This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:14:05
Apple Fitness Plus is a subscription service designed to integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, requiring an Apple Watch for full functionality. The service offers a variety of pre-recorded workouts including HIIT, yoga, core, dance, and mindful cooldowns, some of which require additional equipment like dumbbells or a treadmill. Though the workouts are capped at 45 minutes, users often combine multiple sessions to meet their fitness goals. The service emphasizes mental health alongside physical fitness, integrating features such as the "Time to Walk" program, which combines motivational content with exercise tracking. Despite positive aspects like diverse trainers and tiered strength classes, critics highlight limitations such as a lack of deep filtering options in the app and the necessity to own multiple Apple devices for optimal use. Comparisons to Peloton reveal that Apple Fitness Plus is currently better suited for beginners or those already within the Apple ecosystem, offering a simpler and more integrated experience, but it still has room to grow in terms of class variety and advanced options. Overall, Apple Fitness Plus is appreciated for its accessibility and potential but faces challenges in appealing to more advanced users.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the reviewers discuss Apple Fitness Plus, a $10 monthly subscription service that offers exercise videos requiring an Apple Watch. The Verge team has been using it to examine its effectiveness. The service includes various pre-recorded workouts, such as HIIT, yoga, core, dance, and mindful cooldowns, some requiring equipment like dumbbells, treadmills, or rowing machines. Key features highlighted are the integration with Apple Music and the necessity of Apple devices to stream the videos. The reviewers address whether the service is good and for whom, concluding that it is well-suited for those integrated into the Apple ecosystem and new to fitness, while noting its similarities and differences with Peloton, particularly the added focus on mental health in Apple’s workouts.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses the differences between Apple Fitness Plus and Peloton in terms of general wellness, class variety, and specific features. While Apple Fitness Plus has fewer instructors and more generic playlists, Peloton offers a wider range of teachers and themed rides. Apple Fitness Plus workouts max out at 45 minutes compared to Peloton’s 90-minute options, leading the reviewer to often combine multiple Apple sessions. The precision of workout intensity is also a challenge with Apple Fitness Plus due to varied bike equipment. The reviewer appreciates Apple’s diverse and interesting instructors and the tiered strength classes that cater to different fitness levels and injuries. They value the deep integration with the Apple Watch, although they find the Apple Fitness Plus app less appealing overall because it lacks the filter options for specific body part workouts like upper body strength training.
00:06:00
In this segment, the reviewer discusses the usability and limitations of Apple Fitness Plus, specifically focusing on the strength class descriptions and the lack of availability through a MacBook. They mention the inconvenience of having to use an iPhone for streaming workouts rather than a larger device like an iPad or Apple TV. The strength classes themselves are described as standard, but the cooldowns incorporate mindfulness, which the reviewer liked. The main hindrance is the need for multiple Apple products to use the service effectively.
The segment also introduces Apple Fitness Plus’s “Time to Walk” feature, which combines inspirational monologues, music, and photos from notable figures with exercise tracking on the Apple Watch. This feature is appreciated for its engaging approach to walking, although it’s noted that it doesn’t significantly differ from traditional podcasts, except for the integration with visual cues on the Apple Watch. The reviewer appreciates the audio experience and realistic sounds of walking in different environments but criticizes the dependency on Apple’s ecosystem, particularly the inconvenience of switching Bluetooth connections between devices when receiving phone calls.
00:09:00
In this part, the reviewer discusses their experience with the Apple Fitness Plus program and its integration within the Apple ecosystem. They highlight some initial challenges, such as the small 40-millimeter Apple Watch screen navigation and their mixed feelings towards the motivational style of the trainers. Despite these issues, they appreciate the variety of trainers and the diversity within the program.
The reviewer bought additional workout equipment, like a bike trainer and a yoga mat, and felt that the available classes cater well to beginners, with different trainers offering modifications. They express skepticism about long-term use since they are already invested in Peloton, but they look forward to seeing how Apple expands and diversifies Fitness Plus in the future.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the features and appeal of Apple Fitness Plus, noting that while it could benefit from adding more diverse offerings like those of Peloton, it currently stands out for its “time to walk” feature. The speaker expresses interest in the potential for unique site-specific workouts, such as guided walks through notable locations. Personal insights reveal that, despite having a gym membership, the speaker finds Apple Fitness Plus more useful and integrated into their routine, especially for core exercises and cycling. They acknowledge that while the service is not perfect for everyone, particularly advanced users, it effectively targets beginners and provides a valuable alternative for those without an existing exercise regimen.