NordicTrack and ProForm are two of the most popular brands of fitness equipment on the market. Both offer a wide range of cardio equipment, from treadmills to ellipticals to bikes. They offer the iFIT training platform, which tracks your progress, provides personalized workouts, and more. But what if you don’t want or can’t afford iFIT?
Can You Still Use These Machines without iFIT?
The simple answer is yes. You are not required to subscribe to iFIT to use any NordicTrack or ProForm exercise equipment.
If you don’t want to use iFIT, you can still use ProForm and NordicTrack machines. All of the machines have manual controls that you can use to adjust the speed, incline, and resistance. You can also access a featured workout from iFIT with a free account. There are no built-in training programs for NordicTrack or ProForm equipment at this time.
Is iFIT Required to Activate Your Machine?
Yes and no. Some NordicTrack and ProForm equipment will come with instructions telling you to sign up for iFIT to activate your machine. There are three methods to avoid subscribing:
Create a Free Account
You can make a free iFIT account without signing up for a subscription or putting in credit card information. This allows you to access the free featured workout with the automatic incline and speed adjustments.
Hold Down the iFIT Button
Press the iFIT or Bluetooth button for 30 seconds. Your machine should unlock. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again and make sure you are holding the button down long enough. The screen should change from ‘HELLO’ to zeros.
Reset Your Treadmill
Try turning the treadmill off and on while it is plugged in. There should be a switch on the motor hood. Plug your treadmill in and flip the switch off and back on.
What You Won’t Have Access To
There are some features of iFIT that you won’t have access to without a subscription. One feature is coach-controlled adjustments. This means that you will need to manually adjust your machine to your preferred resistance and speed. You’ll also miss out on other features like personalized workouts, trainer advice, new workout programs, access to global workouts, and more. You will also lose access to the automatic fan adjustments, but you can still use the other fan speeds.
How to Decide if iFIT is For You
It’s up to you whether or not you want to use iFIT with your NordicTrack or ProForm machine. If you’re on a budget or don’t think you’ll use all of the features of an iFIT subscription, you don’t need it. However, if you’re looking for a more personalized workout experience, iFIT may be worth the investment. Some NordicTrack and ProForm machines have very large machines, which do not have content options without iFIT. If you don’t want to subscribe, a treadmill or other machine with a smaller screen may feel more appropriate for using the manual activity only.
Read our full review of iFIT for more details on how the platform works with equipment and more.
30-Day iFIT Free Trial
When you purchase a product from NordicTrack or ProForm, you get a 30-day free trial membership. You can try it out and see if it fits your workout needs. If you decide that iFIT isn’t for you, you can cancel before your trial ends and won’t be charged. It’s a great way to try before you buy.
Why Consumers Love iFIT (And Why Some Don’t)
iFIT and other fitness training platforms have taken the workout market by storm. The ease of access to butt-kicking workouts is a game-changer for some people. iFIT is motivating and provides guidance for new exercisers or anyone who doesn’t have the time to plan their workout.
If you have a coach or create your own training plans, iFIT might not make sense for you. Yet, NordicTrack and ProForm machines have sleek constructions and soft treadmill decks that make them appealing. It’s also understandable if you prefer to watch TV or listen to your music while training instead of following iFIT content.
Is iFIT Worth the Investment or Should I Cancel?
It all comes down to personal preference. If you love technology and being connected to others while working out, then iFIT is probably worth the investment. However, if you prefer to design your own workouts or don’t want to be tethered to a machine, you may want to forego iFIT and stick to manual controls.
No matter what you decide, just remember that both NordicTrack and ProForm offer high-quality machines that can give you a great workout – with or without iFIT. So in the end, it’s really up to you. Try out the free trial and see what you think! If you don’t like it, you can always cancel. But you may just find that iFIT is exactly what you need to take your workouts to the next level.
What are your thoughts on iFIT? Have you used it before?
Tips for Unsubscribers and Non-Subscribers
- Choose a smaller screen size. The smallest screen size from each treadmill line is probably the better option for your situation. The screen only shows iFIT content, so you don’t need to invest in a bigger screen. If the improved performances make sense for you, go for it!
- Choose a treadmill with a device rack. Some NordicTrack and ProForm machines don’t have device racks. If you want to view content on your phone or tablet while training, choose a machine that does have a rack or look for a third-party rack on Amazon.
- Place the treadmill where it can connect to WiFi. Even if you don’t subscribe to iFIT, your treadmill will connect to the internet to install updates. Make sure your treadmill can connect to WiFi as needed.
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