Skip to main content

You can now work out on your Xbox thanks to Fitbit Coach for Xbox and PC

0117-fitbit-coach-on-xbox
Image used with permission by copyright holder
To turn a chore into a treat, turn it into a game. That’s precisely what Fitbit and Xbox are doing for exercise, hoping to motivate more folks to get in shape by making workouts fun. After all, if the same device you use to play video games can also help to improve your health, you’re likely to spend more (productive) time in front of the big screen.

This week, Fitbit Coach became available in the Microsoft Store, and users can download the app for Windows 10 and Xbox. Once you have the Fitbit Coach app for Xbox, you’ll have access to one personalized program and a selection of audio and video workouts. If you’re interested in paying more for your fitness, the Fitbit Coach Premium subscription will set you back $40 a year, and features more programs, unlimited workouts, and more.

In order to actually make use of Fitbit Coach on your console or computer, you’ll need to have a Microsoft Xbox One (One, One S, One X) or a Windows 10 PC, such as a Surface Laptop or Surface Pro. To improve the experience, Fitbit recommends also donning a smartwatch of some sort. And if it’s a Fitbit device, you’ll be able to see your heart rate in real time on your television screen. “Knowing your heart rate and which heart rate zone you’re in will help you optimize your intensity and help Fitbit better measure your calorie burn,” Fitbit noted on its blog.

With the Fitbit Coach, your personal trainer will live in your television. The app’s video workouts show exercises alongside step-by-step instructions, motivation, and tips. The music that goes along with your workout is customizable and is powered by Feed.fm, which promises a wide range of stations. If you’re a Fitbit wearer, the Coach will recommend workouts based on your daily activity for even further personalization, but even if you’re not wearing a smartwatch, you can take advantage of Coach’s 50-plus expert-designed running and walking audio workouts.

Fitbit Coach is now available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish for fitness no matter where in the world you may be.

Editors' Recommendations

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
You can’t play Baldur’s Gate 3 on Xbox, but you can play these 6 Game Pass RPGs
A player conversation in Baldur's Gate 3.

Baldur's Gate 3 just launched on PC on August 3 and comes to PlayStation 5 shortly on September 6. Unfortunately, an Xbox Series X/S version of the RPG does not have any concrete release date. Developer Larian Studios explained in a community post that this is because it doesn't "want to compromise on quality and feel it would be a shame to downscale to 30 [frames per second, aka fps] or make other compromises to hit an arbitrary date." Still, it's disappointing that Xbox players can't get in on the fun anytime soon. Thankfully, there isn't a shortage of alternatives on Microsoft's gaming platforms.
Xbox Game Pass is home to dozens of RPGs, many of which share the same computer-RPG roots as Baldur's Gate 3. While Xbox players might not be able to enjoy Larian Studios' shockingly thorough and immensely enjoyable Dungeons & Dragons CRPG just yet, they can't go wrong playing these six titles right now. 
Fallout: New Vegas

Where Baldur's Gate 3 may be the pinnacle of fantasy RPG games inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, Fallout: New Vegas is that for postapocalyptic RPGs. This game from Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda Softworks -- both of which are now owned by Microsoft -- first released in 2010. Despite some in-game glitches that still persist, the Xbox 360 version of Fallout: New Vegas on Xbox Game Pass is just as enthralling of a role-playing experience as it was nearly 13 years ago. The Xbox 360 version can even be played at 60 fps on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, thanks to the FPS Boost feature.
Like Baldur's Gate 3, it's a faithful follow-up to some classic CRPGs that give players a massive amount of choice as they complete their adventure however they see fit. You can have endless fun exploring the world and creating experiences that feel personal to you while dealing with its eclectic cast of factions and characters. While it's a bit rough around the edges in certain aspects, New Vegas is still one of the best RPGs ever made. As such, it's worth replaying or trying first the first time if you want to play an RPG, but can't experience Baldur's Gate 3 right now.  
Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Read more
All Xbox home screens are getting a PS5-style makeover starting today
An Xbox home screen shows Starfield.

The Xbox home screen is getting a face-lift. Starting today, Microsoft will begin rolling out a freshly redesigned Xbox home interface across Xbox One, Series S, and Series X consoles.

If you're an Xbox owner, you're probably used to the consoles' current design that features a row of recently used apps at the top of the screen and a list of widgets below. Microsoft says it looked at user data and feedback from the Xbox community to create a redesigned experience that's more focused on discovery.

Read more
5 underrated Xbox Game Pass games you should play while you still can
Mimi paddles down a river in a kayak in Dordogne.

Whenever new titles get added to Xbox Game Pass, only a handful of games make a splash. Day one releases like Starfield are always guaranteed to get subscribers logging in, but smaller titles tend to fly under the radar. That's especially the case when it comes to indies that aren't considered "game of the year" material, but probably should be. There's a wealth of inventive, groundbreaking titles at your fingertips -- though sometimes they can disappear from the service before you even realize they were there at all.

If you need help finding something new to dig into, I've got some recommendations. The service is loaded with indie standouts that you may have skimmed over while scrolling through your library. Next time you need something new to play, consider checking one of these games out.
Dordogne

Read more