For instance, it’s heavily dependent on the Apple ecosystem and requires users to have an Apple Watch. Moreover, it’s not widely available across the world yet. Luckily, there are plenty of other fitness apps. I did some exploring and found some of the best Apple Fitness+ alternatives that are worth trying. Let’s get going!
1. Peloton: At home fitness – Editor’s choice
Peloton is known for its exercise equipment such as bikes and treadmills, so it’s no surprise that it’s the closest fitness streaming app for those who have such at-home workout equipment. This could include dumbbells, yoga props, a treadmill, and other tools. Workouts You can choose from several categories, including treadmill running, outdoor running, HIIT, cycling, strength, yoga, walking, stretching, cardio boot camp, and meditation. Most workouts are set up assuming that you have some machines to use, but even if you don’t, you can go for the cardio and outdoor exercise classes such as running and biking. The program focuses on live classes, and you can look at the schedule and sign up for whichever sessions interest you. As someone who loves planning, I liked the convenience of setting my workout schedule ahead of time. Of course, you can also watch the live sessions later on-demand. What I loved? I also really enjoyed the audio-only guided running workouts. Compared to Apple, it’s got a more comprehensive package and an immersive experience pairing perfectly with the wealth of live workout events it offers. Availability: iPhone, iPad, Android devices, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku. You can also tune in via the web on your laptop. Pricing On its own, the Peloton streaming service costs $13 per month, but with a Peloton bike or treadmill, it’s $40 per month. Although the equipment is expensive, it would be a valuable investment if you’re serious about your long-term fitness goals and want to avoid the close-contact environment of traditional gyms. This makes it an especially attractive option considering the current situation. Download
Incredibly motivatingUp to 3 people can use an accountAccessible on almost any deviceSyncs with your iPhone’s Health appGoal-oriented programs with expert instructors
Limited workouts for those without equipmentEquipment is expensive
2. Nike Training Club – Affordable alternative
Want to stay fit for absolutely free? You’re in luck because Nike is currently offering this premium app for free to encourage work out at home. With such a lucrative offer, how does it measure in terms of value and effectiveness? Workouts When you open the app the first time, you’ll be asked a few questions to gauge your fitness levels and interests. The recommendation algorithms will then suggest the best workout programs for you. Programs last between 4 to 6 weeks, and the intensity ranges from beginner to intermediate and advanced level to suit almost anyone. It offers over 185 workouts that vary from gentle stretching and yoga to fast-paced sweat sessions. What I loved? I love how it focuses on building strength and making you emerge as a fitter individual. It also has an intuitive UI that’s super easy to use. Feedback loops analyze your progress to suggest the subsequent workouts you should do, and you also have the option to target specific body areas like abs, arms, glutei, etc. The voice instructions in every workout are pretty detailed and easy to follow along, reminding you which muscle groups to focus on and how to breathe. Lastly, if you’re a sports fan, you’ll love the workouts recommended by athletes and celebrities! Availability: iPhone and Apple Watch. Pricing The “Premium” version, until recently, cost $14.95 a month, but it’s currently completely free. Thanks, Nike! Download
Complete multi-week training programs for freeWorkouts for any space, any equipmentSyncs with iPhone’s Health appIncludes mindfulness guides for mental health
Some workouts require gym equipmentYou can only do one program at a timeNot accessible on a smart TV, but you can use AirPlay or Chromecast
3. adidas Training by Runtastic – Best for beginners
Here’s another great alternative for Apple Fitness+ that’s especially beneficial for beginners – it will help you take small steps towards a healthier body with short daily sessions. Workouts Choose from plenty of ready-made workouts or create a custom one based on what areas you want to focus on, such as abs, legs, glutes, etc. You’ll be led through the sessions with instructional video and audio. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscles, or just commit to staying fit, this app is a perfect choice. It’s optional to add warmups and stretches to your sessions, but I always choose to include them. What I loved? The app tends to focus more on cardio-based bodyweight exercises that are great for overall health. However, if you want a truly holistic approach that includes nutrition and wellness guidance, you’ll have to pay for the premium version. Availability: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. It also beautifully integrates with the Health app. Pricing A monthly subscription is $9.99, a six-month subscription is $39.99, and a yearly subscription is $49.99 per year. The prices might vary by location. Download
Easy for beginnersCustom workoutsVariety of free workouts
Not much motivational talk
4. J&J Official 7 Minute Workout – Best for busy people
I might be reviewing fitness apps, but I’m also the first to give the excuse of being too busy to work out. Well, here’s an app that solves that problem in just seven minutes! The J&J official 7-minute workout specializes in providing quick, high-intensity exercises that you can fit into your busy schedule. Workouts This app offers 22 preset workouts of varying intensity and duration, ranging from 7 to 32 minutes. They can be customized to create over a thousand variations. You can learn the exercises with 72 high-definition video tutorials. Further, the Smart Workout feature gauges your fitness and motivation level to create tailor-made workouts just for you. I love how you can motivate yourself to keep on track by setting workout and inactivity reminders. What I loved? You don’t need any equipment, and it feels good to stay fit with a minimal time commitment every day. And when you have some extra time, you can always opt for one of the longer sessions. I think this would be a helpful app to use in conjunction with another full-fledged fitness program mentioned on my list. Read the complete review: J&J Official 7 Minute Workout Availability: iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch Pricing It’s completely free. So there’s no excuse not to get it! Download
Super easy to useEffective in building a workout habitKeeps you motivatedYou can play and control music directly from the app
It needs to be updated more frequently with new options.
5. iFit: At-home fitness workout – Best to use with gym equipment
If you’re well-armed with gym equipment, look no further than iFit. It’s an excellent fitness app that syncs with tons of different treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowers, and other home workout machines. Workouts All the workouts I tried on iFit were high-energy and engaging. The trainers are experts who provide adequate guidance and motivation. For equipment-based workouts, the app pairs your machines for instructor-led exercises. It automatically adjusts speed/incline/resistance to keep you going. What I loved? I especially enjoyed the outdoor videos in which trainers interact with those around them and share little snippets about the scenery, history, architecture around them, etc. This adds a personal connection to the workouts and makes me feel like I’m traveling along with them. In fact, these “global workouts” are what make iFit stand out from other apps on this list. It’s like being able to train in exotic locations worldwide, from Bora Bora to Antarctica! Further, I loved the energy of iFit Studio classes. Availability: iPhone and iPad Pricing iFit offers a free 30-day trial, following which it costs $15/month, making it a bit more expensive than Fitness+. However, it’s available in more locations and offers a variety of workouts. Download
Works with a wide range of gym equipmentAvailable in more locations than Apple Fitness+The unique global workouts feature
No search functionalityNot available on Apple WatchSlightly more expensive than Fitness+
6. Sweat – Fitness app for women
For all the other fitness-enthusiast women out there, you’ve probably heard about Sweat by now. If not, let me tell you that it’s an ideal fitness streaming app that has the added advantage of specifically catering to women. Moreover, it incorporates nutrition and diet insights that have transformed my life for the better. Workouts Sweat is the app equivalent of the famous BBG workout—otherwise known as the Bikini Body Guide and propagated by the Australian fitness expert Kayla Itsines. It’s aimed at transforming and sculpting your body with quick, 28-minute workouts. Along with the BBG workouts, you also get access to eight additional workout programs based on your goals and resources. It’s beginner-friendly but also caters to those looking for more challenging exercises with weights and other equipment. You get to choose from various trainers and workouts such as yoga, cycling, running, etc. Moreover, you can also use it to get in shape postpartum. What I loved? I especially enjoyed this app’s community aspect that offers forums to share your fitness journey and connect with others. Further, I loved how you can sync Sweat’s workout planner with your phone’s calendar to schedule days to focus on different areas like cardio, legs, etc. It’s pretty multipurpose since it offers food and nutrition guidance too. You can get instructions to cook up simple yet delicious meals that aid your fitness journey. Moreover, you can access a weekly shopping list and delicious day-by-day meal plan based on your dietary preference, such as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, Lacto-vegetarian, etc. Availability: iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch Pricing Sweat starts at $20/month, so it’s pricier than Apple Fitness+. But I think it’s worth it, given the women-centric workouts and the personalized, holistic approach. Download
Combination of different kinds of workoutsGo at your own paceSpecifically designed for womenHelpful community
The nutrition program could be improved
7. DeltaTrainer: 1-on-1 coaching – Best for personalized training
DeltaTrainer is a unique fitness app that leverages the power of the Apple Watch and artificial intelligence. It’s essentially a remote personal training service that’s a lot more affordable than an actual personal trainer. When you sign up for the service, you get a “free” refurbished series 3 Apple Watch, which your trainer uses to automatically detect your sets, count your reps, and analyze your form. Workouts You start with an initial interview with the trainer to create a personalized weekly workout plan for you. You can then access this plan any time on your iPhone and exercise as prescribed. There are detailed instructions available, and you can reach your trainer via video call or in-app chat. After your workouts, your trainer reviews your stats, gives feedback, and modifies your plan as needed. What I loved? I loved how it sets you up for success from the get-go by letting you choose your goals, how often you want to work out, and for how long. Moreover, the one-on-one connection with a personal trainer adds to the appeal. Of course, your trainer also keeps you motivated and accountable along the way, which is a component that’s somewhat lacking in other alternatives to Apple Fitness+. Availability: iPhone and Apple Watch Pricing This program costs $100 per month, but you can try it free for the first 30 days. That is, cancel anytime during the first 30 days for a full refund, no questions asked. The most expensive one on the list, but considering its 1-on-1 coaching, I’d recommend buying it if you are a serious fitness enthusiast. Download
Highly personalized trainingHigh motivation and accountabilityCheaper alternative to directly hiring a personal trainer30-day free trial
It costs a lot more than other fitness programs.
8. FitOn Workout & Fitness Plans – Best for holistic wellness
This is the best holistic, all-in-one fitness app I could find. It helps you stay active, cut stress, and feel good through various workouts and meditations. You get unlimited access for absolutely free, including extra resources such as articles on caring for your physical and mental health. Workouts From cardio and HIIT to strength training, yoga, pilates, and more, there’s something for everyone on it. I love how you get the chance to work with celebrity trainers such as Cassey Ho (of Blogilates), Danielle Pascente, Jeanette Jenkins, Katie Dunlop, Kenta Seki, among others. You can browse by workout category, body part, length, and intensity. And when you’re short on time, opt for quick HIIT 10-minute workouts. What I loved? The way the app keeps you motivated by joining the live leaderboard for friendly competition! Moreover, there are also meditations to reduce stress, get better sleep, improve breathing, relax your body and rejuvenate your mind with short and effective meditations. Availability: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV Pricing It offers unlimited free access to workouts, but you have to pay for the Pro subscription to access the meal plans and nutritional information. Subscription starts at $19.99 per month. Download
Unlimited free contentA holistic approach including mental and physical healthCelebrity fitness trainersWide variety of goal-oriented workouts
The app poses as completely “free,” but you have to pay for nutrition and meal plan features.
Have you tried any of these fitness apps? What are your thoughts? Share your answer in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your experience. Read more:
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