Irony or Inspiration? Kurt Fearnley voices Apple Fitness+ Time to Walk; or Push

Kurt Fearnley is one of Australia’s greatest athletes. He’s competed at five consecutive Paralympic Games and won three Gold Medals. He’s won over 40 marathons. The bloke is an inspiration.

He’s also wheelchair bound. So, him voicing an episode of Apple Fitness+ “Time to Walk” series could be seen an a bit ironic, but for Apple it’s about inclusivity by allowing those in a Wheelchair the switch to a “Time to Walk or Push”.

And outside of that, for anyone – able-bodied or otherwise, it’s inspirational.

Think about what going for a walk is. It’s not always about getting fit. Particularly now as lockdowns restrict the travel for large numbers of Aussies – just getting out for a walk can be the fresh air you need.

In Kurt’s own words “When I go out and take a push, it’s like going for a walk. You know, I’m in my day chair right now. The day chair is a separate wheelchair. It’s the thing that you think of as your walking legs. And for somebody that’s never been in a chair, it’s just a stroll. It’s out here to enjoy the environment, to look around and just have a moment to yourself. “

Timed perfectly ahead of the start of the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Kurt’s episode is part of a series featuring world-class Athletes.

Jay Blahnik, Apple’s senior director of Fitness Technologies says “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. 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.”

Apple is renowned for their accessibility features. iPhone features for the visually impaired, and Fitness Goals on the Activity app on the Apple Watch designed with Wheelchair users in mind. No Stand goal, but a roll goal. The sensors in Apple Watch work just as well for those in a wheelchair to keep you moving!

Might take a walk later myself, with Kurt Fearnley in my ears – what an inspiration.