Janet Ingber
Whether you want to begin an exercise routine or have worked out for years, there are many workout apps available. This article will review three apps: Aaptiv, Apple Fitness+, and Revision Fitness. They are described in alphabetical order in the article, not necessarily in order of preference. I will discuss each app’s overall price, availability, layout, and usability. Step-by-step instructions will not be given.
Availability
Both Aaptiv and Revision Fitness are available on iOS, Android, and the web. Apple Fitness+ is available only for iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, and watchOS. You do not need an Apple Watch to use the app, but you will get more accurate measurements with it.
Free Trial and Cost
Aaptiv
Free Trial: 7 Days Cost: $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
Apple Fitness+
Get three months free with the purchase of a new iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple TV. Cost: $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
Revision Fitness
Free Trial: 14 days Cost: $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
Getting Help
Aaptiv
In the upper left corner on most screens is a menu button. The last item in the menu is Settings. Select this option. The Get Help button is near the bottom of the Settings list. This section offers an accessible form for sending an email. They also have a list of help categories. Aaptiv has phone support but it is not listed in the Help section. The number is: 877-290-2815.
Apple Fitness+
This app does not have support within the app. Go to to the help page here You can also try this alternative page
Revision Fitness
At the bottom right corner of the home screen is a tab labeled, “More.” Select this tab. There is a Contact Us link. This link brings up an accessible form for sending an email. There is also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) link.
Workout Format
Aaptiv
Aaptiv has mostly audio workouts but they have added some video ones as well. There is no way to know non-visually whether a workout is audio or video in advance.
Apple Fitness+
Almost all of the workouts are video. Two are audio only and played on the Apple Watch. They are “Time to Walk” and “Time to Run.”
Revision Fitness
This app is all audio and completely accessible. It was developed by Tyler Merren, a blind 4-time Paralympian.
Workout Categories
Aaptiv
Aaptiv offers many classes. New classes are added each week. Workouts are rated on a scale of 1 through 5. At this time, Aaptiv’s workout categories are Treadmill, Strength Training, Running, Walking, Stretching, Pilates, Elliptical, Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Barre, Stair Climber, Rowing, and Boxing. Aaptiv offers meditation and sleep classes.
Aaptiv lists the approximate number of calories you will burn during the workout. If you are using an Apple Watch to track active calories, Aaptiv will add those calories from the workout on top of what Apple Watch has counted. Avoid this double counting by not having Aaptiv send data to your watch. Go settings/Health/Profile/Apps/Aaptiv and turn off this feature.
Apple Fitness+
This app also contains many workouts. More are available every week. Categories are KickBoxing, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Yoga, Core, Strength, Pilates, Dance, Cycling (indoor), Treadmill, Rowing, and Mindful Cooldown.
Apple Fitness+ also offers meditation including meditations for sleep.
Revision Fitness
This app doesn’t have nearly as many workouts as Aaptiv and Apple Fitness+. The developer is working on more. Workout categories are Core, Cardio, Tone Up, Yoga, EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute. For most workouts, there is a beginner version and an advanced version. This app also lets you build your own workouts. Options are AMRAP (As Many Repetitions As Possible), Circuit Format, EMOM, and Tabata format.
Learning the Movements
If you cannot figure out how to do a particular exercise, try asking Amazon Alexa, Siri or any similar device.
Aaptiv
For workouts where specific moves are presented, such as strength training and Pilates, Aaptiv gives a list of the specific moves. While in this list, someone sighted can select the move and a visual representation will be on the screen. Trainers usually give descriptions, but not always. Once you learn a movement, you can transfer it to other workouts.
Apple Fitness+
During workouts, trainers sometimes give descriptions but not always. VoiceOver may provide additional information such as modifications. However, sometimes this information comes later in the movement. When a workout is chosen, usually only a few of the moves are in the description.
Revision Fitness
This app gives descriptions of every move used in every workout. On the bottom of the home screen is a tab labeled Classroom. Activating this tab brings up a list of all movements used in the app. All descriptions are very clear. Select the move you want to learn. On the next screen is a brief description about the movement. Below this is an audio description button. Activating it starts a description of how to do the movement. When a workout is chosen, the next screen will have a description of the workout and which parts of the body are being used. There is also a Pre-workout information button. Activating it will play information about the workout including which moves will be performed. During the workout, you will be given information about each move.
App Layout
Aaptiv
In the Aaptiv app, there are five tabs at the bottom of the screen. They are Coach, Browse, Team, Programs, and Invite. Once the app is set up, workouts will be suggested in the Coach tab. The Browse tab is where to go to find workouts. Use the Team tab to post to Aaptiv’s social media. Use the Invite tab to invite people to join Aaptiv. In the upper left corner is a Menu button. When activated, a list of items is presented. They include Workout History, Saved Workouts, and Settings. A Get Help option is in the Settings section.
Apple Fitness+
When this app is first opened, the Summary tab is automatically selected. The next tab is Fitness and the final one is Share. Select the Fitness tab. At the top of the Fitness tab is a list of all workout categories. Below the list is a button giving an update on new workouts. Below the button, you can use headings navigation to explore the list of workouts. Flick right or left to explore what is in each section. If Headings does not work, just flick right and left.
Revision Fitness
This app has five tabs at the bottom of the screen. They are Dashboard, Classroom, Fitness Studio, Fitness Plan, and More. The Dashboard tab has a Favorites button, information from the developer regarding the app, and options to like or comment about what has been posted. The Classroom tab is where to go to learn every movement in the app. The Fitness Studio has all the workouts. Selecting a workout brings up a new screen describing the purpose of movements, a Pre Workout Information Session button, and buttons for the workout. Frequently, beginner and advanced workouts are available. The next tab is Fitness Plan. This section has information on making a fitness plan to reach goals including losing weight and toning up. The final tab is More. This tab contains a FAQ section, health and fitness guides, and a Contact Us link.
Saving a Workout
Aaptiv
At the bottom part of an Aaptiv workout are two saving options, Save This Workout and Download This Workout. If the Save This Workout option is selected, you will be asked where you want to save it. There will be a Favorites list and a To Do list. You can also create your own lists by activating the New List button. You will be asked to enter a name for your list. If you choose the Download option, the download will be in the Downloads folder in the app. It is located above the Saved workouts.
Apple Fitness+
Each workout description has an “Add to My Workouts” option. VoiceOver says it is a button, but there is no button navigation in the rotor at this part. Flick right from the top of the screen and you will find it. You can also add the workout when doing the workout. The option will be on the device you are using. Saved workouts are located under the My Library heading near the bottom of the screen. The easiest way to get there is to use the scroll bar on the right.
Revision Fitness
There is a Tap to Favorite button on every workout screen. Favorites are at the top of the Dashboard. They are organized by category including Studios and Classroom.
Music
For many people, music is an important part of their workout routine.
Aaptiv
Aaptiv has playlists specifically designed for each workout. Some are available only with an Apple Music or Spotify subscription while others do not require a subscription. Aaptiv also offers music in several categories that can be used during a workout. They include Hip-Hop, Pop Jams, and Classic Rock. Another option is to just use the trainer’s voice and play your own music.
Apple Fitness+
This app has a wealth of music. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, you can add the workout playlist to your Apple Music library. It will be listed by name of the workout followed by name of the trainer. Some of the many styles used are Hip-Hop/R&B, Upbeat Anthems, Latin Grooves, and Throwback Hits. With Apple Fitness+, you cannot change the playlist or use your own music.
Revision Fitness
Revision Fitness uses unobtrusive, instrumental music in its workouts. If you want to use your own music or not have any music, there is a “Play Without Music” button. It is located below the name of the workout.
Conclusion
All of these apps have good features. Be honest with yourself about your workout capability. If you are brand new to working out, the Revision Fitness app is best for teaching you how to do movements and routines correctly. Although this app is designed for people who are blind or visually impaired, it can be used by anyone. Aaptiv and Apple Fitness+ also have workouts for beginners.
No matter your fitness level, all three of these apps can provide many workouts from which to choose.
