As a consumer expert and avid fitness enthusiast, I know that finding an enjoyable, affordable, and convenient workout routine is key to staying motivated and consistent with your health goals. If you‘re an iPhone user, you may be wondering if the Apple Fitness app that comes built into your device is truly free to use, and whether it‘s worth upgrading to the premium Fitness+ subscription.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about Apple‘s fitness ecosystem, share my hands-on experience with both the free and paid offerings, and help you determine which option is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. Let‘s dive in!
Apple Fitness App vs. Fitness+: What‘s the Difference?
First, it‘s crucial to understand that Apple actually offers two distinct fitness services:
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Apple Fitness app: This is the complimentary activity tracking app that comes pre-installed on iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. It allows you to track workouts, set movement goals, see trends, and compete with friends.
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Apple Fitness+: Launched in December 2020, this premium subscription service provides access to a large library of guided video workouts led by expert trainers. Fitness+ integrates with the Apple Watch to display real-time metrics on screen.
So while the basic Apple Fitness app is indeed free for Apple device owners, the more robust Fitness+ with its studio-style classes requires a separate monthly or annual subscription fee.
What You Get with the Free Apple Fitness App
If you‘re new to fitness tracking or simply looking to move more throughout the day, the free Fitness app is a fantastic place to start. Here‘s what you can expect:
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Activity rings: The app displays three colorful rings that track your daily movement, exercise minutes, and standing hours. Closing your rings each day can become a fun and addictive challenge!
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Workout tracking: Using the sensors on your iPhone or Apple Watch, the Fitness app can track metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and distance for a variety of workouts including walking, running, cycling, swimming, and more.
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Trends and goals: Over time, the app learns your habits and suggests personalized activity goals to keep you progressing. You can view trends, earn awards for milestones, and even see how your stats compare to others in your age group.
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Sharing and competitions: Stay accountable by sharing your activity with friends and family or inviting them to casual week-long competitions. A little friendly rivalry can be a great motivator!
While the free Fitness app is robust for general activity tracking, some users may crave the extra guidance, structure, and variety that comes with coached video workouts. That‘s where a Fitness+ subscription comes into play.
Is Apple Fitness+ Worth the Investment?
For $9.99/month or $79.99/year, an Apple Fitness+ membership unlocks access to an extensive library of video-based workouts spanning categories like HIIT, strength, yoga, dance, cycling, and more. Here‘s what sets Fitness+ apart:
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World-class trainers: Fitness+ classes are led by a diverse team of expert instructors who are energetic, encouraging, and adept at giving clear, modifier-friendly coaching cues.
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Thoughtful class design: Workouts range from 5-45 minutes and are tailored to multiple difficulty levels, making it easy to find a class that fits your schedule and fitness abilities.
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Constant variety: Each week, Fitness+ releases new classes across workout types to prevent plateaus and keep your body (and mind!) challenged. There are even multi-week progressive programs to help you reach specific goals.
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Seamless Apple Watch integration: When you start a Fitness+ class, your Apple Watch automatically enters the correct workout mode and begins displaying real-time metrics like heart rate and calories on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Many classes are programmed around your personal stats.
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Music that motivates: Every Fitness+ studio workout features a custom-curated playlist designed to drive your performance. You can even save favorite songs to Apple Music for future listening.
Compared to competitor Peloton‘s $12.99/month app membership, Fitness+ is a slightly more affordable yet equally high-quality option for folks who prefer the flexibility of training with their existing Apple devices rather than investing in expensive equipment.
Is Fitness+ Family Friendly?
Great news for households – an Apple Fitness+ subscription can be shared among up to six family members as part of Apple‘s Family Sharing program. Each user receives personalized recommendations and stats when they complete workouts, making it a cost-effective way for your whole crew to access the service.
There are also a number of workouts designed specifically for beginners, older adults, and pregnant/postpartum users, underscoring Apple‘s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. No matter your age or stage of life, there truly is a Fitness+ class for everyone.
Maximizing a Fitness+ Subscription: Pro Tips and Hidden Gems
As a seasoned Fitness+ user myself, I‘ve discovered a few key tips for making the most of a subscription:
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Preview classes before committing: Not sure if a workout is right for you? No problem. On the Fitness+ tab, you can watch a quick preview video that includes a trainer intro and overview of class structure before diving in.
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Customize your stats display: During a class, you can use hand gestures to easily zoom in on a single metric (like your Activity Rings or Burn Bar), giving you more control over the information you see on-screen.
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Download classes for offline use: Taking your workout on the road? Fitness+ classes can be downloaded to your iPhone or iPad for use without an internet connection – perfect for hotel rooms or outdoor adventures.
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Explore Collections and Spotlights: In addition to the standard class categories, Fitness+ offers special content series like the "Artist Spotlight" workouts themed around popular musicians, "Time to Walk" episodes featuring celebrity guests, and "Meditations for Beginners" to help you start a mindfulness practice.
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Try a 7-day or 30-day program: If you thrive on guided instruction and consistency, opt for Fitness+‘s multi-day workout plans that include a thoughtful progression of classes and recovery days aimed at achieving specific fitness or wellness goals.
While the recurring subscription fee for Fitness+ is certainly an investment, numerous studies have shown that exercisers who receive coaching and accountability (whether in-person or virtually) are more likely to adhere to a consistent fitness routine and achieve their health goals over time.
For the price of two fancy coffee shop beverages per month, an Apple Fitness+ membership provides unlimited access to an ever-growing, constantly-refreshed library of engaging workouts that can be done anytime, anywhere with minimal equipment. In my experience, the convenience factor alone makes it a worthwhile expenditure.
The Bottom Line
So, is Apple Fitness truly free? The answer is yes…and no. While the basic Apple Fitness tracking app is 100% complimentary for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch owners, the more immersive Fitness+ video workout subscription does require a separate monthly or annual fee.
However, all Apple users can experience Fitness+ for free via one of several trial offers:
| Trial Offer | Length | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New Apple Watch owner | 3 months | Must be redeemed within 3 months of watch activation |
| Current Apple Watch owner | 1 month | Available for a limited time |
| Best Buy special offer | 6 months | Must purchase eligible Apple Watch model |
As a consumer expert and avid exerciser, I believe that the depth and quality of Fitness+‘s class offerings justify the $9.99 monthly subscription cost for users who will take advantage of the service regularly. The seamless Apple Watch integration, motivating music, and charismatic trainers provide an experience that feels comparable to a boutique studio…minus the high price tag and rigid class times.
Of course, your mileage may vary depending on your budget, preferences, and goals. If you‘re satisfied with the basic activity tracking and workout logging of the free Fitness app, there‘s no pressure to level up to Fitness+. But if you crave the accountability and inspiration that comes with coached classes, a Fitness+ membership is absolutely worth trying, especially with Apple‘s risk-free trial period.
No matter which Apple Fitness option you choose, you‘ll be gaining a valuable tool to support your health and wellness journey. Here‘s to closing your rings, celebrating your progress, and finding joy in movement each day!
FAQs
Is an Apple Watch required to use Apple Fitness+?
Yes, you must own an Apple Watch Series 3 or later to access Fitness+ workouts. Your watch is what enables the real-time metrics and intelligent workout detection features in the studio classes.
Can I use Fitness+ on my Apple TV?
Yes! In addition to the Fitness app on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, you can also access your Fitness+ subscription on Apple TV to enjoy workouts on the big screen.
Do I need special equipment to do Fitness+ workouts?
Many Fitness+ classes require minimal to no equipment, utilizing bodyweight or common household items like a chair or mat. Some classes are designed for use with indoor cycling bikes, treadmills, or rowing machines, but these are clearly labeled in the video descriptions. Workouts can be filtered by equipment required.
How often does Fitness+ release new content?
Apple adds 20-30 new workouts and meditations to the Fitness+ library each week, spanning across various training styles, difficulty levels, and durations. The platform also releases limited-time special programming like the "Artist Spotlight" and "Time to Walk" series.
Can I download Fitness+ classes for offline use?
Yes, you can download your favorite Fitness+ classes to your iPhone or iPad to access without an internet connection. This can come in handy for travel, outdoor workouts, or exercising in areas with limited connectivity.
