Reviews

BetterMe Review 2023: Does This Pilates App Live Up to the Hype?

For the past two years, I’ve been dealing with the challenge of finding exercises that don’t trigger my migraines—a personal hurdle I’ve had to clear time and time again.

This is why I recently regained interest in Pilates, a low-impact workout that promises to tone you up and complement other exercises like yoga. I was already a yoga enthusiast, but I felt something was missing; I wanted something more targeted that would help me build muscle and shed those pesky extra pounds I’d accumulated. And studies show a pilates can increase strength!

But living in a small town, it’s not as though there’s a Pilates studio on every corner. So I began the hunt for a Pilates app that could really deliver, and that’s when I stumbled upon BetterMe.

So, if you’re like me—pressed for time, dealing with specific health considerations, and aiming for a more comprehensive fitness journey—stick around. I’ve been diving deep into this app for the past three months, and I’ve put together this BetterMe review to help you determine if this app is the missing puzzle piece in your fitness or weight loss journey.

(Psst! Need help choosing the best fitness app for you? Check out this round-up of my top home workout app picks!)

About the Brand

Founded in 2016, BetterMe has swiftly evolved from a small startup to a global wellness powerhouse. Employing over 166 individuals, the brand’s offerings are available in 190+ countries and have been installed more than 100 million times within just four years.

But what sets BetterMe apart is its core philosophy. The company believes in promoting an active, healthy, active lifestyle without leaning into fanaticism about weight loss or idealized body types.

This aligns with their mission to make healthy living accessible to everyone, advocating that sports and nutrition are basic human rights. Victoria Repa, CEO and Founder of BetterMe, leads the brand in its commitment to quality and inclusivity.

The team constantly strives for product improvement and innovation. Their ethos resonates in their core values: they aim for an inclusive world and are driven by the belief that more people should be able to love their bodies and achieve happiness within, which ultimately reflects on the outside.

Apart from the app, the brand also sells fitness apparel and the BetterMe Band fitness tracker.

BetterMe Overview

BetterMe isn’t just another fitness and health app though; it’s a comprehensive wellness ecosystem designed to meet you exactly where you are in your fitness journey. It takes a bio-individual approach to every user, ensuring that the experience is tailored as much as possible to individual needs.

The app itself is multilingual, supporting ten languages, making it user-friendly for a global audience. BetterMe offers a plethora of workout programs, nutrition advice, and even mental wellness content, covering both physical and mental well-being.

In terms of functionality, the app is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to build healthy habits, lose weight, or even develop a healthier mindset, BetterMe has you covered.

It offers everything from calorie tracking to meal plans, and from workout routines to mental health advice. Notably, the app even includes options for those with limited physical mobility, like wheelchair workouts, embodying the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

BetterMe App Cost

When it comes to pricing, BetterMe employs a subscription-based model. Upon completing an initial quiz to tailor your experience, the app offers special introductory rates for a 1-week, 4-week, or 12-week plan.

For instance, in Canada, the 12-week plan starts at $29.99 CAD but renews at $64.27 CAD after the initial period. Similarly, the 4-week plan begins at $19.99 and renews at $42.84 CAD. While these prices aren’t the cheapest on the market, they are competitive, aligning with what many other fitness apps offer.

But that’s not all. BetterMe also features in-app purchases for additional challenges that are not included in the regular subscription. These challenges, like the 21-day sugar-free challenge, come with extra features like human coaching and detailed diet plans.

They are priced separately and offer a more intensive experience for those looking to up their game. Overall, the pricing structure allows for flexibility, letting you choose the level of commitment and features that suit you best.

First Impressions

A Welcoming User Interface

There’s nothing worse than downloading a new app and then spending ages trying to navigate through a maze of confusing features. Thankfully, BetterMe spared me that hassle. My first impression of the BetterMe app was quite positive. The clean layout immediately caught my eye, making it feel inviting and straightforward.

It’s so intuitive that you can dive right into exploring the workouts, meal plans, and other features without needing a tutorial. I’d confidently give its user interface an 8 out of 10.

BetterMe also has an app you can download on your computer, which was a plus for me; I often prefer the larger screen of my laptop over my phone when it comes to doing workouts.

The Onboarding Experience

When I first signed up, BetterMe asked me a series of questions to tailor the program to my needs. While it’s not as customized as some other fitness apps I’ve used in the past, like Freeletics or the Jillian Michaels app, it does give the user a sense of personalization right from the start. It’s a nice touch, indicating that the app aims to adapt to individual fitness goals and lifestyle factors.

BetterMe review screenshot - workout overview and mindset training
BetterMe review screenshot – workout overview and mindset training

Thoughts on Using BetterMe

Unique Workouts for Every Situation

One of the standout features for me has been the variety of unique workouts available. You can find exercises designed for small spaces, wall Pilates, face yoga, sofa yoga, and even outdoor walk workouts.

This diversity is a godsend for someone like me who needs to avoid certain exercises that could trigger migraines. The app even allows you to preview the exercises in each workout, so you can ensure they’re a good fit for you. This feature alone has made the BetterMe app an integral part of my fitness journey.

The Impact on My Fitness Goals

The best thing about BetterMe is how accessible it is for every fitness level and challenge you face. I needed low-impact exercises that don’t put strain on my neck and shoulders, and so I really loved programs like the Standing Abs, which targets the core muscles without having to rely on crunches and other neck-wrenching moves.

BetterMe has been part of a broader lifestyle change for me that involves other exercise and dietary changes. So, while it’s tough to isolate its impact, I’ve lost about 5 lbs in the past few months. The app has been a reliable companion, offering convenient workouts that I can do at home or even while working.

I’ve also been using Asana Rebel, a yoga app, alongside my BetterMe workouts to give me a comprehensive workout plan. This multi-app approach has been effective for me, but BetterMe stands out for its focus on Pilates and the unique workout options it offers.

App Drawbacks

While there’s a lot to love about BetterMe, there are some aspects that could use improvement. For starters, the voice-over work during the workouts left me wanting more. It’s likely an AI voice, which made the guided sessions feel a bit impersonal and monotone.

I also wasn’t thrilled about having to pay extra for challenges. It would be great if these could be included in the standard subscription or at least offer a free trial period for these premium features.

But overall, my experience with the BetterMe fitness app has been largely positive. Despite some minor gripes, it’s been a useful tool in my fitness arsenal, helping me stay active and make positive changes in both my physical and mental wellbeing.

Betterme app review screenshots - daily plan and sample meal recipe
Betterme app review screenshots – daily plan and sample meal recipe

Results/Verdict

After three months of incorporating BetterMe into my fitness routine, I can confidently say it’s been a valuable addition. While I’ve also made other lifestyle changes and used other apps like Asana Rebel,

I’ve lost 5 lbs, and I attribute some of that success to the convenient, home-friendly workouts BetterMe provides. The app’s unique range of workout options, from wall Pilates to face yoga, has given me the flexibility to exercise in various settings without aggravating my migraine triggers.

However, it’s not just about losing weight. The app’s focus on mental wellness and its content related to building a healthy mindset have been a refreshing and holistic approach to health.

The meal plans, while not something I follow religiously by any means, offer great ideas for what to cook and have helped me make smarter dietary choices.

That said, the BetterMe app subscription isn’t without its flaws. The voice-over work could be improved for a more engaging workout experience, and the extra cost for challenges may not be everyone’s cup of tea. But these are relatively minor gripes in an otherwise robust and versatile fitness app.

I’d recommend BetterMe to anyone looking for a convenient way to stay active, especially if you need a variety of workout options to suit different spaces and health considerations.

BetterMe Alternatives

Asana Rebel

One alternative to BetterMe that I’ve also been using is Asana Rebel. This app focuses primarily on yoga and has a different vibe altogether. While it doesn’t offer the same Pilates-specific workouts as BetterMe, it’s a wonderful complement to a more rounded exercise routine.

If you’re already a yoga enthusiast like me, Asana Rebel offers a way to deepen that practice.

The Dailey Method

Another alternative worth considering is The Dailey Method. This app combines ballet barre work, Pilates, and orthopedic exercises for a unique fitness experience. It’s a bit more specialized and might be a great choice if you’re looking to focus on specific muscle groups and toning. However, it lacks the broad range of workout types and lifestyle content that BetterMe offers. I tested this platform out a couple years ago, so be sure to check out my full review on the Dailey Method.

Both Asana Rebel and The Dailey Method are excellent in their own right, but they serve different needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive, all-in-one fitness and wellness app, BetterMe still stands out for its versatility and holistic approach to health.

But if you have specific fitness goals like focusing solely on yoga or barre work, then these alternatives might be more up your alley.

BetterMe Review: Final Thoughts

From my first impressions to the nitty-gritty details of using BetterMe, I’ve walked you through my personal journey with this versatile fitness app. While it’s not perfect—what app is, really?—BetterMe has been a valuable companion in my quest for better physical and mental health.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of Pilates or looking for a comprehensive app to spice up your fitness routine, BetterMe offers a little something for everyone. So go ahead, take that first step and remember, the best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is now!

Pros and Cons of BetterMe

Pros:

  • Wide variety of unique workouts suitable for different spaces and conditions

  • Preview feature allows you to see exercises before starting a workout

  • Holistic approach to health, including mental wellness content

  • Meal plans offer practical, simple-to-make dietary options

  • User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate

Cons:

  • Voice-over work during workouts is monotone and lacks engagement

  • Additional costs for challenges, not included in the standard subscription

  • Less personalized compared to some other fitness apps

  • Renewal rates for subscriptions are higher than introductory offers

FAQ

Can BetterMe be used by beginners in Pilates?

Absolutely! One of the strengths of BetterMe is its wide range of workouts, catering to both beginners and those more advanced in Pilates. The app’s user-friendly interface also makes it easy to navigate, so you won’t feel overwhelmed when you’re just starting out.

Is BetterMe available on both Android and iOS?

Yes, the BetterMe app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. You can find it on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Does BetterMe have any features to help with mental health?

Indeed, BetterMe offers content that focuses on mental wellness. This includes advice on developing a healthy mindset and facilitating positive changes in your life, going beyond just physical fitness.

How does the BetterMe subscription renew?

After the initial period of your chosen plan (1 week, 4 weeks, or 12 weeks), the subscription automatically renews at a higher rate. It’s important to note these renewal rates when considering the long-term cost.

Can I cancel my BetterMe subscription anytime?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription, but the steps to do so will depend on whether you purchased it through Google Play or the Apple App Store. Be sure to check BetterMe’s cancellation policy for the specifics.

Are there any additional costs apart from the subscription?

Yes, there are in-app purchases for challenges that are not included in the regular subscription. These challenges offer extra features like human coaching and are priced separately.ion?

Is there a free trial period for BetterMe?

The app doesn’t offer a free trial for its standard subscription, but it does provide introductory rates that are lower than the renewal rates. However, there’s no mention of a free trial for the additional challenges.

How does BetterMe compare to gym memberships?

BetterMe is designed for convenience, allowing you to work out from the comfort of your home or any other space. While it might not replace the full range of equipment and classes available at a gym, it offers a cost-effective and flexible alternative for staying active.

Can I use BetterMe if I have specific dietary preferences?

While I personally didn’t follow the diet plan religiously, BetterMe does offer a variety of meal plan options. However, it’s best to consult the app to see if it aligns with your specific dietary preferences.

Is BetterMe suitable for people with limited physical mobility?

Yes, BetterMe demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity by offering workouts suitable for those with limited physical mobility, such as wheelchair and senior workouts.

Corrie Alexander is a former ISSA-certified personal trainer, home fitness advocate, and founder of The Fit Careerist. A proponent of personal growth and a self-proclaimed fitness app-junkie, Corrie shares tips and product reviews with the goal of helping others on their own fitness journey.

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