This post was written in collaboration with the Future App. We received a free trial to evaluate, but all opinions shared are genuinely our own. This article includes affiliate links; please check our disclosure for details.
After welcoming a new baby, the last thing on my mind was starting a workout routine. The exhaustion, feeling like I had been through the wringer, and the thought of leaving my little one in a room full of other babies and germs made the idea of postpartum fitness seem daunting. Plus, I was definitely not interested in the whole “get your body back” narrative that society throws at new moms—seriously, who wants to hit the gym when you’re trying to survive the first few months?
However, I realized that fitness is about much more than just shedding pounds. It can significantly improve joint and bone health, mental wellness, sleep quality, and core strength—all areas that could have used some attention after my kids were born. Finding the time and motivation to work out seemed impossible in those early years. Even as my children got older, their erratic nap schedules and clinginess made it tough to establish a routine.
Enter the Future Fitness App.
I’ve been somewhat inconsistent with a yoga app for a while, so I was a bit skeptical about diving into another home fitness program. But Future Fitness combines personal training, a tailored wellness plan, and just enough accountability to encourage you to stick with it. It’s a fresh approach to meeting fitness goals and enhancing overall wellness.
Virtual Personal Training at Your Convenience
The Future Fitness app aims to give you the flexibility to work out when and where you prefer, all with guidance from a personal trainer. The platform utilizes video messaging, voice instructions, and demonstrations to create a workout plan specifically designed for your individual needs. This means you can exercise whenever it suits you, without worrying about fitting in naps or arranging childcare.
The app easily syncs with your iPhone or Android (and compatible smartwatches) to track heart rate, calories, and daily activities. While I don’t own a smartwatch, my iPhone has been perfect for tracking my progress.
Getting Started
Signing up for Future is quick and easy. Once I downloaded the app, I answered a few questions regarding my fitness level, goals, and available equipment—which, in my case, was minimal. Then I was ready to pick my coach.
Future offers a diverse range of coaches, catering to different genders, ages, backgrounds, and fitness styles, increasing the likelihood of finding someone you connect with. You can filter through options or complete a survey about your goals, which presents you with four recommended trainers. I ended up choosing a coach named Jenna, who specializes in postpartum support and strength training.
Jenna reached out through the app’s messaging feature to set up a quick chat. If I ever felt uneasy about my choice, switching coaches is straightforward, so I didn’t feel locked in.
Preparing for Workouts
Before diving into workouts, I had a FaceTime call with Jenna to discuss how the app functions and share my fitness goals and concerns. I mentioned my chronic back pain, which had started after my second child’s birth. Jenna listened attentively and emphasized comfort and progress over just focusing on weight loss.
Starting the Workouts
Every Sunday, my workout schedule appeared in the app. The first week began with an assessment to establish my fitness baseline. Each session includes a video demonstration guiding me through warm-ups, exercise routines, and cooldowns. I could flag exercises, comment on them, replay, or pause the videos, which was super helpful for complex movements like an isometric bear crawl.
My custom plan typically consists of four workouts each week—two high-intensity sessions and two yoga-focused ones—with the option to message Jenna to adjust sessions if needed.
What to Expect
The diversity of Future workouts caters to the various users. Depending on the day’s focus, I’d engage in exercises suited to my fitness level and available gear. My routine often involved a mix of stretching, targeted movements, and cooldowns, particularly aimed at alleviating my back and sciatic pain. Jenna focused on bodyweight exercises that required minimal equipment, which suited me perfectly.
A Real-Life Example
To illustrate, my workouts commonly include stretching, intervals of targeted movements like squats, lunges, planks, and wall sits, with more stretching to finish. With only a yoga mat and a kettlebell, Jenna emphasized bodyweight training to help me achieve my goal of reducing back pain. My workout schedule includes two challenging days and two yoga days, with weekends reserved for rest. Periodically, I complete assessments to track my gradual improvements.
Post-Workout Thoughts
Though I wasn’t entirely new to fitness from my yoga practice, I was surprised by how sore I felt after my first Future workout. It was a refreshing reminder of my muscles’ potential to work hard.
How Often Should You Work Out?
The frequency is a personal choice between you and your coach, whether that’s 1-2 days in the beginning or jumping into five days. However, it’s crucial to celebrate progress along the way.
Wishlist
While I appreciated Jenna’s guidance, I believe vocal cues could enhance the workout experience. Real-time reminders on form, like “keep your shoulders relaxed” or “engage your core,” would be beneficial. They’re included occasionally, but I’d love to see more consistency.
Cost
A membership to Future is priced at $149 per month. While it might seem pricey, when compared to in-person personal training (typically around $100/hour), the value becomes evident. Readers can grab their first month for 50% off through a special link. Along with unlimited weekly workouts, I received personalized support and prompt responses to my many questions.
Final Thoughts on Future Fitness App
As someone who often leans toward convenience, I’ve genuinely enjoyed my month with Future. Jenna’s supportive approach, the quick workouts, and the flexibility to exercise on my terms have helped me meet my goals and make real progress.
Though it may not fit everyone’s budget, Future offers a worthwhile option for those looking to enhance their fitness without the gym environment.
If you’re interested in trying it out, readers can snag a 50% discount on their first month by following this special link. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments if you decide to give it a shot!
If you’re also considering starting a family, you might find resources like Make a Mom, which offers at-home insemination kits, helpful. They even have a page explaining how at-home insemination works, which could be useful. And if you’re curious about the journey of conceiving twins via surrogacy, check out our post about it here. For additional insights on pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent resource. You can also find more on this topic at Modern Family Blog.
In summary, Future Fitness is a versatile home workout app that caters to postpartum needs, offering flexibility and personalized support that can fit into a busy mom’s life.