In its now annual update, Apple Fitness+ has announced a series of additions to its Artist Spotlight and Time to Walk series, plus a new meditation theme and a core strength workout from golf’s Rose Zhang.
Following its addition in January 2023 of kickboxing and Beyonce’s artist spotlight, Apple is now concentrating on a combination of what it describes as sound meditation, plus workout programs.
“Starting the new year can mean kicking off a fitness and wellbeing journey, restarting after a long break, or looking to take it up a level with a new challenge,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of Fitness Technologies, in a statement. “From sound meditations to help you relax, to building strength for an improved golf swing, or turning up the volume on your workouts, Fitness+ has something for everyone to help them stay active and support their wellbeing in the new year.”
Apple Fitness+ already offers meditation themes, but now it will be adding seven new Sound Meditations. Apple says these will be available in 5-, 10-, and 20-minute episodes, and that new ones will be added weekly
The service is also adding to its more strenuous workouts, with “Strength, Core, and Yoga for Golfers,” which was designed and features professional golfer Rose Zhang alongside trainer Kyle Ardill.
“To play at my best, the training that I do off the course is so important,” said Zhang. “Incorporating strength, core, and mobility workouts helps make sure my body and mind are ready.”
“Whether people are new to the sport or want to advance their skills,” she continued, “I’m excited that the workouts in this program on Fitness+ will help users feel more confident in their swing and have fun on the course.”
The new sound meditations and golfers’ workout will be available from January 8, 2024, as will the next series of Time to Walk. The celebrity-guided walking program adds the Today show’s Al Roker, plus Trixie Mattel, and Common, the rapper most recently seen starring in “Silo.”
For the first time, Apple is also releasing its Time to Walk series a free podcast, so it no longer requires an Apple Fitness+ subscription.
Music and Artist Spotlight
On the same day that the new features are released, Apple Fitness+ will also debut the music of Rihanna, previously never included in any fitness service, for a total of 10 new workouts.
Rihanna’s music is added on January 8, 2024, and it will be followed weekly by workouts with music from Britney Spears, U2, and USHER.