Kic Review: Four Women Share Their Honest Thoughts On The Fitness App
Aussies are trying out whole new ways to achieve wellness – with one increasing popular pick over 850,000 people love.
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Everyone knows that exercise is good for you but finding a workout you actually enjoy and want to consistently do is the tricky part.
For many, the idea of going to a gym can be a pretty nerve-racking experience. When you couple that with trying to find the time and the money for a gym membership, you’ve already lost a lot of people.
This is where the Kic App comes in.
Founded by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, Kic has branded itself as the “feel-good fitness app” and is designed to help you do wellness, your way.
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From workouts at home, to delicious recipes, and mindful guided meditations, Kic offers a more holistic alternative in the often toxic fitness world.
“What we’ve tried to do from the get go is to make healthy living as accessible and as easy as possible,” Steph tells news.com.au checkout.
“The most common feedback we get from our app is that it’s the first thing that they’ve been able to actually sustain and stick to, because they’ve enjoyed it, and they’ve built so much confidence in whatever they’ve been following,” she also says.
WHAT IS KIC?
Designed to work in a variety of ways, Steph says there are no “boundaries or rules as to how people should use the product”.
Kic offers over 1000 workouts, 800 recipes and 100 guided meditations. Users can pick and choose or sign up to a set program.
For runners, there is a 0-5km, 5-10km, 10-21km and even a full marathon 21-42km plans.
There are also gym lift programs to help you feel strong and supported in the gym.
On demand pilates classes are also another popular feature. But traditional pilates isn’t the only option with barre, mind and body, pre and post-natal, cardio and power pilates classes all available in the app.
And for the mothers, KICBUMP offers prenatal pilates and strength training to help you feel your best. There is also post-natal pilates and a bridge the gap program for those who have finished post-natal pilates and want to work your way back into the regular program.
Plus, for those looking for full body workouts, HIIT classes by Laura are a great way to feel the burn. The 5-15 minutes classes also mean you can easily fit them into your schedule.
Finally, stay motivated with a range of 5-30 minute classes. There are over 1000 workouts to choose from including bootcamp, dance cardio, yoga, treadmill and low impact so you can find one that works for you.
Since launching in 2018, Kic has been downloaded over 850,000 times and has users in 120 countries.
We decided to see if it truly lived up to the hype and four news.com.au checkout team members put the app to the test.
HOW WE TESTED THE KIC APP
At news.com.au checkout, it’s our mission to help you make informed shopping decisions. To ensure you buy the right product at the best price, we rigorously test products so you don’t have to.
To see if it was really worth it, we tested Kic for over three months. Four of us, at different fitness levels. tried the workouts, the run plans, the meditations and the recipes.
OUR REVIEWS
Jessica Smith, Health and Wellness Writer
What I used it for: Pilates workouts, running, recipes
Why I love it: Different levels of workout difficulty/duration mean I can squeeze one in every day, no matter how I’m feeling
I fell in love with pilates a couple of years ago, and have been trying to keep up the relationship while also keeping my bank account healthy, ever since. But as prices rose, the exorbitant costs of a reformer class had my budget on the brink and my pilates love affair at stake. Thankfully, Kic came to the rescue, with an affordable way to do pilates at home, that sacrificed nothing except the early wake up call and communal yoga mats.
The fun, casual and encouraging manner of every one of the Kic instructors (my favourite at the moment is pilates-strength weapon Greta), makes each class feel like you’re in the studio with them. I struggle to find the motivation to push myself when working out alone (hence the chokehold in-person classes have on me), but I’ve been continually surprised at how engaging Kic classes are, compared to anything else I’ve tried online. For the first time ever, I’m actually working out consistently each morning, because there are basically no excuses for me not to. No crazy early starts, no exorbitant cost, no bookings required, no need to get in the car. I especially love it for the flexibility of being able to choose something that feels good with where I’m at in my cycle- so I don’t even get an excuse there.
With the new app update, Kic is even easier to navigate, and you can plan your day around the workouts you’ve got scheduled, the recipe you’re making for dinner and the meditation practice you’re doing before bed. I find the recipes also really easy to follow, and the One Pot Asian Chicken and Rice was a serious crowd favourite with my family.
Claudia Coy, Social Media Producer
What I used Kic for: Running, recipes
Why I love it: The recipes have been a surprising favourite
I grew up doing group sports. I loved water polo, I loved soccer, I really, really loved dancing but even as a kid, there’s always been one form of exercise that scares the heck out of me – running. So you can imagine my trepidation when this new ‘run club’ trend picked up in early 2024 and every man and his dog was suddenly hitting the pavement … I do love a bandwagon, but not one that makes every atom in my body burn.
This is where the Kic app really shines. It makes running for beginners way less scary and (dare I say it?) almost a little bit fun. I love that the app offers a range of programs from 0-3km runs (to help build confidence) all the way to 21-42km runs (to build stamina and mental strength). There’s also a plethora of workout videos you can watch (hosted by Laura and Steph) to help target specific muscles in your body and build overall strength.
While the app has certainly provided me with a little extra motivation and a lot more education on the art of running, my favourite feature is the recipe tab. From Laura’s Fave Recipes to Budget Friendly suggestions and even some Meal Prep inspo in there too – I found myself actually looking forward to cooking dinner after and (most importantly) enjoying the fruits of my labour. Most recipes are really straightforward (hello ‘one pan meatballs’) and having so many recipes at my fingertips really took the guesswork out of what to make every night, Monday – Friday.
Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
What I used Kic for: Running, recipes, meditation
Why I love it: I’ve learnt to run 5kms and no longer feel stressed when the idea of running is mentioned
To say I was hesitant to try out Kic would be an understatement. Growing up I was a very sporty child but since leaving school I’ve gone through different stages and varying levels of fitness and the idea of a fitness app to be completely honest wasn’t that appealing.
But, as the highly dedicated and committed serious journalist I am, when my editor asks me to do something I do it …
In all seriousness though, once I got started I was hooked and definitely had to eat my words.
My main focus was running and I jumped on the 0-5km running plan. Runs are scheduled for three times a week and focuses on interval training to up your fitness. At the beginning you walk more than you run but by the end, the breaks get shorter and shorter.
Admittedly, I did miss a few runs and wasn’t able to make three times a week all the time. But what I loved is that when you missed a run it simply just pushed back onto your next running day.
While you run, co-founder Laura Henshaw is in your ear and gives encouraging advice like “loosen your shoulders” or “don’t forget to smile”. I thought I might find this a little bit cringe or not really my cup of tea but I actually LOVED it.
When Laura would say things like “you should be so proud of yourself”, I actually really was.
I also appreciated that the app had warm up and cool down stretches to follow to really minimise the risk of any injuries.
When it came to the recipes, they were all super simple and easy to follow. If you’re expecting complex, gourmet recipes that you’d find in a Delicious magazine then you’re in the wrong place but that doesn’t mean they’re not tasty.
One of my favourites was the Open Burger Bowl. The only cooking involved was roasting the sweet potato and cooking the mince on the stove. The rest was simply chopping up some lettuce, tomato and onion and voila, you’re done. It took less than 30 minutes and is seriously yum.
Another lunch favourite is the Honey Haloumi Chicken Wrap. Made with marinated chicken, haloumi, avocado and spinach, this is a wfh lunch I’ve made countless times now.
The chicken and haloumi take 6ish minutes on the stove and once that’s cooked you simply need to put it all together.
Another feature I tried out was the meditation. A few years ago, a friend of mine was struggling to get to sleep and started using the guided meditations to help. She now swears by them so I was excited to try it out. There are 100 programs to choose from, from very short one minute affirmations and five minute stress relievers, to longer 20 minute plus meditations that wind you down for sleep. While this was probably my least used feature I did appreciate the option and look forward to trying some more out over the next few months.
Ultimately, Kic ended up being one of my most used apps on my phone and is something I definitely recommend. I loved the positive and encouraging culture and it felt so different to the typical gym/fitness vibe that I’ve come to expect.
Susannah Hardy, Partnerships Writer
What I used Kic for: Running, recipes
Why I love it: I’ve learnt to run 10kms
I’m someone who enjoys regular exercise. I love to run and I participate in outdoor group training sessions in the park two to three times a week. I prefer not to exercise in a gym but I do like to have set times for exercise as it takes all the decision-making out of the scenario and generally means it always happens. So when the opportunity arose to test Kic, I put my hand up like a shot. I’ve never used an app for exercise and I was keen to try.
I focused on the running training – and, as I can easily run 5km, I started with the 5-
10km run. This offered three sessions a week, which was totally achievable. And because there was a set program, I found I committed to it and made it a priority each week.
I liked that the program was all set out for me and if I followed it I would be able to run 10km. It took all the “thinking” out of the equation. I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t just about going for a run, rather a varied program of interval runs, easy runs and long runs. This meant I didn’t feel bored or that the training was repetitive. The app also tracked things like my running pace so I could see how fast I was going and how I improved each time.
The program went for eight weeks and by the final session I was able to run 10km, which was hugely satisfying. Not only did I build up my fitness and also my confidence in the distance I could cover, but I was also able to achieve it in an outdoor environment which I love.
The only down side for me is that I don’t usually run with my phone which I had to do when following the program. I also found I needed to carry my reading glasses as I couldn’t read instructions without them. I don’t usually wear headphones either, which I needed to do if I wanted to listen to the supportive comments along the way (I actually loved these and I didn’t think I would!) However these were more minor details and in the end, not a problem at all.
The other aspect of Kic I really enjoy is the recipe section. I enjoy cooking and am always on the lookout for fresh healthy recipe ideas. I love scrolling through to plan the week’s meals – in fact I made the Chilli Prawn Linguine a couple of times and now it’s one of our regular dishes.
I will definitely continue using Kic – I’m looking to attempt the 10km to 21 km run next. I’ve never done a half-marathon but now, thanks to Kic, I’ve found a way to achieve it.
HOW MUCH IS KIC?
Monthly memberships cost $29.99 a month, while quarterly memberships cost $23.33 a month and yearly memberships are as little as $11.25 a month.
Users can also sign up to a 7 day free Kic trial.
WHAT ARE SOME OF KIC’S MOST POPULAR FEATURES?
Laura says anything with halloumi is super popular.
She also says any of the fast recipes also are big hitters.
“What we try and do is it just simplify healthy eating,” Laura tells news.com.au checkout.
In terms of movement, running is super popular and the newly launched express gym program has also been a hit.
“I think a big part of that is because people. and me included, feel like I when I walked into the gym for the first time in a long time I literally felt like a fish out of water”, says Laura.
She says that historically, gyms and in particular, the weights section, has been dominated by many and many women feel uncomfortable to enter that space.
“There were so many people that just did not feel confident going into the gym and with Kic, they feel like they’ve kind of got a friend there with them, and they can do it, and they can kind of build up slowly,” says Laura.
WHAT MAKES KIC DIFFERENT?
Unlike other fitness apps, Kic is not about before and after photos, calorie counting, quick fixes or any other arguably toxic activities that the fitness world is known for.
Kic believes in doing fitness your way and whatever works for your body.
From motivations and milestones tracking to expert guidance and support with pregnancy and post birth, Kic is here to support you through any stage of your fitness journey.
And if you’re after some great deals on health and fitness products, take a look at news.com.au checkout’s wrap of fitness devices including the best under-desk walking pads, the best exercise bikes out there, plus we’ve also rounded up the best women’s running shoes, and the best dumbbells for home workouts.
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