We have all been there. You look down at your wrist, see those three familiar rings on your Apple Watch, and feel a mix of determination and dread. You want to close them—of course you do—but the thought of doing the same neighborhood jog or the same basement treadmill session for the hundredth time just doesn't spark any joy. Fitness plateaus aren't always physical; often, they are mental. We get bored, our bodies adapt, and suddenly, working out feels like a chore rather than a choice.
Enter Apple Fitness+. If you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, you likely have the icon sitting right there on your iPhone or iPad, but perhaps you haven't fully explored just how deep the library goes. It is more than just a collection of videos; it is a tool designed to break monotony. Whether you have five minutes before a Zoom call or an hour on a lazy Sunday, there is something hidden in that library that can completely shift your perspective on movement.
If your exercise routine feels a bit stale, it is time to shake things up. Here are five must-try features and workout styles within Apple Fitness+ that will reinvigorate your training and help you close those rings with a smile.
1. The "Artist Spotlight" Series: Your Ultimate Jam Session
Music is the heartbeat of a great workout. We have all experienced that moment when the perfect song comes on, and suddenly, running up a hill feels a little less impossible. Apple knows this, and their "Artist Spotlight" series is arguably the most fun you can have while sweating. These aren't just workouts with background music; they are dedicated playlists featuring the entire catalog of a single superstar artist, choreographed specifically to the beats of their biggest hits.
Whether you want to cycle to the high-energy anthems of Taylor Swift, row to the rock classics of the Rolling Stones, or do a HIIT session fueled by Beyoncé, there is a spotlight for you. The trainers often dress the part or match the energy of the artist, turning a standard workout into a mini-concert.
Pro Tip: If you use Apple Music, you can save the playlist from the workout directly to your library. It’s a great way to keep that high-energy vibe going even when you aren't working out.
Why does this work for shaking up a routine? Because it distracts you. When you are singing along (badly) to a chorus you know by heart, you forget that you are holding a plank. It shifts the focus from "enduring the pain" to "enjoying the rhythm."
2. Take It Outside with "Time to Walk"
Sometimes, the best way to fix a gym rut is to leave the "gym" entirely. One of the most unique and underrated features of the platform is "Time to Walk." This is an audio-only experience designed for the Apple Watch (though you can listen on iPhone too) that encourages you to step outside and just walk.
Each episode features a guest—ranging from Prince William and Dolly Parton to Hannah Waddingham and Anderson Cooper—who takes a walk while telling stories about their life, career, and lessons learned. It feels incredibly intimate, like you are walking alongside a friend. At key moments in their stories, photos will tap you on the wrist and appear on your Watch face to illustrate what they are talking about.
Here is why you should try it this week:
- Mental Clarity: It combines low-impact physical activity with storytelling, which is excellent for mental health.
- No Pressure: There are no intervals, no leaderboard, and no shouting. It is just walking.
- Short Music Interludes: Each guest finishes their walk by sharing three songs that are meaningful to them, giving you a little pep in your step to finish your route.
3. Conquer "Gymtimidation" with Dance and Kickboxing
Be honest: have you ever wanted to try a dance cardio class or a kickboxing session at a local gym, but stopped because you were afraid of looking silly? You are not alone. The fear of not knowing the steps or lacking coordination keeps many of us glued to the treadmill. This is where Apple Fitness+ shines brightest—it brings the studio into your living room where judgment doesn't exist.
Dance Workouts: Led by charismatic trainers like LaShawn and Jhon, these workouts break down choreography into digestible chunks. You start with simple moves and build up to a full routine. The best part? If you mess up, nobody sees it. You still burn calories, and you still close your Move ring.
Kickboxing: This is a newer addition to the platform and a fantastic stress reliever. It is a full-body cardio workout that requires zero equipment. You will learn jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts. It requires mental focus to keep up with the combinations, which puts you in a "flow state," making the time fly by much faster than a standard jog.
4. Use "Collections" to Set a Tangible Goal
Random workouts are great, but sometimes we get bored because we lack direction. We are just exercising to exercise, without a specific milestone in mind. Apple Fitness+ "Collections" solve this by curating a series of workouts and meditations designed to help you reach a specific goal over several weeks.
Instead of scrolling aimlessly trying to decide what to do, you can commit to a plan. Here are a few standout Collections to consider:
- Run Your First 5K: Perfect for beginners, mixing running tips with strength training to prevent injury.
- Stronger Glutes and Legs: A targeted strength program that helps with everything from running power to daily posture.
- Improve Your Posture with Pilates: excellent for those of us who sit at desks all day.
- Wind Down for Bedtime: A collection of meditations and light stretches to help improve your sleep hygiene.
By following a Collection, you gamify your progress. You aren't just doing a workout; you are checking off a box on a larger roadmap. This sense of progression is often the "secret sauce" needed to get out of a fitness slump.
5. The Magic of "Stacks" and Mindful Cooldowns
One of the most practical features introduced recently is the ability to "Stack" workouts. Previously, if you wanted to do 10 minutes of Core, 20 minutes of HIIT, and a 5-minute cooldown, you had to stop and start a new class every time. Now, you can build your perfect workout playlist before you start.
This allows you to become your own personal trainer. You can mix modalities to keep your body guessing. Try pairing a high-intensity cardio session with a slow-burn Yoga flow. Or, pair a lower-body strength workout with a 10-minute rower sprint.
Don't Skip the Cooldown: If you take nothing else away from this post, try the "Mindful Cooldowns."
Most of us finish a run and immediately sit down on the couch. Mindful Cooldowns are short (5 to 10 minutes) sessions that combine light stretching with meditation. They help lower your heart rate, reduce muscle stiffness, and mentally transition you from "workout mode" back to "life mode." Trainers like Jessica and Gregg make these sessions feel like a reward for your hard work rather than a chore. Adding this small habit can significantly improve your recovery and make you more eager to work out again tomorrow.
Ultimately, the best workout is the one you actually do. Apple Fitness+ removes the friction of planning, driving to a gym, or buying expensive equipment. By exploring these different features—from the celebrity stories in Time to Walk to the high-energy Artist Spotlights—you can transform your relationship with your Apple Watch rings. It stops being about the data, and starts being about the experience.