In late 2021, Apple announced its brand-new fitness program for the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Fitness+. Apple Watch Fitness+ is a handy app for those of us who like to manage our health with the help of tech.
Since the release, Apple invested more time and energy into beefing up its Fitness+ program with new exercises and instructors. The improvements in the Apple Watch Fitness+ program help users get more out of their workouts with improved tracking and personalized coaching.
Fitness+ Basics
Apple’s Fitness+ is a subscription workout app. It allows you to choose your workout and gives you access to a massive selection of in-home exercise classes. Fitness+ programs include:
- Indoor cycling
- Treadmill running
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Yoga
Apple Watch Fitness+ combines prerecorded workouts with live interactive fitness statistics. For example, during a workout the instructor may tell you to focus on something, like your heart rate. Then your heart rate metric will become more prominent on your screen so you can follow your progress.
Fitness+ shows your metrics in the Burn Bar where you can also compare how you’re progressing compared to other users.
Getting Set Up With Fitness+
You’ll need a subscription to get started with Fitness+. You must also have a compatible Apple Watch. (Apple Watch Series 3 and newer)
Users also need to ensure their watch has the latest Apple watchOS update. You’ll want to have the latest watchOS so you can send information to other devices on the same network using the beam feature.
Those who use the platform must also have a compatible Apple device to access the Fitness+ service, like:
- Apple TV
- iPhone
- iPad
You can find these compatible devices in the Apple Store.
Another way to enhance your Apple Watch Fitness+ workouts is with a wide range of fitness equipment such as:
- Dumbells
- iPhone stand
- Treadmills
- Rowers
Users can also follow gym class schedules and choose activities even when out and about.
Fitness + Price & Subscription Options
A basic Apple Fitness+ subscription costs $9.99 per month. But, you can get three months free if you purchase a yearly subscription for $79.99. A nice feature of the monthly or annual subscription is that Apple allows you to share it with up to five family members.
You can also get Fitness+ with an Apple One Premier subscription for $29.95 a month. The Premier subscription will give you access to six available Apple services:
- Arcade
- Fitness+
- iCloud
- Music
- News+
- TV+
Another way to try out Fitness + is to buy a new Apple Watch. With this purchase you’ll get a free three-month Fitness+ subscription. But if you already own a compatible Apple Watch don’t fear, there’s a deal for you too. You can get a free one-month subscription when you sign up for Fitness+.
What Comes With the Program?
Like Peloton workouts, Apple Fitness+ gives you access to a library of workout videos, which are the foundation of the Apple fitness program. Apple initially only offered users access to classes and instructors in their homes. But now it has expanded its offerings since the program’s launch and they add new workout videos all the time. Users can now access Fitness+ videos for:
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Outdoor walking
- Running
You can view Fitness+ videos on your:
- Apple TV
- iPad
- iPhone
The Perks of Apple Watch Fitness+
You may have just started working out—or at least just started working out at home. Apple Fitness+ has workouts for all experience levels in either case and you can modify each video for your fitness skill level.
The app also makes it easy to find the right workout video for you. You can search videos by:
- Type of movement
- Time of workout
- Skill level
- Trainer
- Music
- Special considerations like if you’re pregnant or training for the upcoming ski season
The app then learns your preferences and suggests videos that you’re more likely to enjoy.
Apple Watch Fitness+ also integrates with Apple Music. Even if you don’t have an Apple Music subscription, you can pull music from the extensive Apple Music library to go with your workout.
You’ll see a summary screen after you finish your workout. It will show metrics like your:
- Average heart rate
- Active calories burned
- Workout time
Getting Fit With Fitness+
Apple’s Fitness+ is shaking up the workout scene by providing users with more comprehensive and customizable options. You can use Fitness+ to:
- Set goals
- Track your progress
- Get real-time coaching
And you can use the app at home, in the gym, or even in your hotel room while you’re traveling.
There’s something for everyone in Fitness+ whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete. How will you use Apple Watch Fitness+ to take your workout to the next level?
