Once you know how to set up Apple Fitness Plus, you can start sweating with this exercise program on demand.
Here are some things to keep in mind before signing up for Apple’s workout, which costs $ 9.99 a month or $ 79.99 a year. First, with a free trial of Apple Fitness Plus, with the purchase of a new Apple Watch, you can use the subscription-based service for three months before charging your App Store account.
In fact, you will need to own an Apple Watch before you can use Apple Fitness Plus. If you are a longtime user or only have one during the holidays, you are in luck. If you want to use Apple Fitness Plus but do not have the hardware, you can see the best Apple Watch offers right now for discounts on Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE and more.
And since Apple Fitness Plus is a video-based app, you want a screen to watch classes. An iPhone is sufficient, but you may be better able to emulate if you use an iPad or Apple TV.
Lastly, there is additional equipment you will need. At the very least, one of the best yoga mats can be used for floor exercise. If you have one of the best careers or best exercise bikes, you can also take advantage of more classes.
OK, ready to set up Apple Fitness Plus? Here’s how.
How to download Apple Fitness Plus
There are some prerequisites to setting up Apple Fitness Plus. You need to update your iPhone / iPad and Apple Watch to the latest iOS and watchOS. Your iPhone / iPad must use iOS 14 (to be exact, iOS 14.3), while your Apple Watch must have the latest version of watchOS 7 or at least watchOS 7.2.
As long as you own an Apple Watch and meet the software requirements, Apple Fitness Plus should automatically appear in the pre-installed Fitness app on your iPhone. If you use an iPad, you want to download the Fitness app from the App Store.
You can also download the Fitness app on your Apple TV if you plan on exercising on a larger screen. New Apple TVs come with the Fitness app pre-installed, but if you have yours, you’ll probably have to download them through the Apple TV App Store.
How to set up Apple Fitness Plus
Now that you know how to download Apple Fitness Plus, you can set up Apple Fitness Plus. We show you the steps on an iPhone, although the same steps apply to the iPad.
1. Open your fitness program. As an Apple Watch user, the Fitness app should start on a tab titled ‘Summary’ where you can see the progress of your rings and your recent workouts. Select the “Fitness +” tab at the bottom of your screen.
2. Select “Continue” on the Welcome to Apple Fitness Plus page. This welcome provides a brief overview of the service, as well as a disclaimer on the use of data. You can review how your data is managed, if you wish.
3. Start your free trial. If you purchased a new Apple Watch in the last three months, you get three months of free Apple Fitness Plus membership. If you have an Apple Watch longer, you get one month free. Either way, you will be asked to confirm your Apple ID. You will also be notified of the expiration date of your trial run, or the date on which you will be charged for the monthly or annual subscription.
4. Welcome to Apple Fitness Plus. From here, you can start exploring classes, instructors, and more. Watch the introductory video for help navigating through the app and getting started with workouts.
5. Complete the ‘Workouts to Get Start’ program. This step is optional but is recommended. Even if you exercise regularly, this series of 10 minute workouts will give you a good idea of what to expect from the Fitness Plus class styles. Once you follow actual classes, there are very few introductions, so these beginner classes are helpful.
Now you know how to download Apple Fitness Plus and how to set up Apple Fitness Plus. For more fitness content, read our guide on the best equipment for home gyms and best workouts. Our best guide for ten minutes and weight lifting are also excellent beginners for workouts.