If your home workout routine is starting to feel a little redundant, Apple’s latest creation is going to make your week. For Apple users looking for new ways to get in shape from the comfort of their home, the new Apple Fitness+ service was designed with your needs in mind, especially when it comes to the diversity of the group of trainers they handpicked to lead the movement.
Apple Fitness+ launched on Monday, and the service brings studio-style workouts directly to you via your iPhone, Apple TV or iPad. Popular workouts like HIIT, Yoga, Dance, Core and Cycling are just a few of the robust offerings of workouts led by an all-star team of passionate trainers who were selected not only because they are leaders in their respective fitness spaces, but also because their approach to fitness is welcoming to everyone.
“Inclusivity is so important to us,” says Jay Blahnik, Senior Director of Fitness for Health Technologies at Apple. “We wanted a team where people see themselves in the trainers, of course finding their favorite trainers, but also falling in love with the team as a whole,”
Expect to feel that love all-around as you join the pre-recorded workouts led by coaches like dance instructor and choreographer LaShawn Jones, who was honored to learn she was chosen to inspire others to explore dance as wellness.
“Fitness+ enables me to share my love for dance on a platform and in an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone — I think the experience is going to inspire people of all backgrounds to dance, get healthy and get strong,” says Jones (shown above).
Cycling coach Ty Désean says the importance and significance of continuing to see more inclusion in the fitness community isn’t lost on him.
“Growing up, there wasn’t always someone like me on screen,” Désean tells ESSENCE. “So, to be a Black gay man, to be at the table, to be able to give input, to be heard and be seen in the service, it’s been amazing. I’m looking forward to spreading love and joy, and helping everyone feel included in their journey to getting healthier with Fitness+.”
Sherica Holmon, also an Apple Fitness+ Cycling trainer, shares Désean’s sentiments and looks forward to seeing fitness newbies finding new inspiration as they join her for a class from home.
“I can’t wait to represent any boy or little girl, or however they identify,” says Holmon. “I hope they see Ty, see LaShawn, see me, and not only feel inspired to get healthier with the Fitness+ team, but hopefully remain inspired to follow their dreams too.”
You don’t need anything more than a membership to take an Apple Fitness+ class, although some courses do require bikes and other equipment. Apple Watch customers can subscribe to Fitness+ for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year, and there’s good news for families looking to save: You can share the subscription with up to six other family members with Family Sharing and Fitness+ is also included in the Apple One Premier plan, which, where available, also gives customers access to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and 2TB of iCloud storage for $29.95 per month, and can be shared among up to six family members.
Music lovers will enjoy the integration of their favorite jams into the fitness classes and, although you don’t need an Apple Music subscription to listen while you work it on out, you can download playlists and songs from your classes to your Apple Music library after you wrap.
Fitness beginners need not be intimidated. Whether you’re coming for the music, the fellowship, or to honor your commitment to getting into shape, the Fitness+ trainers share one common goal—they’re eager to inspire you to find new and exciting ways to just get up and start moving more.
“One of my favorite quotes is ‘Be afraid and do it anyway.’ With Fitness+, you have lots of different durations and trainers to choose from and you can dabble in different workouts to find what you love,” says Jones. “Nobody’s judging you. It may be new, it may be different, it might not be easy at first, but you can get there.”
Apple’s hosting a fitness party at your house and you’re invited—just grab your phone and a membership to join trainers like Jones, Désean and Holmon to get one step closer to your wellness goals.
“With Fitness+, everyone is welcome to the party,” says Holmon. “That includes you. That is what I love about the trainer team — each one of us cares about inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels invited.”