Category Archives: fitness

Episode 210, New Apple Watch band, watch face launch; fitness activity award starts; and new program content celebrates Black History Month



In this episode, Apple released a new special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, alongside a new matching watch face and iPhone wallpaper celebrating Black History Month this February. This news and much more Apple program content is new and we will cover it all.

The Unity Mosaic watch face incorporates geometric shapes in green, black, red, and yellow, and the yellow accent can be personalized with other colors.
The Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, watch face, and iPhone wallpaper are inspired by the creative process of mosaic.
Throughout February, Apple Watch users can participate in the Unity Challenge and earn a limited-edition award by closing their Move ring seven days in a row.
Users can enjoy a new episode of Time to Walk featuring “the godmother of soul,” Patti LaBelle, beginning today, Jan 30.

 


Episode 207, Learn to Return: Apple Watch Compass to find your way and using the Backtrack feature to get back



In this episode, we know many people got new Apple Watches over the holidays and we will delve deeper into one of the new Compass Application features which will work in the city or in remote areas.  In Alaska and other remote areas, this feature can be a lifesaver.  In the city, it can be a convenience, so you don’t waste valuable time or having to call for a ride.

Your bearing is shown at the center of the watch face. Rotate the Digital Crown to see your incline, elevation, and coordinates in the inner ring of the compass. Continue scrolling to show the location of waypoints you created.

To add or edit a bearing, select the menu icon List icon then scroll to and select Bearing. Adjust the Bearing by rotating the Digital Crown, then select Done.

You can use the Compass app to track your route and then help you retrace your steps in case you get lost. To use, from the Compass screen, select the Backtrack icon. Select Start to begin recording your route.
The location where you first selected the Backtrack icon appears on the compass. Follow the path back to return to where you first turned on Backtrack.
When you’re finished, select the Backtrack icon again then select Delete Steps.

Episode 206, Apple Fitness+ unveils new offerings; Apple Fitness Activity Award challenge continues



In this episode, we will discuss Apple’s recent announcement that Fitness+ has multiple new offerings for the 2023 along with the opportunity to be working towards earning the “Ring in the New Year” activity badge.

Fitness+ introduces two new Collections this month: 6 Weeks to Restart Your Fitness and Level Up Your Core Training.
Jenn Lau joins the Fitness+ team to lead Strength workouts, and Brian Cochrane joins to lead HIIT. 
Award-winning actor, producer, and activist Jamie Lee Curtis kicks off the fifth season of Time to Walk.
A brand-new Meditation theme, Sleep, joins the Meditation library, and Fitness+ will also add a new program, Introduction to Meditations for Sleep, to help users get started.

Episode 205, Apple ‘Rings in the New Year’ with new fitness award; Apple announces 2023 Major League Soccer Apple TV schedule



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement that you’ll be able to work towards earning the Ring in the New Year activity badge beginning on Sunday, January 1, 2023 and we will follow up on our earlier podcast with Apple announcing the Major League Soccer, or commonly referred to as MLS, Apple TV schedule (https://mlssoccer.com/schedule).  We have got a lot to cover in this New Year’s edition.

Apple Watch users will once again in 2023 be able to complete an Activity Challenge for New Year’s. Those who close all three of their stand/roll, exercise, and move rings for seven days in a row at any point in January will earn a special award in the Fitness app and custom animated stickers that can be used in the Messages and FaceTime apps.
Fans can visit https://apple.co/MySportsMLS on iPhone or iPad to be directed right to the Apple TV app and follow their favorite Major League Soccer clubs, and get alerts before upcoming games.

Episode 202, Apple and Major League Soccer announce MLS Season Pass launching in early 2023



In this podcast Apple and Major League Soccer announced MLS Season Pass will launch February 1, 2023 an unprecedented subscription service to fans in over 100 countries and regions that features every live MLS regular-season match, the entire playoffs, and the Leagues Cup, all with no blackouts.  We will tell you about and how to get the games, prices and all the details.  Happy holidays from the Mac Minutes Podcast.

MLS Soccer will be available to sign up starting Feb 1. To keep up-to-date with the latest information and sign up for updates about MLS Season Pass, go to https://apple.com/apple-tv-app

Episode 201, Winter ‘Slopes’ App offers new features for Apple Watch and Ultra winter ski and snowboarding enthusiasts



In this podcast we will review the winter skiing and snowboarding application ‘Slopes’ and all its new features for Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra owners this season.  We will additionally tell you about a new Action Button feature that has been added to the Apple Watch Ultra for the Slopes application.  Happy Holidays!


Episode 196, Apple Watch Ultra field test proves value of new design, breakthrough features and improved capabilities



Apple Watch Ultra field test of nearly a month proves value of new design, breakthrough features and improved capabilities.  Apple unveiled the revolutionary new design with breakthrough capabilities for the inspired athlete.  The Ultra’s bold design and wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure is truly noteworthy.  Apple marketed the device for those individuals, but the device makes its mark as well for the novice weekend warrior.  I’ll tell you why it’s a good value to the average person.

There are three specialized bands for outdoor adventures, endurance training, and water sports Apple introduced as well.

Apple Watch Ultra features a new depth gauge. It also delivers the data and functionality required by scuba and free divers for descents down to 40 meters.

Episode 192, Apple launches new features in watchOS 9



In this episode, we will discuss the launching Monday, Sept. 12 of watchOS 9 bringing new watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, a redesigned Compass app, and an all-new Medications app.  We will cover all these new features in this show.

watchOS 9 brings new features, enhanced apps, and more personalization to Apple Watch.For triathletes and duathletes, the Workout app now supports a new Multisport workout type that automatically switches between any sequence of swimming, biking, and running workouts.
For triathletes and duathletes, the Workout app now supports a new Multisport workout type that automatically switches between any sequence of swimming, biking, and running workouts.
The completely redesigned Compass app includes Waypoints, a quick and convenient way to mark a point of interest directly in the app.
The new Medications experience on Apple Watch and iPhone helps users manage and track their medications, vitamins, and supplements, plus provides an alert if there are potential critical interactions with medications they have added to the Health app.

Episode 189, KardiaCare now works with Apple Watch EKGs improving heart healthcare



In this episode, we will discuss the announcement this week Kardia has expanded KardiaCare benefits to Apple Watch users. Let’s go to the show and learn more. Now you can sync your Apple Health data with Kardia and get access to exclusive features like cardiologist EKG reviews, summary reports, and more.

Advanced Determinations uses Kardia devices to detect six of the most common arrhythmias with access to our advanced algorithm that analyzes your EKG with their most accurate technology.  More information about Kardia Care is available from Alive-Cor.

Episode 182, Apple unveils watchOS 9 for AppleWatch delivering new ways to stay connected, active, and healthy



In this episode, we will continue our discussion of the events from the Worldwide Developer Conference 2022 (WWDC22) focusing on the features unveiled in watch OS9, the operating system for the AppleWatch. Specifically, we will discuss an enhanced Workout app, swimming enhancements, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.  All this and and much more is available from Apple here.

Introducing more customizable watch faces, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app.
The new Medications experience on Apple Watch and iPhone helps users manage and track their medications, vitamins, and supplements. Custom schedules can be created for each medication, and users can set up reminders to help keep them on track.
For users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, AFib History estimates the time a user’s heart is in AFib and provides useful insights on lifestyle factors that may influence their condition.
watchOS 9 adds even more insights to the Sleep app with sleep stages. Using signals from the accelerometer and heart rate sensor, Apple Watch can detect when users are in REM, Core, or Deep sleep.