Apple Fitness Plus is teaming up with Strava to provide a more seamless workout experience. This collaboration introduces a revamped integration between the two platforms, giving you access to more detailed workout summaries, Strava athletes as guest hosts in Fitness Plus sessions, and a complimentary three-month trial for Strava subscribers.
The update is live today, enabling you to view detailed Fitness Plus workout information in the Strava app. This includes episode numbers, music genres, trainers, metrics, and achievements—all presented in an easily accessible format. While it’s largely a design upgrade, it aligns Fitness Plus with other Strava-supported services such as Peloton and Ladder.
Improved tracking and athlete appearances
For Apple Watch users, importing workouts into Strava has been possible for some time. However, the summaries were basic, only showing activity type, calories burned, and heart rate. Now, you can see specifics about classes and instructors, making tracking your progress and planning future workouts easier.
The integration works both ways. Strava US, UK, Canada, and Australia subscribers can now enjoy a free three-month trial of Fitness Plus. You don’t need an Apple Watch to access the trial—only an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV.
Additionally, popular Strava athletes will feature in Fitness Plus workouts. For instance, runner Hellah Sidibe will host a strength session on January 13, while Kayla Jeter will lead a treadmill workout. This marks the first time Fitness Plus has brought in guest hosts from a third-party fitness community, setting a new precedent for collaboration.
A win for fitness enthusiasts and companies
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s vice president of fitness technologies, highlighted the mutual benefits of this partnership. “Strava has made a tremendous impact in the fitness world, especially with its focus on community,” he said. Blahnik views this collaboration as an opportunity to expand Fitness Plus’ reach and appeal to seasoned athletes who are already self-motivated but may use Fitness Plus for cross-training or exploring new activities.
Zipporah Allen, Strava’s chief business officer, echoed this sentiment. She emphasised that Fitness Plus could help athletes diversify their routines, such as incorporating yoga or strength training to avoid injuries while taking up new activities like running.
Both companies hint that this partnership is just the beginning. While details remain under wraps, there are “bold ambitions” for future integrations. Potential enhancements could include instantly joining a workout a friend has completed on Strava.
A timely move for Strava
This partnership is critical for Strava. The company recently upset some users by revising its API terms for third-party apps, causing some to question the value of their subscriptions. Offering a free trial to Apple Fitness Plus may help to rebuild goodwill and retain users.
The collaboration also gives Fitness Plus access to Strava’s loyal and long-term user base. As athletes set their fitness goals for the new year, the partnership offers tools to keep them motivated and engaged.
With this new integration, both platforms are better positioned to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete.
