The Apple Fitness+ app is the latest from Apple, released on the 14th December 2020, and the first fitness experience built around the Apple watch for access to pre-recorded exercise classes and bringing various styles of studio workouts to all Apple devices.
In comparison to other fitness apps, the subscription is relatively affordable, costing $9.99 monthly or $79.99 annually, and features ten categories of workout including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), strength, yoga, dance, core, cycling, treadmill (for both running and walking), rowing, and “mindful cooldown.”
The exclusivity to only owners of Apple watch 3 or newer versions have been met with a pool of mixed reactions, ranging from the thrill of existing Apple Watch owners to the despondence from owners of only other Apple products.
But it is what it is… An Apple watch is needed to get in.
Class recommendations are provided by the app based on past workouts and users can filter their preferred time frames, instructor, music type, and exercise of choice, even without an existing subscription to Apple music.
Fitness+ uniqueness is in its recognition of individuals at their various levels of workout experience.
Users are offered introductory courses at every workout category alongside a milder version of the workout as they intensify.
Major areas for improvement are the lack of a social feature, a larger collection of workouts, filter features by workout equipment requirements, and more insight on the interpretation of captured vitals like the heart rate.
Fitness Plus subscription can be shared with up to six users through Apple’s Family Sharing service, existing Apple Watch owners can get a one-month free trial of Fitness Plus, while customers who buy an Apple Watch Series 3 (or newer) can get three months of free service.
