate.
– A progress chart comparing daily steps to typical activity levels or personal averages.
– A calendar function allowing users to review step data from the past two weeks.
– A 14-day overview of steps, distance, and flights climbed.
– Insights related to walking patterns and trends.
Synchronizing RPE from Apple’s Workouts App
The update also introduces automatic synchronization of the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) from Apple’s Workouts app. Previously, RPE data logged within Gentler Streak was the only input considered. Now, users who rate their effort after activities in Apple’s Workouts app will see this data integrated into their Activity Path within Gentler Streak, enhancing the accuracy of fitness guidance.
For those unfamiliar with RPE, Gentler Streak recommends consulting the Gentler Streak 101 guide available within the app to effectively utilize this metric.
Additional Enhancements in Recent Updates
Beyond the features introduced in version 5.5, Gentler Streak has consistently evolved to meet user needs. Previous updates have brought:
– Workout Summaries Feature: Allowing users to personalize workout logs with custom titles and photos, transforming the app into a comprehensive workout journal. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2024/09/02/gentler-streak-update-turns-the-app-into-a-workout-journal/?utm_source=openai))
– Sleep Analysis and Insights: Providing detailed sleep quality assessments, including duration, restorative sleep, and sleep stages, to help users improve their sleep hygiene. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/my-favorite-apple-watch-app-for-fitness-tracking-just-got-a-big-upgrade-heres-whats-new?utm_source=openai))
– Home Screen Widgets: Introducing widgets that display health metrics such as heart rate, temperature, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation directly on the Home Screen for quick access. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/14/gentler-streak-new-widgets/?utm_source=openai))
– Expanded Workout Tracking: Adding support for 15 new workout types, including trail running, snowshoeing, and pole dancing, bringing the total to 124 different exercise types. ([bgr.com](https://bgr.com/tech/gentler-streak-for-apple-watch-now-tracks-15-new-workouts-with-major-update/?utm_source=openai))
– iPad Support and Redesigned Apple Watch Interface: Launching an iPad version of the app and updating the Apple Watch interface to align with watchOS 10 guidelines, enhancing user experience across devices. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2023/09/18/gentler-streak-ipad-support/?utm_source=openai))
– Improved Health Metrics and Activity Recap: Offering 7-day and 14-day charts for health metrics, enhanced Heart Rate Variability calculations, and an annual Activity Recap to review yearly achievements. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/23/gentler-streak-health-metrics-recap-2024/?utm_source=openai))
Availability
Gentler Streak version 5.5 is now available for download on the App Store. While the app is free, certain advanced features require a subscription or a lifetime license. The app is optimized for use with an Apple Watch, ensuring seamless integration and accurate data collection.
