I’ve been using the Apple Watch for a while now, and I’ve really taken a liking to the concept of activity rings and the watch’s features. These rings act as personal goals, encouraging me to stay active. The watch gently prompts me to move, exercise, and stand regularly, turning everyday goals into exciting challenges. It’s also fun to join monthly challenges and compete with friends, adding a social aspect to the whole experience.
A few months ago, I decided to give the Apple Fitness+ free trial a shot – and I ended up loving it. I wanted to add some cardio to my daily workouts, and Fitness+ offers a variety of short and long workouts that fit into my schedule.
I tried the treadmill option for a few weeks, and here’s my take on it:
Treadmill workouts focus on short bursts of sprints, categorized into three intensity levels:
- Easy Intensity: This is a comfortable walking speed, usually around 2mph.
- Moderate Intensity: It’s like a comfortable jogging pace, around 4-5mph depending on your comfort level.
- Hard Intensity: This is when you really challenge yourself – sometimes referred to as an all-out sprint.
The runs come in two types:
- Speed Push: Running at a hard intensity for a set duration, typically without an incline.
- Hill: Running moderately to intensely on an elevated incline, often around 6%.
The entire workout is a mix of speed pushes and hill runs. Interestingly, some workouts even combine speed pushes with uphill running – it can get pretty exhausting. However, after each speed push or hill run, there’s a recovery period at a moderate or easy pace to catch your breath before diving back in.
The workout starts with warm-up exercises like shoulder rolls, butt kicks, leg raises, and knee raises to get the body ready. Then comes some time at an easy intensity, followed by moderate and finally hitting hard intensity on a hill or during a speed push. The instructors are knowledgeable and share plenty of tips to help you push through and give your best, which keeps you motivated throughout the workout.
The workout durations range from 10 to 45 minutes, catering to different preferences and schedules. You can even choose filters for the music genre you want to listen to along with the instructor you want to train with. And remember, this is just the treadmill section! I’ve tried a bunch of instructors, and I must say, I really loved the workouts led by Emily Fayette and Sam Sanchez. Their guidance and motivation have truly resonated with me.
I’m really glad I gave this a shot for some variety, and I’m genuinely enjoying it. Looking forward to my next Fitness+ workout!
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