I Discovered a Love for Fitness with This Game-Changing App

For much of my life, I had a strong aversion to exercise. Each time I tried a new fitness plan, I succumbed to monotony and laziness. My gym membership gathered dust, and my home workout equipment lay unused. The only time I managed to maintain a consistent workout routine was with a personal trainer, but at hundreds of dollars an hour in my area, that wasn’t a sustainable option.

For the past three years, I have been using Future Fitness, which has proven to be the next best alternative. This app and membership connects you with actual trainers who personalize your workout regimen and keep you accountable just like an in-person trainer would. While it costs $199/month, which isn’t cheap, it’s the only fitness app that has truly worked for me, making it worth the investment. Here’s why:

Get Into Gear

I first noticed Future Fitness on my Instagram feed early in the pandemic, promoting a free trial. Having gained a bit of weight from inactivity, I figured it was worth a shot. The app prompted me with questions about my goals and fitness habits, then allowed me to select a coach from several available options.

During a preliminary FaceTime call with my chosen coach, we explored my overall fitness aspirations, preferred training schedule, any existing injuries, and the equipment I had access to at home. I’ve gathered a list of the gear I’ve utilized thus far: a yoga mat, resistance bands, two sets of dumbbells, two kettlebells, a suspension trainer, and a Peloton bike. Future coaches can work with whatever equipment you possess, even if you have none.

There is one exception; you will likely need a smartwatch. While it’s not strictly necessary, having one significantly enhances your experience with the app. The smartwatch syncs with the Future app, allowing you and your coach to monitor key details such as your heart rate during workouts and daily activity levels. The watch counts your repetitions for specific exercises, like bicep curls and deadlifts, in addition to tracking spontaneous activities such as extended hikes. I used my Apple Watch, but Future is also compatible with selected Google Wear OS watches.

Hit the Weights

After our initial consultation, my coach began sending me workout routines via the app, complete with video demonstrations and pre-recorded tips for maintaining proper form. Alongside these strength training sessions, my Future coach can incorporate additional exercises throughout the week if desired. For instance, on days without strength training, I was directed to use my Peloton bike.

Each workout routine typically consists of a quick warm-up, a series of varied exercises, followed by a cool-down. The videos demonstrate how to execute each movement with multiple camera angles and explicit instructions. Strangely enough, I found this clinical method more appealing than the overly enthusiastic styles of many YouTube personalities or loud Peloton music.

However, not everything is straightforward. Initially, some workouts proved to be overly challenging. An in-person trainer could adjust my routine on the fly, but I had to adapt on my own in this case. Thankfully, after reaching out to my coach, she offered alternative exercises (like knee push-ups instead of standard ones) and encouraged me to listen to my body’s needs.

My coach excels at keeping me accountable. Each morning, she messages me to remind me of that day’s workout. My Apple Watch transmits my workout information to her, ensuring transparency. If I take a rest day, she prompts me to refocus. After reviewing my workout stats, she messages me to congratulate me on my efforts and asks for my feedback. This ongoing dialogue with my coach is a significant factor in my ability to adhere to my fitness routine.

I paused my Future Fitness membership due to financial constraints, but I am currently several months into reinvigorating my subscription, and I feel fantastic. My joints ache less, I have more energy throughout the day, and my overall mental well-being has improved. These days, I work out five days a week, up from three initially. It seems I don’t actually dislike exercise after all.

• Nicole Lee is a technology journalist with over 20 years of experience covering consumer electronics, social media, kitchen technology, and more. She has also made media appearances on broadcast television and public radio. Outside of work, her passions include baseball, improv comedy, and tabletop role-playing games.