PCMag UK News & Analysis
Apple Launches 'Apple Watch Connected' Gym Program
Four gym chains have joined the program so far meaning they'll offer an app, accept Apple Pay, and offer rewards specifically for Apple Watch users.
By Matthew Humphries
Apple has come up with a new way to encourage more people to choose an Apple Watch over other smartwatches, and it involves getting us to gyms signed up to a new "Apple Watch Connected" program.
As CNBC reports, the new program requires gyms to sign-up for a partnership with Apple. In return for being classed as Apple Watch Connected, the gyms need to tick a few requirements boxes.
There's three key requirements. The first is that each gym must have an app for iPhone and Apple Watch allowing fitness to be tracked, but also providing information about the gym in terms of the classes available as well as an easy way to "log-in at the gym." The second is Apple Pay, which must be accepted for all purchases within the gym, including refreshments. The third and final requirement is a rewards system for Apple Watch owners, which can take many different forms but must reward a customer for hitting specific goals.
So far, four gym chains have signed up. They are Basecamp Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Orange Theory, and YMCA. If you're wondering why these gyms are willing to meet the requirements, which ultimately can't be done without spending some cash, it's mainly due to retention. One of the major problems gyms face is enticing customers to keep coming back. This Apple Watch-focused program definitely encourages repeat visits and the fitness tracking combined with goal-related rewards should act as a big deterrent to skipping a gym session.
Depending on which gym you visit, there's a fourth optional requirement that can be offered as part of the Apple Watch Connected program. It's the ability to install fitness machines capable of automatically syncing your workouts with your Apple Watch and offering more detailed information per activity.
The rewards can also differ, with Crunch Fitness offering weekly credit in return for hitting specific goals. YMCA is offering free classes for kids, Orange Theory will give you Apple and Nike gift cards, and Basecamp Fitness is offering an Apple Watch Series 5 GPS in return for attending three classes a week for a year.
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About Matthew Humphries
Matthew is PCMag's UK-based editor and news reporter. Prior to joining the team, he spent 14 years writing and editing content on our sister site Geek.com and has covered most areas of technology, but is especially passionate about games tech. Alongside PCMag, he's a freelance video game designer. Matthew holds a BSc degree in Computer Science from Birmingham University and a Masters in Computer Games Development from Abertay University.
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