Worldwide, concerns for the population’s health and fitness are rising. Exercise is down and sugar and saturated fat intakes are up. In the US, just one in three children are physically active every day. Further to this, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, with just one in three adults receiving the recommended amount of physically activity each week.
The smartphone effect on the fitness industry
So, what does all of this have to do with smartphones? Well, they are helping to get even the most sedentary of users up on their feet and walking. All iPhones now have built in step counters, enabling many to set themselves the target of walking the recommended 10,000 steps everyday. Dr. Hatano, the inventor of the 10,000 step initiative believes this could help to burn up to 20% of a person’s calorie intake.
With this in mind, starting and maintaining health and fitness routines should be easier than ever. And not only because of step counters but also with the advent of fitness applications. Now, Siri is even offering shortcuts for such apps, joining the thousands that have done so since the dawn of iOS 12.
Utilising powerful on-device intelligence, Siri shortcuts allow users to complete tasks faster across iOS devices. With a simple tap, or spoken request to Siri, you are able to access your favourite app in a flash.
Monitor performance
The shortcuts from Siri are able to offer performance stats in real time, meaning users can quickly receive information relating to steps completed, or calories burned, for example. You can even check distance travelled by simply asking: “Hey Siri, how was my run?”. The likes of the Nike Run Club app is even able to use Siri to deliver proactive suggestions based on such running habits.
Track vitals
Third-party health devices are also using Siri shortcuts for easier data retrieval and control. You can check the blood pressure of family member’s with a quick request, or even manage your glucose levels by asking Siri the current level.