Apple Fitness+: Cost, Features, and Value

How much is Apple Fitness per month?

Apple Fitness+ typically costs $9.99 USD per month, offering a comprehensive library of studio-style workouts, guided meditations, and unique audio experiences, with options for annual savings and inclusion in Apple One bundles.

Understanding Apple Fitness+ Pricing

Apple Fitness+ is a premium subscription service designed to integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, particularly the Apple Watch. Its pricing structure is straightforward, offering flexibility for individual users and families.

• Core Monthly Subscription: The standard individual subscription for Apple Fitness+ is $9.99 USD per month. This provides unlimited access to the entire content library and all features.
• Annual Subscription Savings: For users committed to a longer-term fitness journey, Apple offers an annual subscription option. Priced at $79.99 USD per year, this represents a saving of approximately 33% compared to paying monthly, effectively bringing the average monthly cost down to about $6.67.
• Apple One Bundles: Apple Fitness+ is also a key component of Apple One subscription bundles. These bundles combine multiple Apple services (such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Arcade, and News+) into a single, more cost-effective monthly payment.
  • Apple One Family: Includes Apple Fitness+ along with other services, shareable with up to five other people.
  • Apple One Premier: The highest tier, offering the most services and storage, also includes Apple Fitness+ and is shareable. Purchasing Apple Fitness+ as part of an Apple One bundle can offer significant savings if you utilize multiple Apple services.
• Free Trial: Apple typically offers a free trial period for new subscribers, often ranging from one to three months, especially for new Apple Watch purchasers. This allows prospective users to experience the service fully before committing to a subscription.

What Does an Apple Fitness+ Subscription Include?

A subscription to Apple Fitness+ provides access to a vast and continuously expanding array of fitness and wellness content, designed by expert trainers.

• Extensive Workout Library: Access hundreds of studio-style workouts across a wide range of modalities, including:
  • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  • Strength Training
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Dance
  • Core
  • Cycling
  • Treadmill (Walk and Run)
  • Rowing
  • Kickboxing
  • Mindful Cooldowns
• Guided Meditations: A dedicated section for mental wellness, offering guided sessions focused on various themes like calm, gratitude, and sleep.
• Time to Walk and Time to Run: Unique audio-guided experiences featuring inspiring stories and insights from notable personalities, designed to accompany outdoor walks or runs.
• New Content Weekly: The library is refreshed with new workouts and meditations added every week, ensuring variety and preventing stagnation.
• Diverse Trainer Roster: A team of charismatic and highly qualified trainers provides instruction, catering to different styles and preferences.
• Seamless Apple Watch Integration: This is a cornerstone feature. Real-time metrics from your Apple Watch (heart rate, calories burned, activity rings) are displayed directly on your screen (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV) during workouts, providing immediate biofeedback and motivation.
• Family Sharing: A single Apple Fitness+ subscription can be shared with up to five other family members, each with their personalized experience.
• Customizable Filters: Users can filter workouts by trainer, duration, music genre, and equipment needed, allowing for highly personalized session selection.

Is Apple Fitness+ a Good Value for Fitness Enthusiasts?

From an exercise science and kinesiology perspective, the value of Apple Fitness+ extends beyond its monetary cost, encompassing accessibility, programming quality, and motivational elements.

• Accessibility and Convenience: The ability to access a wide range of professionally led workouts anytime, anywhere, significantly lowers barriers to consistent exercise. This convenience can be particularly valuable for individuals with unpredictable schedules or limited access to traditional gym facilities.
• Variety and Progression: The extensive library and weekly content updates promote workout variety, which is crucial for preventing plateaus, engaging different muscle groups, and maintaining interest. The inclusion of programs and collections also supports structured progression.
• Motivation and Engagement: The integration of real-time metrics from the Apple Watch provides objective feedback, enhancing motivation and adherence. The "Burn Bar" feature, which compares your effort to others who have completed the same workout, can also serve as a powerful motivator for some users. The diverse and encouraging trainers contribute significantly to the user experience.
• Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Other Options:
  • Gym Memberships: A monthly gym membership often costs significantly more than Apple Fitness+, especially for premium gyms. Fitness+ provides a robust alternative for home-based training.
  • Personal Trainers: While not a direct replacement for one-on-one personal training, Fitness+ offers expert-led guidance at a fraction of the cost of even a single personal training session.
  • Other Fitness Apps: Compared to other premium fitness apps, Fitness+ often stands out due to its deep integration with the Apple Watch and the high production quality of its content.
• Target Audience: Apple Fitness+ offers exceptional value for:
  • Individuals already within the Apple ecosystem, particularly Apple Watch owners.
  • Those who prefer working out at home or while traveling.
  • Users seeking a diverse range of workout styles and continuous content updates.
  • Individuals who benefit from visual guidance and real-time performance metrics.

Maximizing Your Apple Fitness+ Experience

To derive the most benefit from your Apple Fitness+ subscription, consider these expert recommendations:

• Leverage Apple Watch Integration: Always wear your Apple Watch during workouts. The real-time heart rate, calorie burn, and activity ring data are invaluable for monitoring effort, ensuring appropriate intensity, and tracking your progress against fitness goals.
• Explore Diverse Workouts: Don't limit yourself to one or two workout types. Experiment with different modalities (e.g., try a Dance workout if you usually do Strength) to challenge your body in new ways, improve overall fitness, and maintain engagement.
• Utilize Collections and Programs: Fitness+ offers curated "Collections" and structured "Programs" (e.g., "Beginner Series," "Workout for Older Adults," "Prenatal Workouts"). These are excellent for building foundational skills, achieving specific goals, or catering to unique life stages.
• Prioritize Mindful Cooldowns and Meditations: Recovery and mental well-being are as crucial as the workouts themselves. Incorporate the mindful cooldowns to aid physical recovery and explore the guided meditations for stress reduction and mental clarity.
• Consistency is Key: Like any fitness regimen, the true value of Apple Fitness+ is realized through consistent use. Schedule your workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

At its core price of $9.99 per month (or $79.99 annually for greater savings), Apple Fitness+ presents a compelling and cost-effective solution for at-home fitness. Its robust library, high-quality instruction, and seamless integration with the Apple Watch ecosystem provide a comprehensive and engaging platform for individuals seeking to enhance their physical and mental well-being. By understanding its features and leveraging its capabilities, fitness enthusiasts can unlock significant value from this subscription service, making it a powerful tool in their pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle. Consider utilizing the free trial to personally assess if its offerings align with your fitness aspirations and preferences.