Apple has launched its hotly anticipated Fitness+ exercise service with video sessions for everything from yoga and cycling to mindful cool down and dance.
The service was first announced at the launch of the new Apple Watch Series 6 in September and has been designed around the wearable device.
It ‘dynamically integrates personal metrics’ from Apple Watch to inspire users by animating them on the screen as they move during key moments of a workout.
While the interactive streaming service has been designed around the watch, the firm says the session are also be available for iPad, iPhone and macOS.
The new Apple Fitness+ streaming service costs £9.99 ($9.99) per month and is offering the first month free.
It ‘dynamically integrates personal metrics’ from Apple Watch to inspire users by animating them on the screen as they move during key moments of a workout
While the interactive streaming service has been designed around the watch, the firm says the session are also be available for iPad, iPhone and macOS
The new Fitness+ service is coming in a wave of new online exercise services, sometimes branded the ‘Netflix of gyms’, and existing services increasing in popularity due to coronavirus lockdown measures closing gyms.
Apple says it has no plans to release any specific fitness related hardware such as a exercise bike to compete with the likes of Peleton.
These include Fiit which has a selection of free classes and costs £120 a year for premium access, and Peloton which requires you to buy a custom exercise bike and pay £39 a month for all access membership or £12.99 for limited access.
Initially Fitness+ comes with 10 of the most popular workout types, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cool down.
It also includes an intelligent recommendation engine that considers workouts previously completed in other apps as well as the Apple Watch workout app.
Initially Fitness+ comes with 10 of the most popular workout types, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cool down
It also includes an intelligent recommendation engine that considers workouts previously completed in other apps as well as the Apple Watch workout app
‘Each week, Fitness+ delivers new content across all workout types with a variety of trainers, times, and music,’ Apple said in a statement.
Users will also be able to share their workouts with friends and family and share completed workouts on social media.
‘Being more active is one of the most important things we can do for our health, but we know choosing to work out can often be a challenge,’ said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of Fitness Technologies.
‘We’re excited for Apple Fitness+ to bring together the metrics from Apple Watch, great music, and a diverse and inspiring trainer team.’
Apple says the service is integrated with Apple Music, with workouts fuelled by songs from ‘today’s top artists’ designed to keep users motivated.
While it will work for users of any Apple device, it is best used while wearing the Apple Watch, the firm explained, due to the integration of various health metrics.
For example, when the trainer says to check heart rate, the heart rate metrics are spotlighted; during tough intervals, a countdown timer starts to help users get through to the last second; and when they close their Activity rings, a celebration happens right on the workout screen.
‘For those who enjoy a little competition, HIIT, Treadmill, Cycling, and Rowing workouts have an optional Burn Bar that shows, in real time, how a user’s effort stacks up against anyone who has previously completed the same workout.’
Users will be able to filter their choice of workout by trainer, time it takes to complete, the type of exercise and even the music features in the video.
Users will be able to filter their choice of workout by trainer, time it takes to complete, the type of exercise and even the music features in the video
Apple explained that the aim was to create a flexible system that worked for a ‘diverse range of people’ with differing levels of ability
There will be new content published on a weekly basis across the variety of workout types, including absolute beginner’ workouts for each of HIIT, strength, core and yoga to prepare for future studio workouts.
Apple explained that the aim was to create a flexible system that worked for a ‘diverse range of people’ with differing levels of ability.
‘Fitness+ features a team of celebrated, charismatic, and passionate trainers who are specialists in their fields, working together to create outstanding fitness content for everyone,’ the firm explained in a press release.
‘All workouts include a trainer demonstrating modifications, so users of varying ability levels have someone to follow.’
‘Many Fitness+ workouts require no equipment at all or just a set of dumbbells, and Cycling, Treadmill, and Rowing workouts can be done using equipment from any manufacturer. Most workouts range in increments of 10, 20, 30, and 45 minutes.’
Apple Fitness+ joins Apple’s growing lineup of services including Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, Apple News+ and Apple Music.
