Apple Fitness+ was launched in the midst of a pandemic, at a time when working out at home wasn’t just new, it was a must.
Now, a year and a half later, I have been able to visit the Santa Monica studios where Apple Fitness + lessons are being created and sent out to the world.
Since I’ve been using Apple Fitness+ since day one, I’m familiar with how it all works. But I was surprised to find out about a neat new feature that I didn’t know about, and now I’m a geek. More on that shortly.
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Our tour began with a warm welcome from all the staff at the Apple Fitness + studios. It sounded like the opening of an Apple Store, as the entire cast, cast, and producers applauded to welcome a small group of invited journalists and YouTubers into the studios.
They showed us how exercise classes are prepared from start to finish.
The studio is one of the most high-tech robotic camera studios in the world, with more than a dozen robotic cameras hanging from the ceiling. They can move around the room to take pictures from any angle. In fact, I was surprised to learn that every fitness class is recorded in the same studio. It is designed so that 100% of the space can be used.
Since I like to finish each workout with a thoughtful cooldown, I was especially curious if the plants behind the fitness trainer were real. It turns out that, in typical Apple fashion, they are all native to Southern California.
One secret: This isn’t the actual sunlight streaming over the plants. They are special lights that mimic the sun so classes can be recorded at any time of the day. It also makes plants grow.
We watched a trainer record a quick introduction to her class, then head upstairs to the control room to see what it looks like from a production standpoint.
I was surprised to learn that the classes are being filmed in real time. There is basically no stopping to take it back. The coaches work with producers to create their own classes and consult with a music specialist to create a playlist to match the mood for the workout.
If you’ve ever done an Apple Fitness+ workout, you know there are always three trainers on display. One leads the exercise. Others make mods for beginners and advanced users.
Instructors mix a great deal of sign language into their classes, too. We learned that every Apple Fitness + trainer attends sign language lessons every Friday.
In real life, coaches are just as lively and energetic as you can imagine. We shared a few laughs about the realistic amount of sweat generated in the studios and asked her if they’ve been tempted to walk home in the cool Nike wardrobe they have access to. (Answer? No).
Speaking of this locker, they took us to the locker rooms where the trainers prepared for each exercise and there was exercise equipment hanging from ceiling to floor, all arranged by size and color. Coaches are free to choose their own clothing for each exercise.
The best part: a huge box of Apple Watch bands in every color and style you can imagine.
The Apple Watch is the star of the show here: Apple Fitness+ requires users to get one, plus a $10 monthly subscription. Classes are really a way to help users finish their loops, which are daily activity.
“We are pleased with the response we are receiving from our customers,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. He also leads the team responsible for the Apple Watch.
“It’s now on a lot of people’s wrists, and we knew from the start that we had an opportunity to help people live a better day,” Williams said.
Classes range from 5 to 45 minutes, and you can take them in any class you can think of: strength, dance, rowing, high-intensity pass, core, Pilates, biking, walking, yoga, and meditation.
My personal favorites are strength, HIIT, core, treadmill, and mindful calm.
One of the new shows that I wasn’t aware of is called Time to Run. These are audio-guided courses that take place in a variety of cities around the world. You run with a coach who coaches you along the way, tells stories about that place, and even sends photos of points of interest to your Apple Watch screen. There is also a walking version. I highly recommend trying them.
The thing you’ll notice about Apple Fitness+ is the quality. It’s a step above most exercise classes, and no pun intended. Compared to Peloton classes, Apple Fitness+ feels more planned and detailed. However, I prefer the Peloton cycling lessons, which makes sense, the company invented the digital type of bike.
“I think one of the things that sets Apple apart in general is the amount of thought and care we give our products,” Williams said.
There is a distinct difference between Apple and Peloton trainers. While Peloton trainers have a specific personality and style, tell stories about their personal lives and even swear, Apple Fitness+ trainers keep it more general, lighter, and brighter.
Another unique aspect of Apple Fitness+ is how the scales from your Apple Watch appear on the screen in real time during your workout. This includes time, distance, calories, and heart rate. This way, you are motivated throughout the entire class and you can even see an animation as you close your loops.
Overall, the Apple Fitness + tour has given me more respect for the thought and care that is included in each class. Inclusion, diversity, and motivation are popular themes across studios and it’s clear that Apple understands the importance of using their products to enhance mental and physical strength as well as keep us connected.
