Tech giant Apple is venturing further into the wellness space by launching a new Apple Watch Connected programme, designed to reward gym members for wearing the watch during their exercise sessions.

Launched this month (January 2020), the service will be built around an "Earn with Watch" incentive programme, allowing users to receive rewards by being active.

Apple has initially partnered with four major fitness chains in the US – Orangetheory, Basecamp Fitness, YMCA and Crunch Fitness – with plans to connect with many more.

Gym operators hoping to be part of the programme must offer iPhone and Watch apps which allow the tracking of stats, while also providing class timetables directly through the app.

They must also accept Apple Pay, in order for members to use their Apple Watches to make payments at the club.

Each operator is free to decide the type of reward they want to offer through the “Earn with Watch” programme.

Basecamp is offering users the opportunity to earn back the cost of an Apple Watch Series 5 GPS, while Orangetheory is offering redeemable Apple and Nike gift cards.

Members at Crunch can earn weekly credits (believed to be between US$3 and US$4) if they meet their exercise goals – and the credits will then be applied and deducted from the cost of their monthly membership.

In turn, YMCA has pledged to create a system where people's activities will lead to YMCA donating to "community initiatives."

Speaking to CNBC during a press briefing, Crunch Signature CEO Keith Worts said: "I'm confident this will help member retention and keep members active and engaged."