For a long time, I haven’t been able to bring myself to get on a steady exercise routine. I thought signing up for a class would help, but I was way too intimidated to go back. What I was really looking for was a guided class that I can do at my own pace, while getting some instruction and not feeling lost. While Googling a way to take some classes at home, I came across this fitness app called Aaptiv, and I knew I had to try it out.
Aaptiv offers guided audio and video fitness classes through their app for every experience level, taught by certified personal trainers. You can choose classes by workout type, trainer, music genre, class length, or level of difficulty.
After looking at the variety of trainer-led workouts on Aaptiv’s site, I was reassured to see a lot of beginner-level classes to choose from. They also have a cool SmartCoach feature, which designs a personal health plan just for you. The feature combines your fitness, wellness, and dietary goals to figure out the perfect plan to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can specify whether you want to eat better or feel less stress, and from there, it will come up with an outline and step-by-step guide to get you there. I’ve been wanting to get more serious about my overall health, so I loved that SmartCoach would break down a goal for me into small, easily attainable steps.
Aaptiv offers a free seven-day trial for new users. After that, it costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year (which averages to about $8.33 per month). I decided it was worth a shot. I started by answering a couple of questions about my fitness history, goals, and some healthy habits that I want to start practicing. From there, it curated a list of activities and workouts to help me get on the right path. You can choose to incorporate the trainer-led workouts into your plan or work out on your own.
I needed a little push of motivation, so for my first workout, I did the “BYOBody Weight” with Rochelle—no equipment needed, only 8 minutes long, and something I could do in my living room—no pressure! As I listened, Rochelle guided me through quick intervals of high knees, squats, and lunges. I loved how easy it was to follow along to her instructions, and the music she picked out was fun and kept me focused during each exercise.
I was surprised at how fast I picked everything up, especially with no distractions. Having Rochelle cheer me on throughout the class was so encouraging, and I was motivated to stick with each set. I decided to do another short class after that, and before I knew it, by the end of the week, I had tried three other beginner classes and was feeling more and more confident.
When I work out with Aaptiv, I don’t have to worry anymore about going to an in-person studio where I feel out of my element. Instead, I can take a class with a trainer guiding me the whole way and avoid that feeling of being totally lost in a group class. Now, before I start a workout, I browse the options and trainers to find classes that best fit my level and my mood. Aaptiv’s SmartCoach feature has made overhauling my fitness routine a lot less intimidating.
Thanks to Aaptiv, I don’t feel like such a fitness newbie anymore and I’ve never felt more confident about working out.