Apple Fitness+: Walking Workouts, Benefits, and How to Access Them

Does Apple Fitness Plus Have Walking Workouts?

Yes, Apple Fitness Plus does offer dedicated walking workouts, primarily through its popular "Time to Walk" series, alongside other related options like treadmill workouts that can be adapted for walking.

The Underrated Power of Walking as Exercise

Walking is often overlooked in the pursuit of high-intensity fitness, yet it remains one of the most fundamental, accessible, and beneficial forms of physical activity. As a low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, walking contributes significantly to cardiovascular health, bone density, muscular endurance, and mental well-being. Its simplicity belies its profound impact on overall health, making it an ideal entry point for beginners and a vital component of a balanced fitness regimen for all levels.

Apple Fitness+ and its Walking Offerings

Apple Fitness+ has embraced the power of walking by integrating several features designed to encourage and guide users through effective walking workouts.

Time to Walk

The flagship walking offering on Apple Fitness+ is the "Time to Walk" series. This unique feature is an immersive audio experience designed to accompany users during outdoor walks.

• Inspirational Narratives: Each episode features influential and interesting personalities from various fields who share personal stories, photos from their lives, and motivating insights. These narratives are designed to make your walk more engaging and reflective.
• Curated Music: Alongside the stories, each episode includes a short playlist of music chosen by the guest, often reflecting their personal taste or the mood of their story.
• Interactive Elements: While primarily audio-based, "Time to Walk" also includes photos that appear on your Apple Watch, enhancing the storytelling.
• Focus on the Journey: The episodes are typically 25-40 minutes long, providing ample time for a substantial walk while being entertained and inspired.
• Apple Watch Integration: "Time to Walk" workouts are initiated and tracked directly through your Apple Watch, seamlessly integrating your movement data.

Treadmill Workouts

For those who prefer indoor walking or live in areas with inclement weather, Apple Fitness+ also offers a wide array of Treadmill workouts. While many of these are designed for running, numerous episodes feature trainers who provide modifications and cues for walkers.

• Structured Sessions: These workouts include guided warm-ups, main sets with varied inclines and speeds, and cool-downs, all led by motivating trainers.
• Adaptable for Walking: Trainers frequently offer options for power walking or brisk walking, making them accessible to individuals who prefer not to run.
• Metrics on Screen: When paired with an Apple Watch, your real-time metrics (heart rate, distance, pace, calories burned) are displayed on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV screen, providing immediate feedback.

Mindful Cooldowns

While not walking workouts themselves, the Mindful Cooldowns available on Apple Fitness+ can be an excellent complement to any walking session. These short, guided stretches and mindfulness exercises help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and promote mental relaxation after physical activity.

The Benefits of Walking Workouts with Fitness+

Integrating walking workouts, especially those offered by Apple Fitness+, into your routine yields numerous physiological and psychological advantages.

• Cardiovascular Health: Regular brisk walking strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fitness+ helps maintain consistency.
• Joint Health and Mobility: As a low-impact exercise, walking is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, including those with joint concerns. It promotes joint lubrication and can help manage conditions like arthritis.
• Weight Management: Walking burns calories, boosts metabolism, and can contribute significantly to weight loss or maintenance when combined with a balanced diet. The structured nature of Fitness+ workouts aids in calorie expenditure.
• Mental Well-being: Physical activity, particularly walking outdoors, is a powerful stress reliever. It can improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance cognitive function. The "Time to Walk" series specifically leverages storytelling for mental engagement.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Walking requires no special equipment beyond comfortable shoes. Apple Fitness+ further enhances this by providing expert guidance directly to your devices, making structured workouts available anytime, anywhere.
• Enhanced Motivation: The engaging content of "Time to Walk" and the energetic trainers in treadmill workouts can provide the necessary motivation to stick with your fitness goals.

How to Access Walking Workouts on Apple Fitness+

Accessing walking workouts on Apple Fitness+ is straightforward, leveraging the seamless integration across Apple devices.

1. Open the Fitness App: Launch the Fitness app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Ensure your Apple Watch is paired and connected.
2. Navigate to Fitness+: Within the Fitness app, tap on the "Fitness+" tab.
3. Find "Time to Walk": Scroll down or use the categories at the top to find the "Time to Walk" section. You'll see a collection of available episodes.
4. Select an Episode: Tap on an episode to view details about the guest, duration, and a brief synopsis.
5. Download and Start: You can download episodes to your Apple Watch for offline listening or stream them directly. Once selected, tap "Let's Go" to begin your walk. The workout will automatically start tracking on your Apple Watch.
6. For Treadmill Workouts: Instead of "Time to Walk," navigate to the "Treadmill" workout category. Browse the available workouts and choose one that suits your desired intensity and duration, remembering to adjust your pace for walking.

Integrating Walking into Your Fitness Routine

To maximize the benefits of walking workouts, consider these expert tips:

• Consistency is Key: Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking most days of the week. Apple Fitness+ can help you maintain this rhythm with its varied content.
• Vary Your Terrain and Pace: Incorporate hills or varied terrain when walking outdoors to challenge different muscle groups and elevate your heart rate. On a treadmill, experiment with incline.
• Listen to Your Body: While walking is low-impact, ensure you're wearing supportive footwear and listening to your body to prevent overuse injuries.
• Set Goals: Whether it's a daily step count, a specific distance, or completing all "Time to Walk" episodes, setting achievable goals can boost motivation.
• Combine with Other Activities: Supplement your walking with strength training and flexibility exercises for a well-rounded fitness program.

Conclusion

Apple Fitness+ unequivocally supports walking as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Through its innovative "Time to Walk" series, adaptable treadmill workouts, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, it provides engaging, guided, and accessible options for individuals to harness the profound benefits of walking. Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, Apple Fitness+ offers compelling resources to keep you moving forward.