Apple’s New Fitness+ Offers On-Demand Video Workouts

Apple is introducing a new exercise solution called Fitness+ that was developed around the Apple Watch and offers on-demand, studio-style workouts.

“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, whether you’re very active or just getting started,” Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of fitness technologies, said in a company blog post on Tuesday (Dec. 8). 

Blahnik added that the new feature combines “the metrics from Apple Watch, great music, and a diverse and inspiring trainer team” for a workout that can be used on all Apple devices.

Apple Fitness+ is being introduced with 10 workout modalities: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength, yoga, dance, core, cycling, treadmill, rowing and mindful cooldown. The fitness classes will be led by a team of trainers and powered by music to keep users inspired and energized.

Apple Fitness+ integrates users’ Apple Watch metrics and displays them on the screen during targeted workout intervals. For example, the heart rate metric is highlighted when the trainer instructs people to check their heart rates. A countdown timer begins when the workout gets tough as a way to help users power through. A celebration animates across the workout screen when a user completes a session.

HIIT, treadmill, cycling and rowing workouts include an elective Burn Bar that shows a user’s real-time effort compared to others who completed the same routine.

At the start of 2020, Apple partnered with gyms to launch Apple Watch Connected, which gave people the ability to view classes, monitor their fitness and log in at the facility. Users are also offered rewards and can use Apple Pay to buy merchandise and snacks.

A September Apple event introduced several new watches and services that can be used across a number of devices. Two watch models — the SE and the Series 6 — can be used independently from the iPhone.