I’m a big fan of being able to track my progress when I work out. I like to see how many calories I’ve burned, what range my heart rate was in, and the distance I’ve travelled, especially if I’m running. What missing for me though is an actual virtual training experience that doesn’t just keep me on track, but that pushes me to work my hardest. Enter iFit.
What is iFit?
iFit is a smart exercise technology platform that provides workouts, maps, and visuals for people working out on iFit-enabled cardio equipment such as bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals from brands like ProForm, Reebok and NordicTrack. That might not sound all that new or exciting to you, but trust me, it really is. We’re not talking about old-school technology where you race on the treadmill against a virtual competitor. When you join iFit (yes, it is a subscription-based service, but I’ll get to that shortly), you get access to workouts designed by celebrity trainers, the ability to build your own custom workouts, and perhaps my favourite, with iFit, you can run or cycle anywhere in the world from your living room.
iFit & Google Maps
Imagine this: you’ve decided to go for a run on your Reebok 1910 Treadmill, but today you’d like that run to be in the streets of France. Well, you’re in luck, because the Reebok 1910 Treadmill is iFit-enabled so it can tap into Google Maps and give you a Street View of Paris directly on the console or on your tablet while you run it’s cobblestone back alleys. Plus, with its Incline Match technology, it will automatically adjust your incline and decline to simulate the actual terrain of your Google Maps route. I mean, come on, how cool is that? If the next day you decide to do hill sprints in San Francisco or maybe even cycle the stages of Le Tour de France with your fittingly named ProForm Tour de France iFit enabled Exercise Bike iFit technology will make you feel as though you are really there.
Daily Workouts
If you’ve ever been around a personal trainer or fitness buff, they’ll tell you that you need to change things up and keep your muscles guessing for the best results. iFit-enabled cardio machines have you covered because they give you new workouts every day so you can meet your fitness goals, whether those goals are weight loss, speed, intensity, or calorie burn.
iFit & Celebrity Trainers
Not only is every iFit workout designed by a reputable personal trainer like TV celebrity trainers Chris and Heidi Powell, and Jillian Michaels, but there are 32 built-in workouts from which you can choose. Each workout also automatically adjusts to your speed, incline, and decline to maximize your results. I checked out the library of training programs on the iFit website and I was surprised at what I saw. From starting out as a non-runner to running a marathon, to being a hiker but wanted to hike the highest of hills, iFit has a fitness program to meet your needs.
Staying Connected with iFit
iFit uses advanced technology to keep your all of your fitness activity connected across multiple platforms, like the your online iFit profile, your iFit-enabled cardio machine itself, and any iFit wearables should you choose to add those to the mix. That way, all your stats are recorded across multiple devices every time you do something active. Even cooler, iFit then can use the stats its collected to develop custom workouts for you. All you need to do is select a workout and iFit will automatically adjust your incline, decline and speed to meet your unique goals.
Joining iFit
Like many great things in life, iFit is not free. However, I think its monthly cost of $9.99 or annual cost of $99 is more than reasonable for what you get. Whether you choose a ProForm, Reebok or NordicTrack piece of cardio equipment, the sign up process is the same. Once you sign up, you’ll have access to your iFit account from your enabled exercise equipment, computer, tablet, or smart phone.
Bottom line, iFit is the next level of fitness technology. Not only does it keep you on track with access to workouts devised by personal trainers, but it’s fun and engaging, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to have fun and be engaged while working out?
