In a press release today, Apple shared fascinating data about how Apple Watch helps users increase their exercise levels in January and maintain them well into the new year.
The data comes from approximately 100,000 participants in the Apple Heart and Movement Study over the last four years.
Apple explains that many people give up their New Year’s fitness resolutions by the second Friday in January — something known as Quitter’s Day. People who wear Apple Watch, however, are far more likely to stick to their goals.
Apple says:
Each year, following a decrease in average exercise minutes during the November and December holiday period, the average daily exercise minutes of Apple Watch users in the study not only rapidly increased in January, but also continued to progress into the spring. During the first two weeks of January, over 60 percent of Apple Watch users increased their daily exercise minutes by over 10 percent from their December average. Notably, many Apple Watch users kept up those exercise levels through Quitter’s Day and into the following months. Nearly 80 percent of those who increased their exercise minutes maintained those increased exercise levels through the second half of January, with 90 percent of that group also maintaining elevated levels through February and March.
Here’s a chart Apple shared showing the trend in average exercise minutes for Apple Watch users over the last four years:
Apple today also highlighted a number of new capabilities coming to Apple Fitness+ this month, including a new series of multi-week programs “designed to help build momentum and stay consistent in the new year.” The news comes after Apple Fitness+ expanded to more than two dozen additional markets last month.
Apple is also holding its annual “Ring in the New Year” challenge for Apple Watch users this month. The challenge will run from January 7 through January 31. You can earn the award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January.
Finally, Strava users with an Apple Watch can join the “Quit Quitting” challenge in the Strava app to help stay motivated throughout the month of January.
How are Apple Watch and Apple Fitness+ helping you with New Year’s fitness resolutions? Let us know down in the comments.
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