We tried the Fitness + app by Apple and here is the review
A great fitness app that can get you started on your fitness and wellness routine
Image by THE FIFTH COLLECTION
Last December I made a decision that I will get back on my wellness and fitness routine that has been rather non-existent for the last seven or eight years. My intention for the year was to exercise at least once a day for 20-30 minutes minimum. I knew that in order to achieve my goals, I also need to make sure that the routine I will adopt will be easy, rather straightforward and, of course, available at all times. Basically I wanted to make sure that there was as little friction as possible between me and my workout.
Therefore, I knew that I was not going to commit to a gym membership or to a personal trainer as I done so in the past and failed miserably. I wanted to be able to do different workouts from the comfort of my home with minimum equipment. Not only am I not a fan of big equipments, I also do not have the real estate to host them. After finishing organising our little home gym corner (read all about it here), I went ahead and started my research on different online resources.
After creating my little list of apps to test, as well as some YouTube channels, I found that one of the apps I used the most since the beginning of the year is the Fitness + app by Apple.
SIMPLICITY
The app has been sitting idle on my phone for quite a while but it was really when I upgraded my apple watch over Christmas that a little extra gift showed up as well: 3months of free Fitness +.
Having a rather extensive collection of IOS gadget made total sense to give this one a try. To use the Fitness+ app, you will need at least an iPhone, ideally an Apple watch as well as an Ipad. An Apple TV is a plus. Sadly, the app does not work on a desktop.
The Fitness + offers a large variety of workouts.
You can pick from different types of workout as well as the length of the session (from 5min to 45min) and finally the strength of it, even though this is probably the only filter missing in the app. All of the sessions are presented by very a curated list of approachable trainers. For those of you who feel intimidated by group classes, especially if you are getting back in shape or a beginner, I would say that the vibe is very chill and relaxed despite some of the workouts being tough.
Most of the workout do not need heavy equipment - the bulkiest one will be dumbbells. Having said that, they do have some classes for cycling, rowing and on a treadmill. But as it is not naturally my thing, I assume that many will do this while at the gym or have those machines at home as they are the classic heavy duty equipment one would need to have.
Choosing a preferred session is easy. Once this is done, and if you have an apple watch, the app will automatically recognise the watch so you can start your session from the watch. You’ll also be able to see your stats on the screen. And, yes, if you are closing your rings during the session it will show up on your screen.
I really enjoy that for most of the workouts that I picked, there is always a group of trainers and one is there to do modified versions of the exercise - That is great when you are just starting off or if you have injuries you need to watch out for.
AVAILABILITY
Having the Fitness+ app in the the palm of your hands - or in this case wrist - makes it even easier to make sure you use it. The fact that it also easily connects to your Apple watch means you can track your progress, reach your goals easily and be reminded if you don’t.
You really don’t have much of an excuse not to squeeze in few minutes of exercise here and there. It also means that it can travel with you wherever you go with minimum space taken in your luggage.
“I really enjoy that for most of the workouts that I picked, there is always a group of trainers and one is there to do modified versions of the exercise - That is great when you are just starting off or if you have injuries you need to watch out for.”
VARIETY
The Fitness + app offers a good variety of workout from HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Cycling and more. Such a variety means that you can really pick what you are in the mood for on the spot and that makes it harder to skip your workouts.
If I pushed myself too much or feeling a bit tired, I love the fact that in a few minutes, I can be joining a restoring yoga class and, at the end of the session, I can go straight to a meditation class. The Fitness+ app has some meditations classes as well as mindful stretches which I enjoy after more intense workouts.
After a while, the Fitness+ app recognises the classes or the instructors you seem to be enjoying the most and will alert you if a new workout comes out - they have new ones weekly so there is really no way you can get bored of doing the same workouts.
THE PROS
Fully integrated with the IOS ecosystem
Does not only offer fitness but also offers meditation sessions
Minimal equipments required for most of the discipline
Workouts are added weekly
Enjoy seeing the stats on the screens
Offers many bundle of courses to challenge yourself that are no brainers as they are ready for you when you are.
THE CONS
Only available on IOS
Not available on desktop
WISHLIST
I love using the TRX and found many great trainers online but I wish it was available on the app so I can keep track of my progress in the same eco system.
My little one is not so little anymore and I would like to start her on understanding that wellness can help her along the way, especially when the stress levels go up. Hence, it would be nice to have section for kids/pre-teen.
Last but not least despite not having lots of real estate to spare for my wellness corner, I did manage to purchase a retractable pilates reformer and hence would love to see it in the pilates section the same way that treadmill, cycling and rowing are being used in these sessions.
Membership fee : Monthly $9.99 / Yearly $79.99
As you can see, I am extremely happy with the Fitness + app and I can’t wait to see it evolve. Thanks to it, I have manage to keep up with my 2022 intention of the year to re-incorporate wellness in my every day routine.
I did of course found other resources that I use religiously but the Fitness+ app is the only one I pay a membership for.
Download the app here
Let me know if you enjoyed this article and if you want me to share more about my journey to a healthier me.