Throw a rock, and you can hit a fitness app. These apps vary in the types of workouts they offer, what they track, how they interface with smart gadgets, what professionals and live services they use, and if you have to pay a subscription. It’s one of the hardest app choices to makefor your phoneor smartwatch because it depends on your schedule, preferences, and workout level.
We’re working (out) to make that easier for you by looking at the top fitness apps and what they offer. Few come in as complete a package as Apple Fitness+. Let’s dive into everything you need to know and how to tell if this comprehensive fitness program is for you.
What is Apple Fitness+ about?
Apple Fitness+ is Apple’s subscription service for health and fitness. It’s designed for Apple devices, so you don’t need extra smartwear. In keeping with Apple’s general approach, Apple Fitness+ is pared down from the immense fitness apps found elsewhere. It focuses on basic stats and a clear, compact collection of workout types.
You’ll pay a monthly fee to access workout classes, coaching, and smart personalization for feedback. It’s designed to be easy to understand and to avoid the time sinks that complex fitness apps offer. However, that puts limitations on Apple Fitness+ compared to specialized or comprehensive apps.
How much does Apple Fitness+ cost?
The standard cost for Apple Fitness+ is $9.99 per month. You’ll save money by paying $79.99 for an annual subscription. You get three months free when you buy a new device like an Apple Watch. There’s also a one-month free trial. You can share Apple Fitness+ with up to five family members.
What sort of workouts does Apple Fitness+ offer?
Apple Fitness+ divides workouts into 12 categories: High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT, Yoga, Core, Pilates, Strength, Treadmill, Cycling, Rowing, Dance, Kickboxing, and Mindful Cooldown. There are also separate meditation sessions. New workouts are usually added every week or so to a catalog of over 4,000 videos and counting.
Apple Fitness+ offers video or audio-based workouts for each category with trainers showing how to do the moves and moving a class through a routine, ranging from 5 to 45 minutes. you may browse based on activities, watch a preview of the video to see if it’s for you, and start one whenever you want. From there, you can create a Stack of workouts to go through or create a Custom Plan to achieve your goals (we talk a bit more about this below).
On the home screen, Apple Fitness+ offers a variety of options to mix things up, including the ability to “Try something new” or “Browse by trainer,” as well as checking out the featured activities Apple highlights. This also lets you sort workouts by time (which can vary), workouts meant for beginners, and other handy filters.
What does Apple Fitness+ help you track?
Every workout shows basic info like timers for activities. With the right smart tech, you can use Apple Fitness+ to track your heart rate, calories burned, and similar information. Some workouts have a Burn Bar that compares your stats to other users who have done the workout before, showing how you match up (you can turn it off). If you set up Activity goals on devices like the Apple Watch, your Activity Rings show up here so that you can see how close you are to completing daily goals.
For select workouts, you may be able to access additional info, like miles run or cycled, or sometimes reps completed, although this is rare.
Does Apple Fitness+ offer live classes or sessions?
No. There are no live sessions on Apple Fitness+. It’s only prerecorded, on-demand videos. Live training sessions can be difficult to find, but someapps like FitOnoffer them, and they are more common when paired with smart gym equipment like the Mirror orTonal screen.
Do I need smart devices for Apple Fitness+?
Yes, you do. Apple Fitness+ doesn’t work with just any smart tracker or watch. It’s made for the Apple Smart Watch. You need an iPhone with iOS 16.1 or later (an iPad with iPadOS 16.1 also works, as does a recent Apple TV) and a paired Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with at least watchOS 7.2.
you may use Apple Fitness+ without an Apple Watch to track your vitals and movement. Sometimes, wearing your iPhone may be able to track certain stats when in motion. But at this point, you’re usually watching a fitness video, in which case you can find free options on sites like YouTube or free fitness apps without subscribing to Apple Fitness+.
Do I need Apple platforms to use Apple Fitness+? Does it work on Android?
Apple Fitness+ isn’t supported outside the Apple ecosystem. You need an Apple screen via iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV to use it, and the Apple Watch is more or less mandatory. It doesn’t work on Android or other platforms.
How do I get started with Apple Fitness+?
Make sure you have the right devices, and open theFitnessapp on your phone. SelectApple Fitness+, then tapGet Started. you may begin with a trial offer if it’s available. Log in with your Apple ID, confirm your payment information, and you’re ready to start.
you may start any workout by selecting it and choosingLet’s Go, but it’s worth doing some work to set up your fitness goals. You can arrange workouts in a Stack, which is a customized routine of favorite workouts from the beginning of a session to the end. You can also use Custom Plan to create a weekly schedule of activities and let Apple Fitness+ cycle through workouts designed to meet those activity goals.
After you complete three workouts, Apple puts together personalized recommendations based on the workouts you choose. It may not be accurate at first, but as you favor certain workouts, it may get more accurate for beginners still putting together their lessons.
Now you know all the Apple Fitness+ details!
Apple Fitness+ is a great fitness subscription for busy people who have an Apple Wach and want to develop a regular, helpful workout routine. There isn’t a free option like theNike Training Club, and it doesn’t offer specializations likeStravafor hardcore runners andLadder for weight training. Still, for generalized fitness goals and staying healthy, it’s still a strong choice.
Apple’s fitness program isn’t an option if you’re on Android. So, stop by our guide to thebest Android fitness apps, andcheck out top apps for fitness smartwatches.
