As the world of fitness and technology continues to evolve, Apple has been at the forefront with its innovative Apple Fitness+ platform. Launched in 2020, Apple Fitness+ offers a wide range of workouts, from yoga and Pilates to strength training and cardio exercises, all led by expert trainers. However, one question that has been on many users’ minds is whether it’s possible to use Apple Fitness without a subscription. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and explore the options available to you.
What is Apple Fitness+?
Before we dive into the subscription aspect, let’s take a brief look at what Apple Fitness+ has to offer. Apple Fitness+ is a fitness platform that provides users with access to a vast library of workouts, including:
- Yoga: Improve your flexibility and balance with gentle flows and challenging poses.
- Pilates: Engage your core and build strength with low-impact exercises.
- Strength Training: Get fit with dumbbells, kettlebells, or bodyweight exercises.
- Cardio: Boost your heart rate with high-energy workouts, including dance and HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).
- Mindfulness: Relax and unwind with guided meditation sessions.
These workouts are led by experienced trainers who provide clear instructions, demonstrations, and motivation to help you reach your fitness goals. Apple Fitness+ also integrates seamlessly with your Apple Watch, allowing you to track your progress and earn rewards.
Do I Need a Subscription to Use Apple Fitness+?
The short answer is yes, you do need a subscription to access the full range of workouts and features on Apple Fitness+. Apple Fitness+ is a premium service that requires a monthly or annual subscription. However, there are some exceptions and alternatives that we’ll explore later in this article.
Apple Fitness+ Subscription Options
If you decide to subscribe to Apple Fitness+, you have two options:
- Monthly Subscription: $9.99 per month
- Annual Subscription: $79.99 per year (which works out to $6.67 per month)
Both options provide access to the entire library of workouts, as well as new content added regularly.
Can I Use Apple Fitness Without a Subscription?
While a subscription is required to access the full range of Apple Fitness+ content, there are some ways to use Apple Fitness without a subscription:
Apple Fitness App (Free)
The Apple Fitness app is a free download that comes pre-installed on your iPhone. This app provides a limited selection of workouts, including:
- Yoga: A few basic yoga flows and poses.
- Pilates: A limited selection of Pilates exercises.
- Walking: Guided walking workouts to help you get moving.
While the Apple Fitness app is free, it’s essential to note that the content is limited compared to Apple Fitness+. You won’t have access to the same variety of workouts or expert trainers.
Apple Watch Workouts (Free)
If you own an Apple Watch, you can access a range of free workouts directly on your device. These workouts include:
- Yoga: A selection of yoga flows and poses.
- Pilates: A limited selection of Pilates exercises.
- Cardio: Guided cardio workouts, including walking and running.
These workouts are designed to be quick and easy to follow, making them perfect for a busy day or a quick fitness fix.
Third-Party Fitness Apps (Free or Subscription-Based)
If you’re looking for alternative fitness apps that don’t require an Apple Fitness+ subscription, there are many options available on the App Store. Some popular alternatives include:
- Nike Training Club: A free app with a wide range of workouts and training plans.
- JEFIT: A free app with a large exercise database and workout routines.
- Peloton Digital: A subscription-based app with a variety of workouts, including cycling, running, and strength training.
These apps may not offer the same seamless integration with your Apple Watch or the same level of polish as Apple Fitness+, but they can still provide a great workout experience.
Conclusion
While a subscription is required to access the full range of Apple Fitness+ content, there are some alternatives and exceptions that can help you use Apple Fitness without a subscription. The Apple Fitness app and Apple Watch workouts provide a limited selection of free workouts, while third-party fitness apps offer a range of alternatives. Ultimately, whether or not to subscribe to Apple Fitness+ depends on your individual fitness goals and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium fitness experience with expert trainers and a wide range of workouts, Apple Fitness+ may be the best option for you. However, if you’re on a budget or prefer a more DIY approach to fitness, the alternatives mentioned in this article can still provide a great workout experience.
Final Thoughts
As the fitness landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and options available to you. Whether you choose to subscribe to Apple Fitness+ or explore alternative fitness apps, the most important thing is to find a workout routine that you enjoy and that helps you reach your fitness goals.
Can I use Apple Fitness without a subscription?
Yes, you can use Apple Fitness without a subscription, but with limited features. Apple Fitness+ is a subscription-based service that offers exclusive workouts and personalized recommendations. However, you can still access some basic features and workouts without a subscription. For example, you can track your daily activity, including steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned, using the Activity app on your Apple Watch or iPhone.
Additionally, you can also access a limited selection of free workouts on the Fitness app, which are available to all users, regardless of whether they have a subscription or not. These workouts are designed to help you get started with your fitness journey and provide a taste of what Apple Fitness+ has to offer. However, if you want access to the full library of workouts, personalized recommendations, and other premium features, you will need to subscribe to Apple Fitness+.
What features are available without an Apple Fitness subscription?
Without an Apple Fitness subscription, you can still access some basic features, including tracking your daily activity, such as steps taken, distance traveled, and calories burned. You can also access a limited selection of free workouts on the Fitness app, which are designed to help you get started with your fitness journey. Additionally, you can set and track your fitness goals, such as exercise minutes, stand hours, and move calories, using the Activity app on your Apple Watch or iPhone.
Furthermore, you can also use the Workout app on your Apple Watch to track your workouts, including running, walking, swimming, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The app will track your workout duration, distance, and calories burned, and provide you with a summary of your workout at the end. However, without a subscription, you will not have access to personalized recommendations, customized workout plans, or the full library of workouts available on Apple Fitness+.
Can I try Apple Fitness without a subscription?
Yes, you can try Apple Fitness without a subscription by accessing the free workouts and features available on the Fitness app. Apple also offers a one-month free trial for Apple Fitness+, which allows you to try out the premium features and workouts before committing to a subscription. During the free trial, you will have access to the full library of workouts, personalized recommendations, and other premium features.
To start your free trial, simply open the Fitness app on your iPhone or iPad, and tap on the “Try it Free” button. You will be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID and agree to the terms and conditions. Once you have started your free trial, you can access all the premium features and workouts on Apple Fitness+ for one month, without being charged. After the free trial ends, you will be automatically subscribed to Apple Fitness+ unless you cancel your subscription.
How much does an Apple Fitness subscription cost?
An Apple Fitness subscription costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. You can subscribe to Apple Fitness+ on a monthly or annual basis, depending on your preference. If you choose to subscribe on a monthly basis, you will be charged $9.99 per month, and if you choose to subscribe on an annual basis, you will be charged $79.99 per year.
It’s worth noting that Apple Fitness+ is also included in the Apple One Premier plan, which costs $29.95 per month. The Apple One Premier plan includes access to Apple Fitness+, as well as other Apple services, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud storage. If you are already subscribed to one or more of these services, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade to the Apple One Premier plan.
Can I cancel my Apple Fitness subscription at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Apple Fitness subscription at any time. To cancel your subscription, simply go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap on your name, and then tap on “Subscriptions.” From there, you can select your Apple Fitness+ subscription and tap on the “Cancel Subscription” button.
Once you have canceled your subscription, you will still have access to Apple Fitness+ until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, you will no longer have access to the premium features and workouts on Apple Fitness+, but you can still access the free workouts and features available on the Fitness app. If you want to restart your subscription, you can do so at any time by going back to the Subscriptions page and tapping on the “Resubscribe” button.
Is Apple Fitness available on all Apple devices?
Apple Fitness is available on most Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. However, some features may not be available on all devices. For example, the Workout app is only available on Apple Watch, while the Fitness app is available on iPhone and iPad.
To use Apple Fitness+, you will need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 14.3 or later, or an Apple Watch with watchOS 7.2 or later. You will also need to have a compatible Apple device to access the premium features and workouts on Apple Fitness+. If you have an older Apple device, you may not be able to access all the features and workouts available on Apple Fitness+.
Can I use Apple Fitness with other fitness apps and devices?
Yes, you can use Apple Fitness with other fitness apps and devices. Apple Fitness integrates with many popular fitness apps and devices, including Nike Training Club, Strava, and Garmin. This allows you to track your workouts and activity across multiple apps and devices, and get a more complete picture of your fitness journey.
Additionally, Apple Fitness also supports HealthKit, which allows you to share your fitness data with other health and fitness apps. This means that you can use Apple Fitness in conjunction with other fitness apps and devices to track your progress and achieve your fitness goals. However, it’s worth noting that some features may not be available when using Apple Fitness with other apps and devices, so you may need to check compatibility before getting started.