These days, browsing Instagram means being inundated with ads handpicked based on the content you interact with. One persistent type of Instagram ad that everyone sees (especially at certain times of the year) is for workout apps.
Sometimes ads can tempt you (that’s their intention, after all), especially if you’re feeling vulnerable or curious. If you’ve been wondering if certain workout apps advertised on Instagram are worth it, this is the guide you’ve been looking for.
Are these apps scam or legit? After trying and testing three commonly advertised workout apps on Instagram, we got the verdict.
1.Everdance
Everdance is (you guessed it) a dance fitness app that is frequently featured in Instagram ads. Let’s get straight to the point: we didn’t have the best experience with this app.
The first problem with Everdance is how it manages its target audience. The Everdance website claims the app is “an easy way for all women to get in touch with their body and mind,” but the app asks new users to identify themselves from a small selection of “gender types.” I prefer not to say not an option, but is this really a necessary or appropriate question after the claims you make on the website?
There’s also no option to skip entering your age or skip the lengthy questionnaire to just get started with the app. In terms of a user-friendly interface, Everdance isn’t off to a good start.
By completing this lengthy questionnaire, a Personal Plan is created for you. However, as soon as I touch Continueyou are faced with the subscription page with a clear message: pay or you can’t use it.
Is it worth downloading Everdance?
The lack of a free trial offer and the app’s rather polarized setup (which seems contrary to Instagram’s welcome announcement) is off-putting. Even the Everdance demo video is set to private. There is certainly a lot of work to be done on the usability and inclusion of this app.
The thumbnails of the videos and (blocked) workouts that appear in the app were of low quality, which removes any trust left in Everdance. The link to download Everdance is below, in case you still want to try it out. But based on our tests, it seems that this app is just an Instagram fad and not worth your time. Feel free to remove your ads from your Instagram feed.
Discharge: everdance for Android | iOS (Free, subscription required)
2. Stretch it
If you’ve watched Instagram videos on how to improve your flexibility, you may have seen StretchIt ads lurking in your feed. However, ads that promise results in a set period of time often set off alarm bells.
To set up the StretchIt app, you need to fill out a fairly lengthy questionnaire. But overall, the questions seem relevant to finding the right stretches for you. Unfortunately, as with Everdance, there is a gender question with only three options that you can’t skip. The app also asks for your weight, but it’s not clear why that’s relevant or necessary.
These extensive questions are “required” to create a custom program for you. Fortunately, StretchIt offers a free trial with expiration reminders so you can get the most out of the first seven days before committing to a subscription. Once you’re set up, you can easily find a class that suits your needs. StretchIt offers help here, or you can just browse through the different classes on offer.
Is it worth downloading StretchIt?
When put to the test, the StretchIt app looks pretty legit. The classes are well taught and the videos are of high quality. It’s also easy to customize your classes and programs to fit your skill level, with helpful images demonstrating what a true beginner, intermediate, or expert can accomplish.
You can also access your account and training videos on the StretchIt website, which is ideal if you prefer to use a larger screen. All these features make the StretchIt app worth your time. Try the 7-day free trial and see for yourself.
Discharge: Stretch it for Android | iOS (Subscription required, free trial available)
3. Alive by Whitney Simmons
Created by Gymshark global brand ambassador and mental health advocate, Whitney Simmons, Alive is a fitness and wellness app aimed at women who want to “shape the best versions of themselves mentally and physically.” However, apps created by influencers may question whether the content offered is legitimate or just a marketing tool.
The Alive app offers training programs and daily exercises within an easy-to-use interface. There are two main subscriptions to choose from (after a free trial): Alive at Home for those who like to strength train at home, and Alive Inside, which features HIIT workouts.
There are 12 different training programs you can follow if you want your schedule to be predetermined. Otherwise, you can choose from over 100 exercises that fall into familiar categories (HIIT, abs, push ups, and more).
You can also keep a journal (the intended “mental wellness” aspect of the app), and the app is fully compatible with the Apple Watch.
Is it worth downloading Alive by Whitney Simmons?
Despite being a Gymshark athlete and having her own fitness app, Whitney Simmons is not a certified personal trainer. She is a popular fitness influencer on social networking sites like Instagram and YouTube. That said, Whitney carefully performs each exercise in instructional videos, and warm-up and cool-down videos can be added to her routine.
The Alive app is intuitive, clean and attractive. The settings menu is well designed and it’s easy to tweak notifications and workout settings. For a fitness app created by a fitness influencer with no clear fitness credentials, the price tag that comes with Alive subscriptions might seem a bit steep.
Take advantage of the free trial to see if Alive is worth it for you. Alternatively, you can find reputable fitness content from certified trainers elsewhere online.
Discharge: Alive by Whitney Simmons for Android | iOS (7 day free trial, subscription thereafter)
Is any workout app advertised on Instagram worth it?
We’ve only tested a few workout apps that you’ve probably seen advertised on Instagram, but there are plenty more that will grace your feed over time. Of the three workout apps we reviewed, the StretchIt app seemed to be the most legit, with high-quality instructional videos and good customization options.
Whitney Simmons’ Alive was great during the free trial period, but seemed a bit pricey for an influencer-building app without a fitness certification. The Everdance app is simply not an affordable option.
Do your research before trusting online fitness plans
If you’re wondering if a workout app advertised on Instagram is worth your time, check to see if it offers a free trial before signing up. Reviews can be helpful, but ultimately you can only decide if you enjoy a fitness app by trying it out for yourself.