Shawn Mendes, Dolly Parton Contribute To Apple Watch’s ‘Time To Walk’
The new audio feature is billed as an aid to walking during lockdown.
Shawn Mendes and Dolly Parton are among the notable names who have contributed spoken-word passages to a new feature on the Apple Watch, ‘Time To Walk’.
The new feature is being billed by Apple as “an inspiring new audio walking experience” which has been “created to encourage users to walk more often and reap the benefits from one of the healthiest activities”.
Fitness+ subscribers can tune in to a series of episodes presented by the likes of Parton and Mendes as they “share thoughtful and meaningful stories, photos, and music” designed to accompany users during their walking work-outs.
Parton’s ‘Time To Walk’ episode sees the country artist reflecting on her career, family and growing up in rural Tennessee.
“I’ve loved walking ever since I was a little girl in the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said in a statement. “I think it’s so important to be able to get out and walk if we can during this time. I do my best thinking when I walk.
“And while many of us feel confined during this time, I’m hopeful that people will take a walk down memory lane with me and we can all feel a little more freedom taking the time to walk together.”
As well as Parton and Mendes, NBA player Draymond Green and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba have also contributed ‘Time To Walk’ episodes. New episodes from a different guest will appear in the Workout app on the Apple Watch each Monday through to the end of April.
“Walking is the most popular physical activity in the world, and one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies. A walk can often be more than just exercise: It can help clear the mind, solve a problem, or welcome a new perspective,” said Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of Fitness Technologies.
“Even throughout this challenging period of time, one activity that has remained available to many is walking. With ‘Time to Walk’, we’re bringing weekly original content to Apple Watch in Fitness+ that includes some of the most diverse, fascinating, and celebrated guests offering inspiration and entertainment to help our users keep moving through the power of walking.”
Listen to the best of Shawn Mendes here.