When Fitness + fell a few weeks ago, we were quite impressed by the launch, but the service is not perfect. One of our problems was that you could only filter workouts by music, duration, and coach; those we expected to navigate by target (i.e. run a 5K, go for a pull-up, etc.) or intensity were out of luck. That’s why when I opened the Fitness + app today to examine the new workouts that occur every Monday, I was pleasantly surprised.
A video message from HIIT coach Kim Ngo greeted me at the top of the app with a message description that to read: “Goal Setting Workouts and New Limited Edition Award.” My eyebrows flew into the stratosphere. Viously, obviously, Fitness + is still being built, but it should be register speed for a fitness app that implements initial user feedback. In the video, Kim – who despite her bubbly personality is a cardio killer – pointed to two workouts this week that are part of a “goal-setting series.” Ah, there is one new limited edition challenge for Apple Watch owners on New Year’s Eve (close all three rings for seven days in a row at some point in January.)
They took care of me. I did the two outstanding workouts: a 20 minute strength workout and a 10 minute HIIT workout. I sweated enough. What I didn’t realize is that what Apple meant by “goal setting” was not some kind of fitness program … so much so that the instructors encouraged me to start running my fitness goals. ‘New Year. Because, have you heard it? JoApparently, it’s a new year.
In strength training, coach Gregg talked mostly about how he should do it notice what my weaknesses and strengths were, and that I should focus on which areas I wanted to make stronger next year. Well, yes. But it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to get from pretty obvious advice and intensive talks when I said Fitness + should include goal-oriented programs.
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Other fitness apps often include some programs that allow you to work towards something. In running applications, they are often structured classes like a 5K sofa or improving the pace for a specific distance over 8 to 32 weeks. In Aaptiv, there are themed programs “Achieve stronger,” which is a collection of classes ranging from goals such as “muscle gain,” learn how to use kettlebells or perfect flexion. While Fitness + has a program for absolute beginners that facilitates complete beginners in various types of workouts, that’s all.
This does not mean that Fitness + is bad, but only highlights that this platform is based on the idea of getting more involved in the Apple ecosystem. A dumb part of my lizard brain definitely said, “Ooh! Limited edition logo that finally means nothing? Sign me up! What a good integration! ”Do I feel more encouraged to do Fitness + exercises with every notification I make to my wrist, saying that a friend has just completed a Fitness + workout? Unfortunately, yes. I am a fitness lemming. Taking a look at Apple Music, sometime since the launch, there is now an Apple Fitness + Studio Series, a group of playlists curated by instructors for various genres and types of workouts. If you browse accessories in Apple’s online store, you’ll find them now links to products instructors use in videos, including a $ 120 Manduka yoga mat.
What Apple does with Fitness + is basically take a page out of the Marvel game book and build a universe of interconnections products, services and personalities. It’s no different than what Peloton has done, but it has a lower entry cost, because even if you bought an Apple Watch, an iPad, and an Apple TV, it’s still possible to get it all for a lower price than a Peloton bike. (But unlike Peloton, Fitness + requires at least some hardware: you can subscribe to the Peloton app without reducing cash for a bike.)
Cynically speaking, you could claim that Fitness + is first and foremost an Apple ad and second and foremost a fitness app. This is a bit harsh, considering tHere are some things Fitness + does very well. The service is really thoughtful and inclusive. But much of that thinking is related to its link to Apple’s hardware and services. Just ask the dozens of people who complain in the forums what Fitness + is is not compatible with AirPlay 2 to train with a bigger screen. It is not something that has ever been built to be alone oa play well with other ecosystems. If so, I don’t think I’d be here wanting some missing features, such as more goal-oriented programs, options for assorted equipment, a focus on intensity and difficulty, and the ability to do a workout from the phone to the my Apple– Free TV.