Looking to get in shape and don't fancy a gym membership? There are a growing number of options that allow you to skip this route entirely, which makes a lot of sense considering that gyms are often expensive and require ongoing commitment to justify paying for a membership. Plus, gym hours have become increasingly sporadic as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Fitness Services offers a refreshing twist on the training theme, with the recently launched Apple Fitness Plus subscription service backing the mighty Peloton. However, there is another major player in this field of fitness, the Nike Training Club. Like the others, it's a subscription service that offers many online workouts, but now it's completely free. We've already seen how Apple Fitness Plus stacks up against Peloton, with a preview that took the better of the two options into account. How does Nike Training Club Premium stack up against Apple's new and rather similar service?
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Apple Fitness Plus (Image credit: Apple)
Introducing Apple Fitness Plus
There's a lot to love about Apple Fitness Plus, especially if you're a fan of the brands. You'll need an Apple Watch to get the most out of it, as well as an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV to be able to watch the workout workout online. If you've recently purchased an Apple Watch, the subscription-based service seems to be good value for money. It costs €9.99 / €9.99 / AU$14.99 per month or €79.99 / €79.99 / AU$119.99 per year. Better yet, if you already have the Apple One Premier plan, it's possible to use the service with Family Sharing for $29.95 per month. Plus, purchases of Apple Watch Series 3 or later from September 15 mean you can enjoy the service free for three months, while current owners get one month free.
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Apple Fitness Plus (Image credit: Apple)
Nike Training Club Overview
Nike's experience in producing sports shoes and sportswear makes the Training Club an excellent choice, even more so if you're a fan of the brand. Basically, all Nike Training Club workouts, including the ones previously only available to Premium members, are now free for Nike members, after the company decided to waive the subscription fee a few years ago. months in part for Covid-19. It was a bit more expensive than the Apple Fitness Plus package, but being able to use the Nike app for nothing means you have nothing to lose. While early adopters have been heard complaining about how this move to free has resulted in a less exclusive choice of workout content to choose from, the move has certainly opened up Nike's offering to the general public. And, since gyms are off limits for many because they are closed or too expensive, the free course is welcome. In terms of workout options, the choice is vast with the Nike Master Trainers tempting you with everything from HIIT classes, bodyweight workouts, yoga and cardio to bodyweight workouts and full gym. The activity aspect is complemented quite well by a selection of additional features, such as nutrition tips and wellness guides. The Nike app, available for iOS or Android, is the heart of this service, with its ability to track progress during your workouts and monitor your fitness goals. There's also a touch of competitive fun, as the milestones you reach are marked with digital badges and trophies. Meanwhile, the range of workouts offered varies from short 15 minute sessions to full hour workouts.
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Nike Training Club (Image credit: Nike)
Apple vs Nike features
These online workouts are at the core of both subscription services, with Apple Fitness Plus offering a series of streaming videos that are constantly updated. You can choose from strength training, HIIT, yoga, cycling and treadmill sessions led by a professional trainer. The big advantage is if you're already on Apple Music, as there's seamless integration and access to a mountain of tunes. In terms of stats, you'll be able to monitor key areas such as heart rate and calories burned. Meanwhile, the ring system that's also built into your workouts adds an extra touch of dynamism to the proceedings, highlighting achievements when you push yourself harder than usual. The only thing to do is make the workouts broadcast instead of live, which might lessen the appeal for some.
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Apple Fitness Plus (Image credit: Apple) Perhaps you could level the same criticism at Nike Training Club. This includes around 100 workouts, delivered in a streaming format like Apple's model. You'll need to download the app and follow this up by completing an introductory questionnaire that aims to find you the videos that best suit your current fitness level. The nice thing about it is how it sets you up with an action plan and shapes your workouts as you go. Stick to a full program and you'll be in better shape after four to six weeks, that's for sure. Progress is measured as you sweat through the different stages, and the nice thing about all of this is that you can request push notifications to make sure you stay on schedule. Nike's concept also allows you to choose random workouts from their collection if you don't want to get involved in an ongoing plan. These are useful if you want to dive in and try something a little different or focus on specific muscle groups. The all-powerful appeal of the Nike brand means there are also options inspired by sports heroes like Cristiano Ronaldo, for example.
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Nike Training Club (Image credit: Nike)
Apple's verdict against Nike
Both training options are worth trying, and with Nike Training Club's premium workouts now free, it might be a good idea to start with this one. It doesn't look as sleek as its Apple counterpart, with a few drawbacks. You'll have to play around a bit to see it on a TV, for example, though Nike has plenty of help to help you out with technical issues. The Nike package doesn't have the same appeal for people who crave audio when they work out. You can listen to music, but it's not the seamless experience you get with Apple, which has the added benefit of its music service to add to the appeal. On another practical note, some Nike workouts expect you to have a complete home gym kit. Cool if you have it, not so hot if you don't.
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Nike Training Club (Image credit: Nike) By contrast, there are still plenty of workouts that require little equipment, with the exception of a mat. However, investing in free weights will be a real blessing. In the end, Apple Fitness Plus and Nike Training Club are attractive. But, the latter and its simple format, which does not need to part with money, makes it the best option. For something free, it's easy to forgive the Nike pack for any shortcomings it may have. Still, it must be said that the Apple and Nike packages offer a somewhat lonely experience. And it's very different from something like Peloton, where you can actually train in a "live" environment. This could prove to be a deal breaker for some fitness fanatics who only really thrive when they sweat it out on a competitive field.