Apple recently announced that its wearable is now the most popular watch in the world and a new feature, that's just arrived in the UK, could boost its appeal even further.

Apple Watch owners who regularly hit the gym can now link their device directly to the equipment they are using.

This not only means every minute of your time on the running machine is instantly tracked and stored on the Watch, but also allows the gym equipment to more accurately monitor your workout.

This is because the moment you tap the Watch on the fitness machine it transfers vital data including weight, height and gender - meaning your predicted calorie burn will be far more precise.

Once the equipment and Apple Watch are paired they will continually communicate to one another, with no need for additional downloads or complicated on-screen navigation.

Another nice feature is heart rate monitoring.

Gym users normally have to physically hold equipment to get a reading but the Apple Watch now beams this vital data directly to the machine via Bluetooth.

With the gym equipment and Apple Watch both working together, users end up with a better idea of how they have actually performed in the gym.

It also means those all important Apple Activity rings can be closed with an indoor workout.

Express.co.uk took a trip to the first UK gym to introduce these connected workout machines and it's hugely impressive.

Virgin Activity has just introduced GymKit-enabled cardio equipment at its Mansion House gym in central London.

Jay Blahnik, Senior Director of Fitness for Health Technologies at Apple, took us through the technology which has been created to make "it simple for Apple Watch users."

"Apple believes in creating devices which enrich people’s lives", says Blahnik.

"GymKit means you get an accurate measurement of your workout and it makes the data from equipment far more precise."

"We've even added the ability to connect when you are half way through your workout so it doesn't matter if you forget when you first start up the machine."

Having put it to the test we can confirm just how good the system is.

As long as your Apple Watch is fully up-to-date, the process is simple and seamless - which is what makes this new technology so impressive.

The Apple Watch even ends the workout the minute the machine is stopped, meaning you never get any inaccuracies and you'll even get the type and make of machine used during the exercise stored in the Activity app.

Sadly, your local gym will have to upgrade their machines before you'll be able to begin syncing your Apple Watch and that could take time.

However, Apple believes within a few years a large proportion of fitness centres could feature GymKit.

"This is a long-term plan and we're working closely with a range of equipment manufacturers," said Blahnik.

"What’s great is that when clubs get new equipment, this technology will be included with no extra charge and GymKit can also be added to machines already in gyms."

Virgin Active is already planning to introduced the technology into more of its gyms across the UK.

Speaking about the technology Andy Birch, Product and Fitness Director at Virgin Active said: “It is hugely exciting for us to be able to offer our Mansion House members the best in class facilities. "Technology is becoming increasingly part of every day life and advancements like these allow us to track and monitor our fitness and wellbeing. 

"We’re excited to bring Apple GymKit technology to Virgin Active”.