Ever wanted to be rewarded for going to the gym? Apple's new Apple Watch Connected program, announced today, aims to allow Apple Watch wearers to log their workouts and earn rewards for attending certain fitness facilities.

As its name suggests, the Apple Watch Connected initiative is built around the Apple Watch. The company's latest fitness endeavor integrates the wearable with gyms to improve fitness tracking and provide goal-based rewards. When visiting a participating gym, the Apple Watch should work seamlessly with GymKit-enabled exercise equipment.

Currently, four major U.S. gym chains are participating, and more are expected to join the program in the future. In order for gyms to become Apple Watch Connected certified, they must meet certain criteria, but there is no cost.

If you use your Apple Watch for fitness, you may want to consider joining an Apple Watch Connected gym if one is nearby. The more you know about the program, the more benefits you'll receive for your sweat. [4 gyms that offer the Apple Watch Connected experience are Basecamp, Crunch Fitness, Orange Theory, and YMCA; starting January 23, select locations will offer benefits for Apple Watch-owning members.

Benefits include discounts on memberships when workout goals are met and the ability to book classes directly from the Apple Watch.

Apple has set specific guidelines for fitness facilities to qualify for Apple Watch Connected.

First and foremost, gyms must have both iPhone and Apple Watch apps. In addition, gyms must be Apple Pay compatible, allowing members to purchase water, clothing, and other items using their wrists. The goal here is to give gym-goers the option to ditch their phones while working out.

Each gym must offer a "Earn with Apple Watch" promotion. That is, members who wear an Apple Watch receive tangible rewards for meeting their exercise goals; Crunch offers weekly credits, Orange Theory offers Apple and Nike gift cards, Basecamp Fitness offers three weekly workout classes for a year and receive a discount on the price of an Apple Watch Series 5 GPS model.

An optional benefit that Apple Watch Connected gyms can offer is GymKit support. GymKit machines, such as stair climbers and ellipticals, can sync workouts to the Apple Watch. This should provide more accurate fitness data when using fixed equipment.

Plus: Be sure to check out our Apple Watch Guide for additional tips, tricks, and how-tos.