Home gym investments have been increasing in popularity consistently year-after-year. Within the fitness industry, virtual training software and online classes are among the highest growing trends. 

Virtual training provides users with online interactive programs, classes, and even leaderboards to help keep the user motivated and combat the potential feeling of isolation while working out at home alone. 

However, there are a few different virtual training options out there such as the Peloton, zwift, and iFit fitness apps. Some cardio machines even offer third-party streaming so you can workout to anything you desire. This is product-dependent. 

As a Canadian specialty fitness store located in Sudbury, Ontario, we are often asked about our products with specific virtual software applications. This includes one of the most popular online fitness apps, iFit. 

In this article, we explore iFit’s virtual training software, how to use it, and fitness products at Akfit with the iFit software.. 

In this article:

1. What is iFit?
2. iFit’s Membership Program
3. How To Access iFit Software
4. iFit’s Features
5. Products at Akfit with iFit Software
6. Purchasing Your Gym Equipment at Akfit

What is iFit?

One of the most popular types of virtual training software, iFit is a fitness app that is compatible and built into many cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes. Additionally, iFit can also be accessed with your own personal device. 

iFit provides users with over 1,000 of online exercise programs and workouts. These programs can range from google maps virtual training, workout sessions with an online personal trainer, or training programs to help you prepare for an event or competition. 

It is important to note that An iFit membership is required to have access to their programs through a piece of fitness equipment or a personal device.

iFit’s Membership Program

In order to access iFit’s library of workout programs and features, you’ll need to have access to an active iFit membership. In some cases, your workout equipment may come with a 1-year iFit membership, included or a 30-day free trial. 

However, if you don’t have access to the extra term that you receive with your equipment, you’ll have to purchase one of their membership plans. 

There are two different types of iFit membership:

Individual membership: Yearly membership that costs $180

Family membership: This membership has all the same benefits as the individual membership but can be shared among four users. You can select to pay $39 a month or $396 upfront for a full year.

How to Access iFit Software

The avenue to access iFit for the first time can vary depending on the type of equipment you own. 

If you are using iFit from your own personal device, you can simply download the app from the google store or the app store. 

In regards to your gym equipment, the iFit app may already be installed. However, in many cases, it may not be and you’ll have to install the software yourself. 

If you choose not to, or are unable to, install the iFit software to your fitness equipment, your equipment may be bluetooth compatible. If so, you can use iFit on your own personal device and connect it to your machine via bluetooth. 

In order to access iFit’s library of features, follow these simple steps:

Install the iFit App

Simply go to the Google Store or App Store on your personal device, search for the iFit app and download it. If you are wondering how to use iFit with a cardio machine from NordicTrack, you may need to access iFit first via your console’s web browser. 

Log Into Your Account

Log into your iFit account with your membership credentials. If you don’t have a membership yet, you can register for an account through the app or the web browser and login with your Facebook account or email address.

Create Your iFit Profile

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create a profile. When you are setting up your profile for the first time, iFit will ask you specific information such as your workout goals, measurements, and the type of membership you wish to purchase. 

If you’re already a member, this information should already be saved under your account. 

Connect iFit to Your Equipment

You can connect your iFit software via bluetooth to your bluetooth enabled workout equipment. If your machine is specifically iFit bluetooth smart-enabled, your online trainer can adjust your equipment’s settings (such as treadmill speed and incline) to follow their workout instructions. 

In some cases, you’ll need to install the iFit app onto your equipment. In this case you’ll want to access iFit’s website via your console’s web browser. 

If your fitness equipment is unable to connect to your iFit software, or if you don’t own any large-scale fitness equipment at all, you can still access iFit’s features from your personal device. 

iFit’s Features

The iFit fitness app has a variety of different features that include the following: 

The iFIT Library

The iFit library is the central page of the iFit app where you will find all of your workout options. Given that there are so many options to choose from, you can filter your searches down to find the programs that suit your needs best. 

You can filter your searches by the following:

• Duration 
• Trainer
• Category
• Intensity
• Target Area
• Continent
• Environment

Within the iFit library, your workout options will include:

• Interactive workouts with a personal trainer
• Global workouts
• Studio classes
• On-air/ live workouts
• Unique video workouts
• Workout series

Leaderboards

When you engage with a workout program on iFit, you will have access to a leaderboard that will automatically load to the right side of your screen. This leaderboard will inform you of where you rank in comparison to other users who have completed the same workout session. 

You can also filter the leaderboard by age, gender, distance, or exertion. During live workouts, you can compare yourself to and compete with others who are also participating in that session.

Automatic Adjustments

If your fitness equipment is iFit bluetooth smart-enabled, your machine will adjust accordingly to the style of workout you have chosen. This  means that the speed or incline of your treadmill can be adjusted by your personal trainer. Similarly, your resistance levels on an exercise bike or elliptical canl be altered accordingly. 

Nutrition Advice

The iFit fitness app also provides you with personalized nutrition advice to go alongside your fitness goals. You can filter the amount of time you have, food allergies, and the style of food you are in the mood for. The iFit coach will then provide the user with video recipes.

You can also log your calories and micronutrients by simply selecting the recipes and amount of servings you have consumed on the iFit app. 

Sleep Habit Advice

If you have iFit installed on a wearable device, you can allow the app to track your sleep habits. This will include sleeping cycles and number of bed exits. The app will take this data and then provide you with advice from sleep experts to help improve your sleep.

Products at Akfit with iFit Software

At Akfit, we house a large inventory of cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and exercise bikes that are iFit compatible or bluetooth compatible. These products include: 

NordicTrack

• NordicTrack 1750 Folding Treadmill
• NordicTrack T 6.5i Folding Treadmill
• NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Folding Treadmill
• NordicTrack GX 4.4 Pro Upright Bike
• NordicTrack Commercial VU 19 Upright Bike
• NordicTrack Commercial VR21 Recumbent Bike 
• NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

Matrix

A console is required in order to access iFit on the following Matrix products. Users can access iFit on the XER, XIR, and XUR consoles. The XR basic console is not iFit compatible. 

• T75 Non-Folding Treadmill
• TF30 Folding Treadmill
• R30 Recumbent Bike
• R50 Recumbent Bike
• T50 Non-Folding Treadmill
• T30 Non-Folding Treadmill
• TF50 Folding Treadmill 
• C50 Climbmill: 
• A30 Ascent Trainer 
• A50 Ascent Trainer
• E50 Elliptical  
• E30 Elliptical  
• U50 Upright Bike 
• U30 Upright Bike
• ICR50 Spin Cycle 

For a more detailed breakdown of our equipment that is compatible with iFit software, check out our article on cardio machines with virtual training software.

Purchasing Your Gym Equipment at Akfit

With iFit being one of the more popular fitness membership apps on the market, you may be interested in purchasing a machine that is iFit compatible that may also feature a 1-year membership. 

Lucky for you, there are a lot of cardio machines to choose from that offer iFit software. As we covered in our Matrix vs NordicTrack article, the number of options could feel a little overwhelming. 

Thankfully, that's why we’re here to help! Since 1989, Akfit has operated as a Canadian specialty fitness store located in Sudbury, Ontario and we’ve been working closely with our clientele and communities with all their fitness related needs. 

We highly encourage reaching out to us. Our fitness experts will help you find a machine that only has the virtual software you crave, but will also help you find a machine that will work best within your budget while helping you meet your fitness goals. 

You can book a virtual meeting with us to discuss any of your fitness related questions. Or if you prefer, you can visit us in-store at our Sudbury location. 

If you have already decided on the product you wish to purchase, you can also request a delivery here. It doesn’t stop there either, not only do we offer to deliver your products, we also offer installation services and will show you how to safely use your fitness equipment.