In 2020, Apple launched their own workout platform, Fitness+. Here’s why it works for me and my family and how I’ve been using the platform.
Class: Variety and Quality
If you’re looking for a workout app with variety, Fitness+ currently offers 11 workout types*. You can filter your choices not just by the kind of workout, but by duration, instructor, music, and equipment if applicable. They also release new classes weekly.
I’ve taken classes from 8 different instructors and enjoyed all of them. All the instructors incorporate a bit of sign language when communicating, which adds a level of friendliness and a method I’ve never encountered before. Classes are filmed in a minimalist studio in Los Angeles.
Music is an integral part of the classes and in fact, classes are tied to a specific playlist. You can’t change the music. Personally, I like the seamless integration. It just works. In a live group class, a teacher’s music selection becomes a part of what creates the vibe, and this feature brings the same feeling.
*WORKOUT TYPES: Core, Cycling, Dance, HIIT, Meditation, Mindful Cooldown, Pilates, Rowing, Strength, Treadmill, Yoga
Watch Integration and Technology
If you have an Apple Watch and pay attention to your activity rings, then working out is a joy. It motivates me to see my rings and progress during workouts, such as heart rate and calories burned. And when I close all my rings during a workout and see the fireworks effect–I get pumped up even more.
Compared to Peloton or Mirror, for example, that has the tech integrated to a specific device, you can use a regular bike, treadmill, or rowing machine, and still get data and feel connected to a community. To me, that’s the beauty of how Apple approaches tech and movement. You need one device, the watch. It eliminates the need to update specific-use gadgets, such as a smart stationary bicycle.
To watch the workouts, you still need to use your iPhone, iPad, or stream on your computer or Apple TV. With the app, you can also access past workouts, badges, and activity progress over time. This data is not limited to Fitness+, but every time you log a workout or use your watch to monitor movement and activity.
Compared to Peloton or Mirror, for example, that has the tech integrated to a specific device, you can use a regular bike, treadmill, or rowing machine, and still get data and feel connected to a community.
Shareable
Apple lets you share your Fitness+ membership with up to five family members. Compared to other workout apps offering diverse workout types, I like that Fitness+ has workouts for older adults. I share workouts that I think my mom would like, and I haven’t been able to do this aside from YouTube exercise videos.
You can also share your activity with another user, for example if you have a trainer or just want to start a friendly competition with a workout buddy.
Price
Free Trials
You get a free one-month trial, and if you buy an eligible Apple Watch, you get three months.
Price Ranges: Standalone or Bundle
For what it has to offer, Fitness+ is reasonably priced at $9.99 a month or $79.99 if you pay for a year.
If you use other Apple services such as music and TV, Apple One bundle gives you access to music, TV, Arcade, iCloud+ storage, Apple News+, and Fitness+. Apple One plan comes in three tiers: Individual plan, $14.95 per month, the Family plan at $19.95 per month, and the Premier plan, $29.95 per month. We have the Premiere plan.
How I Use It
I didn’t really use Fitness+ right away when we got Apple One, since I had an existing workout subscription. But one day, I wanted a low-impact workout where I just get to move, so I tried a dance class. I was hooked. Currently, I do yoga in the afternoon and do a 20 minute dance class at night or a HIIT workout.
Yoga and Fitness+
The app offers a variety of yoga classes, from chill to more energetic vinyasa classes. However, for someone like me who works on handstands and intense backbends, I still rely on my own practice or take classes from yoga-focused apps.
Although I love seeing my rings and data during other workouts, I could do without it during yoga. It’s not bothersome, but I like to focus internally and feel the progress of the pose rather than the metrics the watch provides. Moreover, I can always check the log AFTER the workout if I want to see which part of the practice got my heart pumping.
