My Apple Watch Series 10 arrived with a three-month Apple Fitness Plus trial. Perfect timing, as I’d been neglecting exercise and wanted a gentle re-entry. I had reservations, though. Would Apple Fitness Plus cater to beginners? What I discovered was far more motivating and enjoyable than anticipated.
The main screen in Apple Fitness Plus.Apple Fitness Plus main screen.
Overcoming Initial Apprehensions
I enjoy exercise but dislike overly enthusiastic trainers. Forced motivation feels more like a patience test than a fitness challenge. Finding suitable online routines is tricky when so many instructors rely on excessive cheer. I still need some motivation, but from relatable people. Would Apple Fitness Plus deliver this, or would it be filled with instructors I’d quickly resent? With a free three-month trial and worsening UK weather, it was the ideal time to find out. For context, Apple Fitness Plus is a subscription service ($10 monthly/$80 annually, also included in Apple One) offering diverse workout styles, from strength training to dance, across Apple devices. An Apple Watch enhances the experience.
Exceeding Expectations
Workouts in Apple Fitness Plus.Variety of workout styles.
After a few beginner sessions, my opinion solidified. Apple Fitness Plus surpassed my expectations. The instructors’ friendly, engaging style provides the right amount of motivation, making me feel good after each session. I’ve focused on strength, core, and HIIT workouts, avoiding the dance options. The flexibility to combine shorter sessions into longer routines (e.g., two 10-minute segments into a 30-minute workout) has been invaluable for pacing myself. If an exercise feels too challenging, alternative options are always demonstrated. I’ve supplemented the beginner workouts with beginner yoga for cool-downs. The consistent training style across different difficulty levels is reassuring, ensuring a smooth transition as I progress. I actively seek out sessions led by my favorite beginner instructors while also looking forward to experiencing new trainers.
Essential Equipment and Integration
An Apple TV and Apple Fitness Plus icon.Apple TV integration
While some equipment like a yoga mat and weights can be beneficial, the core requirements are Apple devices. Although often touted as essential, the Apple Watch is more of a motivator than a necessity. The real game-changer is the Apple TV. While workouts can be viewed on an iPhone or iPad, a larger screen significantly improves the experience, especially for following movements and maintaining proper form in activities like yoga.
An exercise ring closing in Apple Fitness Plus.Closing your rings.
The Apple Watch enhances motivation by seamlessly tracking workout metrics and contributing to daily activity goals. Seeing the “closed ring” animation is immensely satisfying. The integration between the Apple Watch and Apple TV is flawless, displaying real-time data onscreen. On the downside, Fitness Plus’s search and discovery features are cumbersome. The menu system is dense, and creating personalized workout plans lacks intuitiveness.
Maintaining Engagement
Data taken from an Apple Watch in Apple Fitness Plus.Workout data tracking
Halfway through my trial, I’m enjoying Fitness Plus, but the decision to subscribe hinges on my relationship with exercise. The platform offers an extensive library of workouts (over 3,000), ranging from 5 to 45 minutes, ensuring ample variety. The high production quality and engaging trainers enhance the experience, particularly for those committed to Apple Watch activity goals. However, the Apple Fitness app on the iPhone lacks the proactive motivation found in competing platforms like Garmin and Fitbit. While I appreciate the less intensive approach, it could hinder long-term engagement. I’m concerned that once the subscription starts, Fitness Plus might become a passive observer of my inactivity.
Apple Fitness Plus connecting to an Apple Watch.Apple Watch connectivity
Starting a workout in Apple Fitness Plus on an Apple Watch.Starting a workout.
Calorie burn data in Apple Fitness Plus.Calorie tracking
Data from a workout in Apple Fitness Plus.Post workout data.
Deep Integration with the Apple Ecosystem
The Apple Fitness Plus icon on an Apple TV.Apple Fitness Plus on Apple TV.
Apple Fitness Plus is best suited for users invested in the Apple ecosystem, ideally owning an Apple TV and Apple Watch. While usable with just an iPhone, the experience is suboptimal. This highlights how services can incentivize hardware purchases. Recognizing this and the need for self-motivation is key to enjoying the platform. I plan to subscribe after the trial, using the financial commitment as further motivation. Ultimately, the deciding factors are the engaging trainers and the platform’s overall ease of use and enjoyment. I began my Apple Fitness Plus journey with low expectations but discovered a genuinely enjoyable way to exercise at home.
