Last week Japanese sports apparel company ASICS announced the launch of its new mobile fitness app, ASICS Studio. The app gives users access to on-demand workouts, including trainer-led audio, curated playlists and visual cues. 

The company aims to replicate workouts at boutique fitness classes. The workouts have all been created by professional trainers and are paired with a curated music playlist that complements the tone and energy of the workout. 

"At ASICS Digital we're committed to building platforms and experiences that transform the way we connect with our users across the globe," Dan Smith, general manager of ASICS Digital, said in a statement.  "Our goal is to remove the barriers that keep people at rest. While we live and work in a digital world, our passion is building products and services that inspire people to move, get fit and stay healthy.”

The difficulty scheduling classes and expense related to fitness classes inspired the app, according to the company. 

"Working out is about more than visiting the trendiest gyms and hoping you get off the waitlist for the 6 p.m. class," Erin Bailey, director of fitness programming for ASICS Studio, said in a statement. "Fitness is personal, it's all about finding the time to move when you can by making fitness accessible."

The app was developed by ASICS Digital, the same division responsible for the RunKeeper app. In 2016 ASICS bought RunKeeper’s creator, FitnessKeeper for $85 million. 

But ASICS has been in the app game for some time now. In 2011, the company launched My ASICS Run Training app.

A number of apparel companies have invested heavily in fitness apps. Perhaps the most notable purchase in the space was Under Armour’s acquisition of Endomondo and MyFitnessPal for a combined $560 million, just a year after it purchased MapMyFitness for $150 million. Adidas also jumped in the game buying Australian fitness app Runtastic for $240 million.