Apple's Fitness+ Service: I Didn't Intend for It to Require Specific Objectives
As Fitness+ debuted, we were rather impressed, but the platform wasn't without its flaws. One glaring issue was the lack of specific workout filters, leaving us yearning for a more goal-oriented or intensity-based browsing option. Fast forward to today, and opening the Fitness+ app revealed an exciting surprise.
Greeting me at the top was a video message from HIIT trainer Kim Ngo, announcing new "goal-setting workouts" and a Limited Edition Award. This swift turnaround from Apple was impressive, as the platform continues to evolve, adapting to user feedback. In Kim's video, she revealed two goal-oriented workouts that had recently been added, hinting at ways to improve fitness through the New Year.
However, I was a bit taken aback when I began the workouts. The informative language and encouragement from the trainers felt as if Apple was delivering on a different interpretation of "goal-setting" - rather than structured programs for specific fitness objectives, the focus shifted to motivational speeches and self-assessment.
In comparison to other popular fitness apps, such as Couch to 5K, Fitness+ lacks goal-oriented programs aiming to help users achieve specific fitness milestones. A great example of a goal-focused fitness app is Aaptiv. In Aaptiv, users can choose from curated programs like 'muscle gainz' or 'perfecting your push-up.'
While Fitness+ still holds its appeal, its emphasis on tethering users to Apple's ecosystem is palpable. As the article suggests, the Fitness+ platform is an extension of Apple's marketing strategy, integrating its services and products seamlessly.
Unfortunately, this integration comes with some limitations. For instance, users have faced issues with AirPlay 2, not being able to beam workouts to a bigger screen, which was never intended for such functionality. The platform's failure to stand alone, or integrate easily with other ecosystems, left me yearning for additional features like more goal-oriented programs, varied equipment options, a focus on intensity and difficulty, and the ability to stream a workout on an Apple-free TV.
References:
- Good Housekeeping. 2019. The 14-Day Smart Fitness Challenge. [online] Available at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/fitness/a23867639/best-smart-fitness-programs/ [Accessed 10 February 2023].
- Apple. 2022. Apple Fitness+. [online] Available at: https://www.apple.com/au/apple-fitness/ [Accessed 10 February 2023].
- Mayo Clinic. 2021. Exercise & Fitness: Healthy Tips for Getting Fit. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20045297 [Accessed 10 February 2023].
- The future of Fitness+ looks promising with its focus on technology, as it continuously updates and adds features based on user feedback, such as the introduction of goal-setting workouts.
- After receiving a notification about Kim's new goal-setting workouts, I decided to dive into creating playlists tailored to my fitness goals, hoping to see improvement in my fitness journey.
- Despite the limitations of AirPlay 2, I'm still optimistic about the tech features of Fitness+, and I'm keen to explore the possibilities of incorporating technology into my fitness routine, like using smart equipment or tracking my progress with fitness apps.
- As I delve deeper into the tech-driven world of fitness, I've noticed a growing trend towards the fusion of tech and fitness, with harsh critics advocating for a more holistic approach to fitness, incorporating both technology and human-led instruction to create an optimal fitness experience.
