BusinessDay: Why the Apple Watch Series 9 is the watch for fitness enthusiasts (Product review)

The device is lightweight and comfortable, with a screen that is bright enough to see even in the sun.

By Johan Steyn, 10 October 2024

Published by BusinessDay: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/life/2024-10-10-why-the-apple-watch-series-9-is-the-watch-for-fitness-enthusiasts/

After using the Apple Watch Series 9 for a few weeks, I can confidently say that it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about their fitness and overall wellbeing. As someone who enjoys staying active, I’ve tested plenty of fitness trackers and smartwatches, but the Series 9 is on a different level. It’s not just a watch; it’s like having a personal coach on your wrist, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to make everything more tailored and accurate.

From the moment I put it on, I could feel the quality and sleekness of the design. It’s lightweight and comfortable, and the screen is bright enough to see even when I’m outdoors running under the sun. The display is crisp and clear, which makes checking my stats, reading notifications or using apps a breeze. What really impressed me, though, is how much this watch learns about you through its AI features.

As a fitness enthusiast, tracking my heart rate is essential, and the Apple Watch Series 9 does this perfectly. Whether I’m out for a run, doing some yoga or hitting the gym for an intense workout, the watch keeps an eye on my heart rate and provides real-time feedback. Thanks to its AI-driven insights, the watch doesn’t just show me my stats — it helps me understand them. It alerts me when I’m pushing too hard or not hard enough, and over time it learns from my patterns to give me even more accurate recommendations.

One feature that stood out to me was the personalised fitness suggestions. Based on my activity levels and habits, the watch nudges me to move more, stretch or get in an extra workout when needed. These are not random notifications; the watch seems genuinely invested in helping me reach my fitness goals. It’s like having a coach, only without the guilt trips.

Sleep is also an important part of fitness, and the Apple Watch Series 9 tracks that too. It gives me detailed insights into my sleep patterns, including how much deep sleep I’m getting. I’ve never really paid attention to my sleep before, but with this watch, I’m more aware of how much rest I’m getting and how it affects my energy levels during the day. And, again, it’s all driven by AI, making the suggestions and feedback feel personal and tailored to my needs.

The best part? The watch’s seamless integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem. I use my iPhone daily, and syncing everything from notifications to health stats happens without me even thinking about it. Whether it’s fitness data, reminders or music, everything works effortlessly together, which makes the watch a natural part of my day.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is more than just a fitness tracker. It’s a device powered by AI that grows with you, helping you make better decisions about your health and fitness. Whether you’re a casual walker or someone training for a marathon, this watch offers the tools you need to stay on top of your game. For anyone who’s serious about fitness and wants a companion that’s as invested in their progress as they are, the Apple Watch Series 9 is simply amazing.