iFIT Workouts - Part 2
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- iFIT Treadmills
- NordicTrack A2750 Pro Treadmill Review (2011 model)
- NordicTrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill Review (2011 Model)
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We decided to dedicate this article to iFIT LIVE module workouts and the SD cards after having the opportunity to test them on a few treadmills during our reviews. Read the iFIT Treadmills article too to see which models can support this feature and how they acted when we tested them.
What we can say from the beginning is that our experience with the iFIT workouts, either tested with the LIVE module or as SD Cards, has been great.
iFIT LIVE Costs:
With the purchase of a machine that has the built in iFIT LIVE module you will get a one year subscription free.
If you purchase a machine that takes a module and you purchase the module it will also come with a one year subscription free.
Once your subscription is up it costs $80.00 for another year subscription or approximately $10.00 a month to renew.
NEW iFIT LIVE with the 10 inch Android Touchscreen
This is the latest iFIT Live technology released with 2011 treadmills. Consider it as an upgrade to the previous iFIT LIVE module that now supports communicating with your ifit.com subscription directly from the treadmill’s console.
The iFIT LIVE Module costs (for the upgraded version or the older version) are the same.
NEW iFIT LIVE Workouts Features:
- You login in your ifit.com from treadmill’s console
- You download My Trainer treadmill workouts through a WiFi connection (these are the Jillian Michaels workouts). You have weekly programs available, depending on your fitness level
- You can use the My Maps option to create your running route. This is possible through Google Maps
- You can download ‘World Tour’ workouts, powered by Google Maps also
- You can download Event Training workouts
- You can compete in a race you schedule for in advance (it’s called the Compete workout). You can use this option with your friends and you all schedule for the race (which takes place on the treadmill)
- You can access a web browser from the treadmill’s console and browse on the Internet or check your email
The treadmill automatically changes the incline of the treadmill (up and down) to simulate terrain during any workout .
NEW iFIT LIVE Installation
- Connect the treadmill to your WiFi network (as you would connect your computer)
- Follow the Quick Start Wizard instructions that pop-up on the console screen
- Connect to your iFIT.com account (you need the username and password). If you don’t have an account, you can register from the treadmill’s console
- Click on any the 5 workouts buttons from your iFIT account. Workouts will be downloaded before you can use them
First Version of the iFIT LIVE Module
What You Need to Install the iFIT LIVE MODULE Correctly:
We had the chance to be present when a friend installed the iFIT LIVE Module on his NordicTrack X7i Incliner 7 inch touchscreen display. It was then when we understood this was not an easy process and it can really mess with you if you’re not somehow familiar with the Internet and Software products.
* A PC with Windows or a Mac
* A wireless router with SSID broadcast enabled and Internet connection.
* A decent Internet connection
* A subscription on iFIT.com
* A treadmill produced by ICON Health & Fitness compatible with the iFIT LIVE Module
* After you connect the iFIT Module to the PC with the USB cable go to the web address they recommend.
* Register your profile at iFIT website and you will download workouts to match your personal details. This is important to reach your goals correctly.
* While you have the USB cable connected you must install the software as well. When you get the message the installation is complete, you can insert the module in the Treadmill console and remove the USB cable.
* When you insert the iFIT Module in the console you must enable the WiFi connection and make sure the module is connected to the Internet Wireless.
* Turn on the treadmill and you will get the message Updates are required. Don’t ignore that message or you’ll be sorry later. Have patience and allow the iFIT Module software to update, even if it takes some hours. During this process, don’t remove the module and go have a coffee with friends.
iFIT LIVE Module Workouts:
Even if you have the older version of the iFIT LIVE module, the workouts options are the same as the new version.
The iFIT module downloads the workouts in the treadmill console through the WiFi internet connection. Speed and Incline are automatically controlled during the workout. All you need to do is follow the instructions the trainer gives you verbally.
The advantage is you can monitor your progress directly in your iFIT account when you login from your PC.
If you have an iPhone (but it’s not mandatory) you can simply send your meals info to your account so the trainers can customize your workouts accordingly. They send you workouts daily.
ICON Health & Fitness gives you a 90 days warranty from the purchase. So make sure you register the product shortly after you buy it. This is not the greatest warranty and you do need to follow their instructions one by one to avoid problems.
iFIT SD CARDS Workouts
Some ICON branded treadmills have the iFIT cards compatibility enabled. We tested these too. They are really great. They don’t have the same advantages as the iFIT LIVE module but they are efficient and decrease a lot the boredom sensation you may feel when training on a treadmill. All are signed by Jillian Michaels.
The SD cards control automatically the speed and incline of the treadmill. If you can’t keep the pace, you can always change the incline and speed, but don’t forget that the change you do applies only for one interval. The SD workout is a sum of multiple intervals.
Another advantage is that the workouts have a trainer voice enabled. This means that during the workout there is a professional trainer to guide you through the exercise. All you need to do is listen and follow the advice given 
One tip: always remove the cards from the treadmill console when you’re not using them.
Here are some SD workouts we tested and liked:
iFIT Lose Weight
Get Fit with Jillian Michaels 3 Level Pack
iFIT Body Sculpting
iFIT Wellness Treadmill Workout Cards
iFIT Performance Treadmill Workout
You can buy the Ifit Cards here:
Treadmill Body Sculpting Workouts
Treadmill Weight Loss Workouts
Treadmill Performance Workouts
Jillian Michaels Get Fit
Treadmill Wellness Workouts
Exercise Bike Weight Loss Workouts
Jillian Michaels Power Walking
Jillian Michaels Boot Camp
iFIT Workouts Advantages:
- iFIT workouts are challenging because they are built following a complete workout recipe, by professional trainers. Each workout pushes you to your next limit which is the key to a successful training program.
- The workouts have voices commands too. This replaces a personal trainer with so little costs.
- Workouts control the speed and incline of each treadmill they are installed on, automatically. So you just have to listen to the commands the trainer gives you and keep running.
iFIT Workouts Disadvantages:
- iFIT LIVE module, although revolutionary, is still in beta version. This is why you may often meet difficulties when using or installing it. In this case you have to contact their Customer Support.
- iFIT Live Module costs extra money (see price details below)
- iFIT SD workouts are bought separately from the treadmill cost. This means extra money for the user but also more benefits
- Although workouts are compatible with many ICON FITNESS treadmills, only some are real powerful and stable to support them all the way. Always read the review of the treadmill which has this feature listed. Although an attractive feature, may not be efficient at all on weak treadmills. With some models it’s listed just as a mechanism to get your money.
Old iFIT Workouts
iFIT Downloads
We know this options exists, but we haven’t tested it yet. We’ll keep this section open to update after we have the chance to review a treadmill compatible with it.
iFIT CDs
You can still buy treadmills compatible with one of the first iFIT options: CDs
CD’s work same as SD cards, only that you need a separate CD player to play them and connect to the treadmill. These are signed by trainers like Robin and Pete.
We warn you the options are very limited, especially for treadmills, although they cost less than the SD cards. Plus they wear out much more easily.
Some of the Program workouts we tested and enjoyed are:
- Level 1 and 2 Treadmill Workouts
- Level 1, 2 and 3 Incline Trainer Workouts
- Marathon Beginner 16-week Program with Rock (Very good!)
- 8-Week Level 3 Body Tone Interactive Treadmill Program (Excellent too!)
iFIT Videos
This option is barely found on the latest treadmills released by ICON. Still some have it.
To use an iFIT Videocassette you need a VCR to connect to the compatible console.
We couldn’t find any VideoCassette to buy for our Healtrider Treadmill, compatible with this option. We’re looking for some tips if any of you know where we could buy them.
Maybe some of you had the chance to use the iFIT workouts too. Send us your feedback as we’re very interested in knowing how your experience feels and what benefits or issues you’ve had after using them.
PS: Read the second part of this article dedicated to iFIT Treadmills.
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If you are having troubles with iFit Live or are considering purchasing an Ifit Live compatible piece of workout equipment you can email support@ifit.com and they will respond within twenty four hours of your request.
Does anyone know if the cards come compatiable to how you run. i.e. I’m a little over an hour for a 10k. I don’t want a SD with verbal that expects me to run a 40 min. 10k. Even if I slow speed or incline down won’t the voice continue at, in this case a 40 min. pace speech?
Would be nice to have Google map or Garmin type GPS watches be able to download on an SD card. Not iFit live but a standard SD card. That way you could run your routes on your treadmill without having iFit Live but the older version iFit. Does this make sense?
@Roy – I think I understand what you mean. It’s a nice idea – to have access to Google maps Workouts in offline mode on an SD card. Perhaps the iFit guys get inspired by your comment. Thanks for sharing it with us.
@John – you can buy a 10k program which will prepare you in steps. Plus, you can decrease speed during the workout if you feel it’s too fast.
please please please….!!!! make IFIT team up with google to work with treadmills that are not equipped with Ifit. Not everyone can throw out their 2k treadmill to buy a new one just to get Ifit. If they want to make real money in this economy they would be smart to free up the technology. Otherwise someone else will snatch it from them. Either I see it happening by the end of 2011 to mid 2012.
@ teneice – I hope the guys from iFIT hear your thoughts and plan something ahead. BTW – not all ICON FITNESS treadmills compatible with iFIT are 2 k. You can have a PROFORM, NordicTrack, Freemotion or a Reebok compatible with iFIT for less money. You can search our database by price. Suggestion: http://www.runreviews.com/tag/between-500-and-1000/
In March 2011 I bought a Nordictrack 2750 along with the IFit Live cartridge. I had no problems syncing the two up but the IFit is not very flexible or user friendly. There’s no way to set speeds on workouts I’ve created. It gives you the option to go by levels but nowhere are there hints/guides as to what speed that level will be. You can select to adjust your speed mannually for your created workout but then why would you need a seperate gadget for that. Once you create a custom workout, there’s no way to change it either. What if you picked the wrong level? Another thing I found odd is that you cannot add workouts you’ve done outside that specific piece of equipment. If it is a nice day and I want to run outside, I cannot add that W/O to my Ifit account’s history. The same when I’m on my elliptical or my stationary bike (neither have IFit Live), or any other workout for that matter. The main point of the Ifit website is to track and customize your workouts, isn’t it? According to my HRM, I burned 1800 calories total in my workouts last week but my ifit account only shows a fraction of that because I can’t enter my other workouts.
I am wondering if the voice can be removed from the workouts.
Sure it’s great (at times) to have Jillian give words of motivation, however, when listening to music through the built-in speakers of the treadmill, the music gets very distorted whenever voice clips are being played. Not only does it sound bad, I do not want to incur any speaker damage.
@ Nick – yes, you can from the Information Mode settings. You must have directions in your treadmill manual. If you need help, send a comment. Maybe its a treadmill we reviewed and we can help.
Can I use the internet connection from my iphone to connect?
I am considering buying a treadmill with the iFit feature and have one question that I cannot get an answer to. How much control do I have over custom workouts created at the website ? I will like to create custom interval workouts where I specify by the minute the speed and incline; is this possible ? It would be something like first 3 minutes at 4mph 2% incline, then then next two minutes increase speed and incline, then the next three minutes increase the speed each minute and then repeat the same four more times. Can I be in complete of my workout or can you only use what iFit thinks you need ? If anyone could answer this, I will really appreciate it.
@Ellen -The iFIT console can be connected through a Wi-Fi connection.
@Jack – Yes, that is possible.
Is iFit membership needed for google map runs only? or is only needed for jillians workouts and personal data storage to the website?
@Sky – the membership is needed for the full package, including google maps runs.
My basement is too far from my router to receive WiFi and that is where my gym is. However, I have the room hard wired for the internet. Can the ifit treadmill connect via firewire?
Adin, You tell Jack what he wants to do is posable. How do I do it then. All I can find are the canned workouts by the trainers. I know I can map my run but how can I fine tune the details as Jack is asking???
@TG4T – If you don’t have the WI FI, the only alternative is the iFIT USB Module (http://www.ifit.com/supportUSBConfigurationInstall.do).
@Greg, @Jack – These is how iFIT works. You are only able to do the different speeds and inclines manually without specific parameters on time, distance etc. When you are done with the time intervals you will have to manually go back to what you would like it to be. You cannot set a manual program. You can do maps that have the incline and everything with the terrain and you can control the speed manually yourself. Hope it helps.
Could you please reply to Valerie’s comment, because I would like to know the answer to this question also.
Thanks
I just bought a treadmill that accepts iFit cards. Which card is best for a runner that wants to improve for competition? I’d like an interval program for sure.
@Gene – Thank you for asking our opinion. We appreciate it
If you want to prepare for competitions, we recommend the Treadmill Performance Workouts iFIT cards:
http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14201_16002_49501_106158?S=CJ&PID=3773477&AID=10460334 Keep us posted with your results! Happy training!
I have mapped my walking route on ifit.com, but the trainer tells me I have no maps and I can’t seem to add it on the website to my favorites or to my maps. what do I need to do?
It seems like, the wireless module can not do anything without iFit Live subscription, is it right?
Basically you need iFit Live subscription all the time, right?
First year: $129 for iFit Live wireless module plus 1 year free access
next year: $80 for access each year
@Sy – Yes. The subscription is a must. If you buy the treadmill with the iFIT LIVE Module included, you also get the 1 year free subscription. But after one year, you must continue to pay a monthly or an early fee to use the module.
I have an iFit module purchased through Costco. It was advertised as coming with an 18 month membership. How can I tell what membership duration is registered with my account? I have not been able to find this on the iFit website.
After struggling to properly configure the iFit module, then have it update the firmware on my Freemotion treadmill…took two days to figure out on my own…I now love all that the iFit Live system and website offers. Granted some improvements would make it perfect. I’m so happy I’ve found something to keep me active and engaged, and enjoying exercise.
I bought my treadmill to help me deal with the terrible pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia. Now I can tailor gentle workouts that I don’t have to think about after they are initially set up. I love it.
I have the WIFI module and have nothing but frustration with the software, esp the Maps aspect. The system will not allow you to view the actual map on your computer, if you can even get that far . I have had it for over a month, and it has yet to work. Multiple, multiple e-mails to customer support, ( phone # does not work), and half are never answered. It is only when I threaten to have them come and remove the machine have I gotten a response. The last one said that there were more problems than anticipated, and they would get back to me the next day. Well, it is 4 days since then, and nothing
@Jim, thank you for the comment. We may be able to help with the iFIT usability issues you encounter. We recommend to use the iFIT Maps from the treadmill console. It’s easier to select the city and the running route. Please keep us posted on the progress done with the other problems you’ve had with the module. So far we’ve had to contact the iFIT support only twice by email, but they were helpful and they answered all our questions in the next 24 hours. The first time we wrote, their reply arrived in the SPAM folder and we almost missed it. You should check that folder too. They have a rating system for their support so you can write your complaints directly to iFIT. We received and email asking us to rate their support 2 days after we submitted our questions. This is the URL we used: http://www.ifit.com/supportContactUs.do Hopefully these details will be helpful. We look forward to receiving your updates.
Why can’t I add an activity? I see that someone else asked this too, but you didn’t answer her.
@Amy – So sorry we missed to answer your comment. We don’t know why this happens. Please email the IFIT support for help: http://www.ifit.com/supportContactUs.do Thank you!
@Terri – You have to contact the iFIT and they will tell you the subscription’s expiration date. That is how we found it. Thank you for the follow up! We are very happy you enjoy your treadmill and that it helps you to enjoy exercising.
@At Shannon – the best advice we can give you is to contact IFIT SUPPORT and request assistance with the problems you have. This is their link: http://www.ifit.com/supportContactUs.do Thanks!