Orangetheory Incorporates Apple Watch into Members’ Workouts

For years, Orangetheory Fitness members have requested that their workouts at Orangetheory studios be tracked by their Apple Watches. Now, their wishes have been granted.

Orangetheory has released OTbeat Link, a small, custom-designed device worn on an Apple Watch band that allows members to sync their Apple Watch directly with the in-studio heart rate monitoring system within Orangetheory Fitness studios, Orangetheory Fitness announced on Dec. 9 at one of its locations in New York City.

Not only can members now use their Apple Watch to view metrics in real time during class, but they also can see their Orangetheory Fitness workouts afterward in the Activity app, and Orangetheory Fitness workouts will contribute to closing Apple Watch Activity Rings.

“Apple Watch is designed to help people live a better day by being more active,” Jay Blahnik, senior director of fitness for health technologies at Apple, said in a media release. “With workout tracking, Apple Pay and a new membership program, we are thrilled Orangetheory Fitness is integrating Apple Watch into a comprehensive experience for their customers.”

Orangetheory Fitness also now offers a version of its app for Apple Watch to accompany the OTbeat Link.

With this Apple Watch connectivity, Orangetheory has added a Premier+ membership that includes a bundled offering of the OTbeat Link, tools and incentives for staying active with the OTearn program, which was developed by rewards program company Vitality Group. The Premier+ membership will start in two New York City locations in December and will expand to all locations in 2020.

“Member experience has been at the forefront of all that we do since the brand’s inception,” Dave Long, CEO and co-founder of Orangetheory Fitness, said in the release. “We’re addressing the needs of our members by providing an integration between the workout they do and the technology they use, leading to a seamless fitness experience and healthier life.”

In addition to the Apple Watch news, Orangetheory also has rolled out two apps: OTassist and OTcoach. The OTassist app allows Orangetheory sales associates to navigate class schedules, view member milestones and check in members for an upcoming class. OTcoach helps coaches to lead aspects of the class (such as music and timing) more successfully from Apple Watch. Overall, OTcoach will enable coaches to spend 10 percent more time with members, equating to 7.2 million hours of additional guidance and inspiration across the network of all Orangetheory studios annually, according to Orangetheory.