Working out at home was gaining traction even before the 2020 city and gym lockdowns. Once gyms were virtually off the table, it forced many people to change their workout routines and evaluate how they could keep working toward their fitness goals from home. The answer is simple for anyone that wants to stay on track: join an online fitness community.
While there’ve been a handful of options on the market for a while, including Peloton, Beachbody, iFit, and Nike Fitness App, Apple decided to join the online fitness world in September of 2020 with their version: Apple Fitness +.
What is Apple Fitness+?
Apple Fitness Plus is an extensive library of online workouts. Users need an iPhone and Apple watch to access the app and stream any workout on a tablet or television. New exercises are uploaded every week to offer fresh content continually.
The app provides classes in a large variety of categories, including the use of cardio equipment, yoga, strength, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The variety and price point make it a competitive option compared to other fitness apps on the market.
How much is Apple Fitness Plus?
The application itself costs $9.99 per month, or you can purchase an annual membership for $79.99. Many Apple users already own an iPhone and Apple watch. However, if they do not currently own these devices, they’ll have to purchase one for proper integration, tracking, and use.
A basic Apple watch costs less than $200. So, this is an affordable option compared to a monthly gym membership averaging $60 per month.
How Does it Compare to Other Online Platforms?
When Apple first released their new fitness app, there was a lot of discussion over how this might disrupt the current online fitness industry companies – one of the largest being Peleton.
However, for the most part, these companies are catering to different niches in the fitness realm. Peloton’s products are designed to integrate seamlessly with their cardio equipment. Apple Fitness Plus is merely offering more options for working out and staying inspired at home.
There are three primary areas that online fitness programs strive to encompass: the ability to track progress, adequate exercise guidance, and an inspiring community. Each platform has its strengths in each category.
Nike Fitness is the strongest at inspiring, while Peloton and iFit offer effortless tracking and a live community. As a new program, Apple will surely optimize their ability to address these three areas as they monitor and assess user feedback. It will be interesting to see how it will develop over the next several years.
Which Platform is Right for Me?
If you’re looking for a completely integrated system with home equipment and workouts- you should consider Peloton or Nordictrack (enabled for iFit).
If you want more workout flexibility at a slightly lower price point (or significant price reduction if you consider it doesn’t require any special cardio equipment), from a name brand you can trust- the Apple Fitness Plus app is certainly worth a try.
On the other hand, if you thrive on competition and need an extra dose of inspiration- Nike or Peloton might be the best option.
Which fitness app is best for you depends on your goals. Ultimately, you want to find the option that keeps you motivated and working out consistently. The choice is yours. Fitness apps are evolving every day to bring you the best workout experience from the comfort of your own home.
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