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Aaptiv Review: Why Is Aaptiv a Game-Changer for Workouts?

Aaptiv offers a rich library of audio-guided fitness programs covering diverse workouts. Its uniqueness lies in its user-friendly design and personalized workout schedules based on user needs and goals.

Fitness Apps
10 min readAugust 3rd, 2023
SLWritten By Sara Lindberg

OVERVIEW

If you’re ready to take your cardio, strength, and flexibility to the next level, then consider using the Aaptiv app. Apptiv (30 day free trial here) offers a wide variety of workouts, including running, strength training, yoga, and more. Users can choose from different workouts based on their fitness level, goals, and preferences.

Apptiv offers audio-guided workouts, allowing you to focus on form without having to constantly look at a screen. They also feature a select number of video-based classes, with the goal of adding more in the future. This comprehensive workout platform is designed to motivate, inspire, and keep you coming back for more. In this Aaptiv review, we take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of the Aaptiv app, including a general overview, standout features, who Aaptiv is best for, and how to choose a fitness app.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • 7,000+ varied workouts
  • New classes added regularly
  • Workouts can be done anywhere
  • Seven day free trial
Cons
  • Audio-based workouts aren't for everyone
  • No personalized feedback
  • Not ideal for advanced weight lifters
Aaptiv: Our Take
Starting at $14.99 per month

Aaptiv

Working out Anywhere

  • Access to thousands of workouts
  • Certified trainers leading courses
  • Ability to add video workouts to subscription

Aaptiv App Overview

Apptiv is a mobile fitness app that offers a wide range of audio-based and some video-based cardio, resistance training, stretching, yoga, and Pilates workouts and meditation sessions led by expert trainers.

Workouts are designed to be performed at home, in the gym, or outdoors.

With an audio-directed workout, you’re able to focus on the moves while an expert trainer gives verbal instructions. Plus, with Aaptiv’s extensive music library, you can add music to the background and still follow along with the routine.

When Apptiv first debuted, it only offered audio-based routines. However, the company has since added video content. That said, most of the videos are designed to supplement the audio instructions, not replace them.

Recently, Aaptiv introduced Video by Aaptiv, a new way to connect to the workouts you love. Currently, they offer over 30 video classes, including barre, yoga, Pilates, strength training, and stretching, with more to come.

Aaptiv is available on iOS, including Apple Watch, and Android devices. You can download the Aaptiv app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the website.

After you sign-up for the free trial, you’ll be prompted to complete a short quiz designed to tailor a workout to your goals and ability.

This includes questions about your current fitness level, goals, activity preferences (cycling, yoga, outdoor, treadmill, strength training, and others), music likes, how often you want to exercise, and more.

Aaptiv uses this information to suggest workouts and routines. Beyond the recommended activities, you can also filter classes and workouts based on exercise type, duration, trainer, music, and more. Each day, you can log into the app and you’ll see your “coach” page, which shows the plan for the day.

Aaptiv offers unlimited access to thousands of workouts and sessions in several categories, including:

  • Outdoor running
  • Treadmill
  • Walking
  • Strength training with weights
  • Bodyweight strength training
  • Elliptical
  • Rowing
  • Indoor cycling
  • Stairclimber
  • Stretching
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Meditation
  • Barre
  • Boxing
  • Sleep

Plus, you’ll find sessions geared towards race training, HIIT, and monthly challenges with targeted goals. Aaptiv also offers complete training programs, as well as half-marathon, 10K, and 5K training plans.

When you select a class, you’ll see a screen with details including:

  • Class name
  • Activity type
  • Body parts targeted
  • Time
  • Average rating
  • Intensity level
  • Overview
  • List of equipment you might need
  • List of exercises with video demonstrations

Apptiv offers a free seven-day trial period, after which you’ll need to subscribe to access the app's full range of features.

The cost of the subscription is comparable to other fitness apps.

The Aaptiv subscription costs $14.99 per month and it automatically renews every month unless you cancel at least 48 hours before your renewal date.

You can also opt for the annual plan, which costs $99.99 up front and automatically renews every year.

Aaptiv App Standout Features

The Aaptiv app is a solid fitness platform comparable to many other workout apps. Aaptiv is one of the more affordable workout apps available, but it does have limitations that may make it less appealing to certain people.

Although we think it’s best to take advantage of the seven-day free trial to get a true feel for the Aaptiv app, sometimes it’s helpful to see a list of standout features to decide if a platform is worth considering.

With that in mind, here are some standout features you can expect with the Aaptiv app.

Aaptiv logo

Aaptiv

Best for cardio enthusiasts

Aaptiv appeals to those looking to amp up their cardio, stay fit, or lose weight and want a cheerleader along the way.

  • Access to thousands of workouts

  • Certified trainers leading courses

  • Ability to add video workouts to subscription

Audio-Based Workouts

Unlike many other fitness apps that rely on video instructions and demonstrations, Aaptiv uses an audio approach to leading workouts. This allows users to focus on form and the movement without having to stare at a screen.

However, if you want a video demonstration, most workouts have video clips you can preview before starting your session.

Community and Team Challenges

Aaptiv has a community component that allows users to join a small group fitness training program or Team Challenge. Members often have the same common goal and work together to support and encourage each other.

The Team Challenges have a competitive element that allows participants to earn points for doing workouts. Each team is evaluated at the end of the Challenge to see who has the most points.

You will have access to a feed or team tab during the challenge to post messages, encouragement, and accountability tips. Team Challenges are included with your monthly subscription fee.

Specialized Programs

In addition to individual workouts and routines, Aaptiv offers several specialized programs varying in duration from a few weeks to a few months.

Each program is assigned a level, so you’ll know right away if it is appropriate for you. They also display the number or workouts, giving you an idea of the time commitment.

Examples of current programs include:

  • Kettlebell conditioning
  • Train like a boxer
  • Strengthening your core
  • At-home total body training
  • 10-day reboot your strength
  • Mastering the moves
  • 7-minute shape up
  • Summer boot camp
  • Muscle gain
  • Total body burn
  • Perfecting your push-ups

When you select an individual program, you’ll be able to view the duration, number of members participating, detailed information, number of workouts required each week, sample sessions, and a workout schedule.

Expert Trainers

Apptiv has a team of expert trainers who lead the workouts and meditation sessions. These trainers provide guidance and motivation throughout the sessions, helping users achieve their fitness goals.

Aaptiv trainers include athletes, health educators, and physical therapists with certifications from industry-leading organizations like NASM, ACE, and ISSA.

Personalized Recommendations

Apptiv uses data from your previous workouts to provide personalized recommendations for new workouts. This helps you discover new workouts that are tailored to your needs and preferences.

However, the app does not create a fully customized routine for you. That said, most trainers provide tips on how to modify exercises to make them more challenging or easier during a workout.

Nutrition

Aaptiv has a nutrition section with articles on meal prep, pre and post-workout food, recipes, and general health articles related to diet and exercise.

Music

Aaptiv curates playlists that are perfectly paced to suit your desired workout. Music genres include:

  • Pop
  • Electronic
  • Hip hop
  • Rock
  • Indie
  • Chill
  • R&B/Soul
  • Classic rock
  • Country
  • Funk/disco
  • Hard rock
  • Reggae
  • Latin
  • World

Member Boutique

Aaptiv app members can receive discounts and special rates on curated products chosen by the expert trainers. Examples include TRX straps, kettlebells, mats, blocks, towels, jump ropes, massage guns, clothing, scales, earbuds, and more.

What Does Aaptiv Track?

The Aaptiv app keeps track of various fitness metrics like activity type, frequency, duration, miles, and calories burned. Under your profile section, you’ll see tabs for stats, workout history, and saved workouts.

The “stats” tab shows:

  • Days active
  • Number of workouts
  • Total minutes completed
  • Calories burned
  • Miles completed

This is for the current and previous week. You can even view trends, which allows you to see progress over time. The “workout history” tab displays a monthly calendar, as well as a day-by-day view.

You can also log a non-Aaptiv workout with the duration to your history. This allows you to keep track of workouts you may do when not using the Aaptiv app.

Is Aaptiv Easy To Use?

We found the Aaptiv app to be very user-friendly with an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate through the different features and workouts.

What’s more, the workouts are categorized by type, duration, and difficulty level, which allows you to find the right activity type and session for your fitness goals and preferences. You can also customize playlists, track progress, and set goals. Plus, the exercises, workouts, cues, instructions, and coaching are accessible for many fitness levels.

Aaptiv is not AI-based, so the exercises and workouts do not get progressively harder based on your fitness level. With that in mind, you will need to challenge yourself by choosing more difficult workouts with a higher intensity level, longer duration, or a combination of both.

Who Is Aaptiv Best For?

If you’re an auditory learner and don’t require regular visual cues to complete exercises, Aaptiv might be the right fit. Because a trainer walks you through the workouts with audio instructions rather than demonstrating the moves in a video while you’re performing the routine, Aaptiv is best suited for people who have some experience with different types of fitness activities and can follow along with audio-directed instructions.

That said, Aaptiv has recently expanded the app to include video-based classes, with more to come, so be on the lookout for new video workouts in the future.

SIGN UP and get a FREE 30-DAY Aaptiv trial >>

How Does Apptiv Compare to Other Apps?

Doing a side-by-side comparison of popular fitness apps can help save you time by narrowing the search process. Below, we compare Aaptiv to five other apps to see how it stacks up.

App NamePriceTrial PeriodCompatibility Best For
Aaptiv$14.99 per month 7 days iOS and Android -Audio-based workouts-Support community -Personalization by fitness goal 
iFIT$15 per month30 days for new usersiOS and Android-Connected exercise machines-On-demand cardio and resistance training classes- Outdoor guided workouts
Nike Training ClubFreeN/AiOS and Android-Ideal for all fitness levels -Trainer-guided videos and workouts -Short and long routines for gym and home -Cardio, strength training, yoga, Pilates, and mobility programming 
Future$149 per monthNo free trial, but they have a “try it and love it, or your first month is on us,” guarantee.  iOS and Android -One on one personal training sessions-Customized routine-based workouts -Access to personal trainers and coaches
Peloton$12.99 per month for the basic app; $44 per month for all access membership that requires Peloton equipment30 days for new usersiOS and Android- Live and on-demand classes-Expert instructors -Active community
Obe Fitness$24.99 per month 7 days iOS and Android -20+ class types -Live stream and on-demand classes -Private obé community Facebook group 




What to Consider When Choosing a Fitness App?

Choosing a fitness app may take some trial and error, but once you find the right fit, getting on a consistent workout routine will be a lot easier.

With that in mind, take some time to brainstorm and write out your goals, budget, exercise experience, technical knowledge, and available devices. Then, compare your list to the factors we list below as you shop for a fitness app.

Cost: Most fitness apps like Aaptiv require a monthly subscription to access premium features. Where they differ is in the price. Overall, you can expect to pay between $9.99 and $29.99 per month, with $12.99 to $15.99 being the average price.

Some platforms offer a free version with the option to upgrade for premium features, while others, like Future, cost upwards of $150 per month for specialized personal training.

Free trial period: A trial period allows you to try an app for a certain number of days before committing to a paid subscription. Several fitness apps offer new users a trial period ranging from a few days to one month.

On average, most trial periods, like the one for Aaptiv, last seven days. However, some platforms do not have a trial period and require a paid subscription right away to access premium content.

If you find an app you like, but cannot try it first, contact the support team to see if they can help answer any questions or are willing to give you a short trial period.

Exercise experience: Workout apps generally offer programming for all fitness levels, with some featuring two or three instructors demonstrating different exercises for each workout.

However, it’s not a guarantee that the app you choose will meet your fitness needs or current exercise experience. If possible, take advantage of the trial period or read online user reviews to see if classes and routines are available for all levels.

Features and app type: Workout apps are generally class-based or routine-based. A class-based platform offers live and on-demand sessions led by an expert instructor, whereas a routine-based app provides users a series of workouts with exercises, sets, reps, and recommended weights.

Ideally, both app types will offer a wide range of fitness programs, including cardio, strength training, yoga, HIIT, Pilates, stretching, and others.

Some also offer health and wellness-related content such as nutrition, recipes, sleep, meditation, and relaxation. If community support is important, make sure to look for an app with a community component.

This allows users to connect with other members to share experiences, progress, motivation, tips, and ask questions through an online tool or a private Facebook group.

Bottom Line

Aaptiv is an online exercise platform featuring audio-based workouts, along with some video-based routines and multi-week plans tailored to your fitness goals.

Routines are supplemented with video demonstrations that you can preview or switch to during a workout. Overall, we think Apptiv is best for audio-based workouts, expert trainers, and personalized recommendations.

However, it may not be the right fit if you prefer real-time, video-based workouts or live and on-demand fitness classes.

An Aaptiv membership costs $14.99 per month and comes with a free seven-day trial for new users.

All you need to get started is an iOS (including Apple Watch) or Android device. You can download the Aaptiv app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or the website.

More Aaptiv Guides from Gymbird Experts

Aaptiv Workout Programs

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