Amid Apple‘s new products announcement from the iPhone to Apple Watch, a smaller but no less exciting development is being offered in their Fitness+ app. There is now an option to engage in Group Workouts virtually
Apple’s recent release of their Apple Fitness+ app is perhaps a COVID-19 response. After a year and a half of lockdown and quarantine measures, the way we work and remeasure our lifestyle is at the forefront of people’s minds.
Technology is evolving to cater to these new needs. Whether it is innovating teleconferencing tools, deep-diving into wellness regimes anew, or rethinking the way we travel… modern-day life has irrevocably switched into another gear.
Get fit
Apple’s upgrade to their Fitness+ app now enables users to exercise with up to 32 friends through Facetime. It is the first fitness service built entirely around Apple Watch. This new offering will not go amiss when in hotel quarantine. Hong Kong has one of the longest quarantine periods globally – up to 21 days. Trying to stay active and connected can now be achieved through this feature. The app will be available in 15 new countries later this year, available in English and with subtitles in six languages. However, it won’t be available in Hong Kong as of yet. There is also no launch date to speak of at the time of writing. So fitness enthusiasts in the city would need to hold out for a little longer.
For those who have access, the app incorporates key workout metrics that could be found on the Apple Watch. They can be directed onto the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
SharePlay
An upgrade to the existing Fitness+ app means that it is now possible to train with friends and family. Group Workouts powered by SharePlay will support up to 32 people at a time. “Users will be able to start a Group Workout from a group message thread or FaceTime call on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV with Airplay,” Apple shares in a release. During the Group Workout, users will see their metrics and progress toward closing their Activity rings.
See also: Lockdown diaries – Hong Kong fitfluencers’ favourite at-home workouts
Olympic workout
Guided Meditation led by Mindful Cooldown and Yoga trainers welcomes two new trainers specialising in Meditation. Photo: Apple Inc
Apart from adding guided Meditation and Pilates to their range of workouts (available on September 27), Fitness+ is also introducing a new programme of Olympic proportion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion skier, Ted Ligety, helped design the app’s Workouts to Get Ready for Snow Season. He is set to feature alongside Fitness+ trainer, Anja Garcia, in the programme.
Intuitive workouts for all levels
The initial subscription-based Fitness+ app offers 10 types of workouts across a range of durations. These include High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Strength, Yoga, Dance, Core, Cycling, Treadmill (for running and walking), Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown. A team of specialist trainers offer their routines from beginner to expert levels. These include trainer demonstrations for ease of following the routine.
The Absolute Beginner workouts guide users through the basics. Furthermore, for those not sure what to do on any given day, Fitness+ recommends workouts based on existing preferences. Or, users can try new exercises, discover new trainers or find complementary workouts to their current routine.
The iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max and new iPad Mini are slated for release on September 24, 2021. The Apple Watch Series 7 will launch later this autumn.
See also: 10 at-home workouts for the long run
