Apple has introduced a new program called “Apple Watch Connected” that allows users to earn rewards at the gym.
The new program offers rewards for all Apple Watch users at the gym. These vary depending on the activity. This is stated in a new report from CNET:
Apple's latest gym partnership, announced Thursday, aims to more closely link the gym experience and the Apple Watch experience by connecting your watch's activity data to the gym's rewards programs. The "Apple Watch Connected" program is an extension of GymKit technology that connects Apple Watches to fitness equipment, and the first partners -- Orangetheory, Crunch, YMCA (starting with Twin Cities YMCA fitness centers) and boutique Basecamp Fitness -- will offer various types of earned rewards with Apple Watch activities.
Terms and Conditions for Apple Watch Connected
Initially, four large American gym chains will participate in the program. However, not every gym can join "Apple Watch Connected" without any problems. For example, they must have their own app for iPhone and Apple Watch and support Apple Pay. GymKit-enabled equipment is recommended - but this is not a requirement. CNET writes about the rewards:
At a meeting in New York, Jay Blahnik, Apple's senior director of fitness for health, suggested ways the program could work. Your efforts could spark philanthropic donations - the YMCA will use earned credits as a goal to build a children's swim program; gym discounts - Crunch will offer $3 off memberships when Apple Watch owners complete weekly activity challenges; or you could earn an Apple Watch - Basecamp will gift members an Apple Watch Series 5 and allow long-term members to pay it off by reaching fitness goals.
The goal of the new "Apple Watch Connected" program is clear. Apple users should not only be motivated to exercise more, but fitness studios could also use it to increase member loyalty. Whether this will work remains to be seen, of course. (Photo by Fiery Snake / Bigstockphoto)