Apple Fitness+ launches four new multi-week workout programs starting January 5, 2026, targeting users who want to maintain New Year's resolutions beyond the typical January drop-off. The service introduces structured plans including "Make your fitness comeback," a four-week program with Strength, HIIT, and Yoga sessions for returning exercisers, according to TechRepublic.
Apple Watch users show higher exercise consistency according to the Apple Heart and Movement Study, which analyzed data from 100,000 participants over four years. Participants wearing Apple Watch increased average daily exercise minutes in January and maintained levels past "Quitter's Day," the second Friday when many abandon resolutions.
Strava remains a top choice for outdoor athletes, supporting over 30 sports including running, cycling, and winter sports like alpine skiing without requiring a paid subscription. The app uses Apple Watch's onboard GPS for location tracking and syncs workout data automatically, making it ideal for multi-sport logging according to Tom's Guide.
Apple Fitness+ costs $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually in the US, with enhanced features for Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3 users. During workouts, real-time metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and Activity ring progress appear on screen, providing immediate feedback.
The Body Coach app by Joe Wicks focuses on home workouts requiring minimal equipment, typically dumbbells or kettlebells, with many no-equipment options available. It integrates nutrition with hundreds of recipes tailored to various diets and offers structured programs with monthly progress check-ins, according to Tech Times.
Apple Watch mirroring, an accessibility feature in iOS 16+, lets users customize watch faces and access health sensors remotely via iPhone. This functionality helps users track blood oxygen, heart rate, and EKG data without touching the watch, which can interfere with measurements.
Strava partners with Apple on a "Quit Quitting" challenge where Apple Watch users logging 12 workouts during January earn a special badge. Apple Watch users can also earn a "Ring in the New Year" award by closing all three Activity rings for seven consecutive days.
Apple Fitness+ expands music content with Artist Spotlight workouts featuring KAROL G starting January 5 and Bad Bunny timed around the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on February 2. The next season of Time to Walk begins January 19 with episodes featuring Penn Badgley, Mel B, and Michelle Monaghan.
The service offers custom plans allowing users to build schedules based on workout days, preferred activities, durations, trainers, and music. This flexibility complements the structured multi-week programs designed to support consistency early in the year.
Strava's Beacon safety feature allows friends or family to monitor live location during outdoor activities, addressing security concerns for solo athletes. The app integrates seamlessly with Apple Watch, Wear OS, and other fitness trackers for comprehensive performance tracking.
Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399, Apple Watch SE 3 at $249, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $799, according to Apple's 2026 pricing. These devices work with Apple Fitness+, which became accessible to more iPhone users after Apple lifted the Apple Watch requirement in 2022.
The combination of structured programming, real-time metrics, and motivational challenges positions these apps to help users maintain fitness routines throughout 2026. With January representing the peak resolution period, these tools aim to convert short-term motivation into lasting habits.
