Apple Fitness Plus Partners with Strava for Enhanced Integration and New Workout Features
In an exciting new development for fitness enthusiasts, Apple Fitness Plus and Strava have announced a collaboration designed to offer a more seamless and comprehensive fitness experience. Starting January 3, Apple Fitness Plus workouts will be integrated into the Strava app, making it easier for users to track their workouts and achievements.
This integration provides a richer, more detailed summary of Fitness Plus workouts within the Strava ecosystem. Users will now be able to view important workout details, such as episode numbers, trainer names, music genres, and key fitness metrics like heart rate and calories burned. Additionally, the integration will feature personalized content and special appearances by popular athletes from the Strava community.
The new feature allows Fitness Plus workouts to appear directly in the Strava app, displaying thumbnails and workout details for a more consistent experience alongside other fitness services, including Peloton and Ladder. Previously, Apple Watch users who synced their workouts with Strava had access to only basic information like activity type, calories burned, and heart rate. With this update, they will enjoy a more comprehensive experience, including the specific episode of the workout and the trainer involved.
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Vice President of Fitness Technologies, commented, “This collaboration helps to bring Fitness Plus more in line with other Strava integrations and offer a deeper, more cohesive experience for athletes who want to track every aspect of their fitness journey.”
For Strava users, a significant benefit of this integration is the offer of a free three-month trial to Apple Fitness Plus. Available to all new and existing Strava subscribers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the free trial is accessible even for those who don’t own an Apple Watch. However, an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV is required to access Apple Fitness Plus.
This partnership also brings exciting features beyond technical integration. Strava athletes will make exclusive appearances in Fitness Plus workouts. Hellah Sidibe, a renowned runner known for his seven-year daily run streak, will appear in a strength workout on January 13. Additionally, Kayla Jeter, a popular Strava member, will feature in a treadmill workout.
The collaboration marks a shift in Apple’s approach, as the company has traditionally offered Fitness Plus trials only with the purchase of Apple products. Jay Blahnik shared that Apple has long admired Strava’s impact on the fitness space, especially in terms of fostering a sense of community among athletes.
Zipporah Allen, Strava’s Chief Business Officer, highlighted that this integration is ideal for athletes who want to diversify their fitness routines. She explained, “Maybe they’re taking up running for the first time, and they want to make sure that they don’t get injured, and they need to do the yoga and the strength.”
While this initial collaboration promises improved features and cross-platform access, both Apple and Strava suggest that this is only the beginning of a larger partnership. With bold ambitions for the future, both companies are likely to introduce more features that could include direct access to Fitness Plus classes taken by Strava friends.
This new integration between Apple Fitness Plus and Strava represents a significant step forward in the fitness industry, making it easier for athletes to track and enhance their workouts across both platforms.
