Apple launches incentives program to reward gym-goers
Apple has today announced that it has launched an Apple Watch Connected initiative that rewards regular gym-goers.
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As reported by CNBC, the incentives will vary across the individual gym chains Apple has partnered with. The goals can be achieved either by working in or outside of the gym.
There are four chains that have joined the program so far including Crunch Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness and YMCA.
“Basecamp will launch Apple Watch Connected to all of its clubs over the next year,” writes CNBC.
“YMCA will start with its greater Twin Cities locations this week followed by 22 additional YMCA branches in the coming weeks before expanding further. Crunch Fitness is launching Apple Watch Connected in two Manhattan gyms this week with more coming. Finally, Orange Theory will deploy it in all U.S. facilities in 2020, starting with two Manhattan locations on Thursday.”
Apple wants to attract as many gyms as possible so there are no fees to join the program. Gyms will need to meet certain requirements, though, such as having apps that track workouts with iPhones and supporting Apple Pay.
And, of course, they’ll need to offer incentives to users. Crunch Fitness is, for example, offering members up to $4 off their weekly membership if they meet certain fitness goals.
Integration should be made easier for gyms that have Apple Gymkit-enabled gear. Launched a couple of years back, GymKit allows users to pair their device directly to treadmills, ellipticals, indoor bikes or stair steppers with a simple tap. This means data such as heart rate, speed, distance, speed and incline will sync, providing more accurate measurements on both ends.
Apple Watch Connected certainly sounds like a worthy program which might give an edge to gyms that are on-board. We can certainly see more demand for facilities that offer Apple Pay and sync with Apple Health better. Not to mention that a few bucks off the weekly gym membership and other discounts for working out could also entice people to join.
“I’m confident this will help member retention and keep members active and engaged,” Crunch Signature CEO Keith Worts said during a press briefing at a Crunch Fitness gym Wednesday.
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