Apple Watch Introducing New Tai Chi and Pilates Workout Types in watchOS 8

Apple today announced a few workout-related features coming to watchOS 8 and Apple Fitness+.

watchos 8 fitness
Starting with watchOS 8, users will be able to track Tai Chi and Pilates workout styles on their Apple Watch. Apple said that the new workouts are supported by powerful custom-built heart rate and motion algorithms to provide users with accurate metrics.

Apple Fitness+ is also gaining a few features in watchOS 8, including Picture in Picture support and new filtering options, as well as the ability to stop and resume an in-progress workout on any device.

Coming to Apple Fitness+ later this month, Apple also revealed that there will be a new workout series with trainer Jeanette Jenkins. Additionally, there's also an "artist spotlight" series of workouts that highlight songs from specific artists, like Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, and Keith Urban.

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Unveils First New Products of 2026

Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch. Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
Second Generation AirTag Feature

Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More

Monday January 26, 2026 6:07 am PST by
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com. The new...
iPhone 5s

iPhone 5s Gets New Software Update 13 Years After Launch

Monday January 26, 2026 3:56 pm PST by
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released. iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
M5 MacBook Pro

Apple Reportedly Aiming to Upgrade the MacBook Pro Twice This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 11:46 am PST by
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year. First up...
Apple Logo Spotlight

Apple to Launch These 20+ Products This Year

Sunday January 25, 2026 6:02 pm PST by
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months. Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...

Top Rated Comments

cecil444 Avatar
61 months ago
I'm confused what this means exactly; Pilates and Tai Chi were already available as workouts in watchOS. Though to be honest I've tried these (and several other types) before and they are not at all accurate in their measurements...for example, a Tai Chi workout records burning many more calories than it should for a practice that mainly involves standing in place, breathing normally, and making slow movements. So does this announcement just mean they are going to finally make these workouts measure more accurately? Or are they going to be brought to Fitness+?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Octopuss Avatar
61 months ago
Still no sex workout
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ErikGrim Avatar
61 months ago
Pilates has been on the Watch since forever. I am looking at it right now...?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Franklin Klein Avatar
61 months ago
I got excited for a second...thought Pilates was coming to fitness+ ☹️
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oy1007 Avatar
60 months ago

I'm confused what this means exactly; Pilates and Tai Chi were already available as workouts in watchOS. Though to be honest I've tried these (and several other types) before and they are not at all accurate in their measurements...for example, a Tai Chi workout records burning many more calories than it should for a practice that mainly involves standing in place, breathing normally, and making slow movements. So does this announcement just mean they are going to finally make these workouts measure more accurately? Or are they going to be brought to Fitness+?
They did the same with Dance, Traditional Strength, Core, and Cooldown workouts last year. Undoubtedly they will add these workouts to Fitness+ in the Fall - otherwise, what would the point be? But yes, seems like for now these workouts will now measure more accurately
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
munpip214 Avatar
61 months ago
Wish they would add an outdoor paddling workout so I can track my kayaking
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)