Apple today announced a new gyms initiative that gives people discounts and various other benefits for working out with their Apple Watch.
According toCNBC, the Apple Watch Connected program is launching today in the Basecamp, Crunch Fitness, Orange Theory and YMCA gyms in the United States. Discounts for working out vary from one gym brand to another. As an example,Crunch Fitness members can save$3 to $4 per week on their membership bill if they meet certain workout goals each month. The program should give fitness buffs yet another reason to buy Apple Watches.
If you’re trying to work out, why not get a watch that works seamlessly with the gym you’re joining? And it helps gyms keep customers through rewards-based initiatives. It also adds a streamlined tech layer on top of gyms, which often have various third-party technologies that don’t always talk to the fitness wearables people have.
Four gyms are part of the program with select locations going live today, with the initiative set to expand to additional fitness facilities in the future.
Basecamp will launch Apple Watch Connected to all of its clubs over the next year. YMCA will start with its greater Twin Cities locations this week followed by 22 additional YMCA branches in the coming weeks before expanding further. Crunch Fitness is launching Apple Watch Connected in two Manhattan gyms this week with more coming. Finally, Orange Theory will deploy it in all U.S. facilities in 2020, starting with two Manhattan locations on Thursday.
Apple doesn’t impose a licensing fee for gyms wishing to join the initiative, but some requirements do apply such as having iPhone and Apple Watch apps to track workouts, offering rewards and incentives and accepting Apple Pay. The report mentions the following three tiers that must be supported by a gym that participates in the program:
The report mentions Apple also “encourages” gyms to offer GymKit-compatible equipment for improved Apple Watch syncing. Since announcing GymKit in 2018, the featuresaw limited roll-outso maybe this new initiative from Apple will help accelerate GymKit’s adoption.
If GymKit is available in your local gym, you’ll see “Connect to Apple Watch” branding.
Simply holding your watch within a few centimeters of the contactless reader on the gym equipment, with the display facing the reader, is all it takes to pair your watch to the machine. This lets you sync your data with cardio equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, indoor bikes and more, providing you with more accurate information about your workout than the Apple Watch might be able to get on its own.
For instance, a GymKit stair climber may more accurately calculate floors you’ve climbed because the Apple Watch sensors can only track actual flights of stairs as you change altitude.
Have you ever used GymKit-compatible cardio equipment in your local gym?
If so, what was your experience like? And while we’re at it, what are your feelings on the Apple Watch Connected program?
Share your thoughts and observations in the comments down below!
