Getting Started with the Aaptiv App

Aaptiv entered my life at the perfect time. I was just getting ready to relocate which meant I was leaving a gym and fitness community I had really grown to love. I knew workouts for the foreseeable future would have to be done in the fitness room in my apartment complex. And I was dreading it. So, I searched and searched for some sort of online program to keep me interested. I found a few apps to try but they were super repetitive and I still needed my own music. I tried a video series but didn’t like having to a look at a screen to follow along. Finally, Aaptiv popped up in my Facebook News Feed and the description sounded just like what I had been looking for. I assumed it was too good to be true.

Well, I was dead wrong. Aaptiv is everything I had been looking for and more!

Since I’ve started recommending Aaptiv to others, I’ve received questions about how to get started. The Aaptiv App has a lot of content {which is awesome!} but it can make getting started a little overwhelming. I’m going to break it all down for you in this post. Also, be sure to read all the way to the end for an awesome deal to get you going! But first, for those of you who aren’t familiar with Aaptiv, let me introduce you!

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Aaptiv is a workout app that brings the motivation and power of a personal trainer or group fitness class to your headphones {I recommend these bluetooth headphones for indoor workouts and these bluetooth headphones for outdoor workouts}. I love it because it allows me to workout on my time. I’m a huge fan of group fitness but don’t like planning my entire day around whatever time my favorite class happens to be held. And I really prefer to workout in the morning otherwise there is a good chance I won’t do it.

Aaptiv has 11 different types of workouts: Treadmill, Outdoor Running, Elliptical, Indoor Cycling, Yoga, Strength Training, Walking and 5K/10K/Half Marathon/Full Marathon Training. Plus, three newly added sections: meditation, a monthly challenge and a curator playlist. The monthly challenge encourages you to try specific focused workouts. Recently the monthly challenge was focused on core. Which was awesome for me as it’s my biggest weakness and I am guilty for never choosing any workout with “core” in the title. The curator playlist is a list of workouts selected by one of the trainers or a featured user. It’s my go-to section when I just want to workout but don’t have anything specific in mind.

Aaptiv sorts classes into three different levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Of course, everything is relative so try classes in different levels to figure out where you are with your fitness. I find that I’m in advanced in some sections but a beginner to intermediate in others. If you walk away from a workout and don’t feel you were challenged enough, go up a level next time and see what happens!

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Aaptiv Class Sections

Let’s dive deeper into some of the class sections. I’ll share some of my favorites too!

Strength Training

Strength training is so important. Not only does it make you stronger, but it helps to build bone density too. Strength training is one of the best sections of the app because the classes don’t require any equipment. Though I would recommend keeping a mat on hand to avoid rug burn while in plank {not that I would know anything about that ;)}.

Running/Strength Power Duo – Jaime McFaden: This class combines bodyweight exercises with running intervals. The running intervals can be done on a treadmill, outside or you can even run in place. This workout will get your heart rate UP!

Power Plyo – Amanda Murdock: An intermediate HIIT workout. Great music with plenty of modifications {both easier and harder}. If you ever think you don’t have time to workout, put this one on. An awesome workout in just 15 minutes. You can find 15 minutes.

Upper Body Rock – Marq Brown: This workout not only focuses on upper body but core too. It has one of my favorite body weight moves for triceps and plenty of burpees to get your heart rate up. If you’ve ever doubted the effectiveness of your own body weight in strength training, this class will convince you. Plus, Marq motivates and cheers you on throughout the workout.

Treadmill

Dreadmill no more! If you’re anything like me, you get incredibly bored on a treadmill. I’ve tried writing down interval workouts but my music never matches up and I never stick with it. Aaptiv to the rescue!

Treadmill Tripe Threat – Rochelle Moncourtois: Fun music and great intervals. It’s a good go-to when you are tight on time.

Photo Finish – Meghan Takacs: I love that Meghan reminds you to be mindful of your form in this one. This workout is good for working on your sprints and as always, great music.

Pop 2K – Rochelle Moncourtois: If you’re close in age to me (I’m 33), you’re going to love this one. So many fun songs that remind me of high school and college in this workout. You’ll be so caught up in the music that you’ll blow through the sprints and intervals in the blink of eye.

Elliptical

Until Aaptiv, I hadn’t been on an elliptical in years. I always felt like I got a better workout on a treadmill. Turns out, I was just doing it wrong. On a whim, I cued up an intermediate elliptical workout and before I knew it 30 minutes had flown by and I was soaked in sweat from head to toe. I was so busy adjusting the incline and resistance and loving the music, I didn’t realize how hard I had worked out. If you’ve fallen out of the love with the elliptical, give it another shot. It’s also a good option for cross training days or for those with knee injuries.

Power Pop Mashup – Candice Cunningham: Fun music plus inclines! This is one is great if you’re feeling ready to move into the intermediate elliptical workouts as there are some active rest periods. Oh, and Justin Timberlake is involved, so you know it’s going to be a good time!

Sweat House – Kelly Chase: This is a long one but the music is pumping and you’ll feel like a sweat house when you’re done. There are a lot of different components so you won’t get bored.

Indoor Cycling

I just started spinning at the beginning of 2016. I’ve really noticed a difference in my endurance and I credit that to my time on the bike! There is a good mixture of classes in this section. Some classes will have you up and out of the saddle, some focus on speed and some make you work for the top of that hill!

Country Climb- Candice Cunningham: You have to switch up the music sometimes and country fans are going to love this one. This class focuses on building resistance at a great pace.

Steady House Cycle – Kelly Chase: This is a good beginner cycling class and very helpful for new Aaptiv users. Kelly moves through the positions you’ll run into in other workouts and of course, the music is pumpin’!

Love to Fly – Kelly Chase:  This 20 minute class goes quick but still leaves you dripping sweat. It’s my go to when I want to cycle but haven’t looked through any of the new classes.

Yoga

I always get in one yoga class a week and I’d like to increase that to 3 in 2017. There are several different instructors and many different class styles. Some are labeled as stretching and are meant to be used as a pre or post compliment to another workout. There are also plenty of flow style classes that may be more like what you are used to experiencing in a studio setting.

Warrior Flow – Amanda Murdock: This one is great for those just getting back into yoga. It’s a relaxed flow that takes you through a lot of what you already know but could use a refresher on. I think it’s the perfect length too!

Let’s Flow Together- Ceasar Barajas: If you’re traditionally a power flow type of yogi, then this class is for you. Ceasar reminds you to be mindful of your breathe which is something I personally really need to work on. You’ll walk away feeling ready to tackle the world (and also sweaty)!

I haven’t had enough experience with the outdoor running or training programs. I will plan to revisit those when spring rolls around and share my experience at that time.

Other helpful information

Aaptiv has a few tools to help you find what you’re looking for within the app.

First, there is your profile area. This area will show you your stats, past classes and favorites. I highly recommend using the favorite tool to mark classes you know you want to repeat. To do so, you just tap the little heart on the specific class’ page. This way you can simply refer to your favorites list and won’t have to scroll through dozens of workouts to find one you know you already love.

My second favorite feature is the filter feature. When in a class section tap the filter icon in the top right corner. This feature allows you to filter by duration, incline, speed, trainer or class level. I mainly use it to sort by class level and duration.

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Sample workout plan for your first week

If you’re looking for some direction for your first week, give the plan below a shot. It’s a great overview of what Aaptiv has to offer.

Sunday – Outdoor Running

Slow Down for What? – Meghan Takcs

This is a perfect beginning training run. It focuses on intervals of running and walking. Plus Meghan does a great job of coaching you on form. The longest running interval is five minutes. You’d be surprised how fast five minutes goes when you have great beats and motivation from Meghan in your headphones.

Monday – Strength Training

Whole Body Strong – Marq Brown

This is a beginning strength training workout with one of the toughest trainers. Don’t let that intimate you though, let it make you feel extra awesome once you finish the class. In under 25 minutes you’ll be led through a full body workout focusing on squats, pushups, sit ups and planks.

Tuesday – Treadmill

Intro to Intervals – Kelly Chase

A nice 20 minute jog mixed with a little walking and running. You’ll take on some low inclines and just enjoy the dance the music!

Wednesday – Yoga or Outdoor Walk

Your Movement is Here- Amanda Murdock

An intermediate level class that provides stretches focused on chest, back and hamstrings. You do not need to be at an intermediate level in your yoga practice. This class is doable for all levels. You do need to have some prior yoga experience though so you are familiar with the poses. Amanda does a great job of explaining them but for someone who has NO yoga experience, it could still be confusing. The playlist includes some chill versions of current Top 40 music.

Alternative: Yoga not for you? Get outside for a walk. Try this class from the outdoor running section: Oldie Stroll – Candice Cunningham 

Thursday – Elliptical or Cycling

Up the Beat (elliptical) or Steady House Cycle (cycling) – Kelly Chase  

Your choice today! Both are fun and great for the leg muscles!

Friday – Strength Training & Treadmill

Total  Body Add-On – Jaime McFaden

Gradual Pop Progression – Meghan Takacs

It’s Friday, let’s have some fun. You’ve earned it after all. The Total Body Add-On is a blast. It’s full of songs you know and love (think M.C. Hammer!). You’ll have to focus on listening Jaime, otherwise you’ll end up dancing through the whole workout. Follow that up with a quick treadmill session with Meghan. This class moves you through walking, jogging and running intervals for some endurance training!

Saturday – Yoga

Good Morning Yoga – Amanda Murdock

End the week with an energizing yoga session. This one will stretch out your whole body, remember to focus on your breathing too!

Finally, an FYI: Once you join Aaptiv, you’ll be directed to the private members only Facebook group. I definitely recommend joining! It’s a huge group of Aaptiv users from around the world who discuss all things Aaptiv and healthy living. You’ll find threads on anything from the best headphones, to what workouts others are doing and I even see call outs for accountability partners. It’s an awesome extra! Plus, the trainers are part of the group so you can give them feedback and ask questions.

And now for the best news of the day. Aaptiv has an awesome deal for you!

Try the Aaptiv app free for 30 days with this promo code.

My gut feeling is you’re going to be hooked!