Fitness apps make it possible to get a convenient, quality workout in the comfort and privacy of your home.

iFit is a workout app with thousands of on-demand classes to suit a variety of fitness levels.

You can stream classes using an iFit-compatible exercise machine or access them on your smartphone to work up a sweat in any location.

However, given that iFit requires a monthly membership, you may wonder whether it’s worth the cost.

This article takes a look at the pros, cons, and cost of the iFit app to help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your fitness goals.

Pros

  • features a wide variety of class styles
  • offers on-demand workouts
  • compatible with many exercise machines
  • includes challenge groups and leaderboards for a community feel
  • provides global and Google Maps workouts so you can virtually “explore” different areas
  • includes mental wellness and cooking classes
  • includes progressive series to help you work toward a fitness goal

Cons

  • requires a monthly or yearly subscription
  • lacks a diverse music selection
  • some complaints about poor customer service and difficulties with upgrades
  • discontinued live studio-style classes in 2022

What is iFit?

iFit is a subscription-based fitness app that offers thousands of on-demand workout classes.

There are two ways to use the app — you can stream it on an iFit-compatible cardio machine or download it onto your device.

Currently, three major fitness equipment brands offer iFit integration: NordicTrack, FreeMotion, and ProForm.

One benefit of using iFit-compatible equipment is that you can opt to have the machine automatically adjust your incline or resistance level to match your instructor’s during class. What’s more, some brands include a free 30-day trial of iFit with your equipment purchase.

Alternatively, you can access iFit classes using your own device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

This is a great option if you’re traveling or own a non-compatible workout machine — just keep in mind that you’ll need to make your own intensity adjustments during class.

Classes

iFit works with almost 200 certified trainers, including former Olympians and ultramarathon runners, to provide a wide variety of workouts, including:

  • strength training
  • cardio
  • boxing
  • yoga
  • walking tours
  • mountain biking
  • rowing
  • recovery
  • high intensity interval training (HIIT)
  • meditation

You can take classes individually or as part of a designed exercise plan, such as the Beginner 5K Running Series Program.

While special equipment isn’t necessary for all classes, some do require items such as dumbbells, kettlebells, or a cardio machine, so you’ll want to keep any equipment needs in mind when choosing your classes and programs.

In addition to on-demand studio classes, iFit offers global workouts that allow you to virtually travel to destinations around the globe.

Enjoy listening to music while you move? iFit provides access to 11 radio stations, including options for everything from hip-hop throwback to country, dance EDM, classic rock, and downtempo yoga.

Plus, if you’re using the app on an iFit-friendly device, you can stream mainstream music options.

One feature that sets iFit apart from some other fitness apps is the ability to control the volume of the music and the trainer separately. This is helpful if you’d prefer to listen to your own beats during classes.

How much does iFit cost?

iFit currently offers two plans with the following costs:

  • Family plan: $39 per month
  • Individual plan: $15 per month

Both plans provide access to iFit’s full library and can be used on as many devices or workout machines as you own.

However, the benefit of the family plan is that you can add up to four additional user accounts (five in total), which are beneficial for tracking performance and progress over time.

You can cancel your membership at any time simply by logging into your account settings and following the instructions.

Many iFit-compatible cardio machines include a free 30-day iFit family membership.

Benefits of iFit

The biggest advantage of the app is its large library of classes led by knowledgeable instructors.

With hundreds of workouts and exercise plans to choose from, the app appeals to a wide range of fitness styles and levels.

Plus, you can virtually travel around the world as you exercise. By using the Google Maps feature, you can virtually explore your own city or one you’ve always wanted to visit.

iFit also offers challenges, discussion forums, and live events with leaderboards, making it possible to connect with fellow exercisers and create a sense of community. It’s like having a gym buddy without having to drive to the gym to see them.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a whole-health app to help you with stress, sleep, and cooking, iFit includes cooking classes and the iFit Mind feature to coach you through everything from meditation and mindfulness to sleep improvement.

The app is easy to navigate, integrates with exercise equipment from several well-known brands, and includes classes that are suitable for small spaces or working out on the go.

Potential downsides

Despite its many benefits, the app isn’t the right fit for everyone.

The biggest downside is the price. While iFit is not the most expensive fitness subscription app, it’s possible to find free workouts online if you’re willing to spend the time searching for them.

Some reviewers have complained about iFit’s customer service, and others have experienced problems with updating the app. However, the company has stated that it’s working hard to avoid upgrade issues in the future.

Additionally, if you prefer to listen to a certain style of music while exercising, you may find iFit’s music options limited in comparison with those of other fitness apps. However, the brand has taken steps to address this user concern by releasing its 11 music stations.

Customer reviews and brand reputation

iFit products, including the iFit app, are well made and well received by the public. Also, given the app’s integration with equipment from three major fitness companies (ProForm, NordicTrack, and FreeMotion), the company has gained attention and name recognition.

Third-party reviewers who specifically review the iFit app’s functionality are generally happy with the workouts and functionality.

However, some reviewers complain about the ongoing iFit app charges and the challenge of canceling a subscription. They also mention lost prepaid subscriptions and unapproved charges.

To the brand’s credit, they do reply personally to these complaints, although it’s unclear whether the outcomes improve users’ impression of the brand.

How iFit compares to the Peloton app

PriceClass offeringsProsCons
Peloton Digital• $12.99/month standard app
• $44/month all-access membership (must own Peloton equipment)
• cycling
• running
• walking
• boot camp
• strength
• outdoor (audio-only)
• barre
• core
• mediation
• stretching
• Pilates
• better music selection
• wide range of classes with high quality trainers
• great reputation for brand, experience, and service
• All-access membership and features integrate with only Peloton equipment.
• Standard app doesn’t integrate with any equipment.
iFit• $15/month individual
• $39/month family plan
• cycling
• treadmill
• HIIT
• rowing
• strength
• yoga
• core
• Global Workouts
• Google Maps Workouts
• recovery workouts
• meditation
• cooking
• wide range of classes with high quality trainers
• unique offerings, including Google Maps and Global Workouts options
• holistic videos focused on cooking, meditation, and mindfulness
• integrates with three brands of workout equipment
• automatic machine adjustments during integrated workouts, based on the trainer’s settings
• 5 separate accounts included with family plan
• music selection not as good as Peloton’s
• slightly higher price for monthly individual membership
• some complaints of poor customer service
• no longer offering live studio workouts, just live “events”

iFit’s main competitor is the Peloton app.

iFit and the Peloton app have many similarities. For example, both include on-demand workouts led by quality trainers.

However, Peloton regularly offers live studio-style workout classes, while iFit no longer offers live classes. Rather, iFit offers live “events,” such as 5K running events, for those who are interested in participating in competitions from home.

Both apps also offer community competitions and programs for specific goals, such as running a 5K or marathon.

Additionally, both apps can be accessed using an integrated workout machine or your smartphone or tablet.

One area where the Peloton app really shines is the music. In fact, many reviewers comment on how great the playlists are during classes.

It’s important to distinguish between Peloton’s all-access membership, which is specifically designed to be used with Peloton equipment, and the brand’s stand-alone app.

The all-access membership is similar to iFit in that it includes scenic workouts, tracks performance metrics, and allows for multiple user accounts.

But if you don’t have a Peloton bike or treadmill, you can’t access many of these features. Instead, Peloton offers a digital membership, which costs $12.99 per month.

The $12.99 version of Peloton’s app experience provides thousands of workouts that can be done at home (with or without equipment) or performed outside (using audio cues only).

While the Peloton app costs less than the individual iFit membership, it allows for only one user account and doesn’t integrate with Peloton (or other) machines.

Overall, both apps offer an effective workout from home. The decision ultimately comes down to the brand of workout equipment you own or plan on buying, as it’s most important to choose the app that integrates with your machine.

If you already own cardio equipment or plan on doing mostly bodyweight or strength training workouts, the Peloton digital membership offers the better bang for your buck.

That said, if you’re looking for a more holistic video library that includes cooking and mindfulness options, iFit is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions about iFit

What is iFit, and how does it work?

iFit is a fitness app that can be used on smartphones and smart TVs and through select brands’ workout equipment. It allows users to stream on-demand fitness classes for a wide variety of workout types (strength, yoga, cardio, and more) from home.

The app’s integration with select fitness equipment provides a community-based feel by allowing opportunities for connecting with trainers and other users and tracking progress over time.

How much does iFit cost?

An individual iFit membership costs $15 per month. An iFit family membership, which includes five separate accounts, costs $39 per month.

Do I have to pay for iFit to use my treadmill?

No. If you have a treadmill, regardless of brand, you can use the treadmill without the iFit app.

However, certain brands — ProForm, FreeMotion, and NordicTrack — offer iFit app integration that can provide more features and options, including on-demand classes, that may be worth the cost of the app.

Can I use iFit on my TV?

Yes. The iFit TV app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, and Android TV.

The bottom line

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, the iFit app has a workout plan to “fit” your needs (see what we did there?).

Although you can use it with or without equipment, many reviewers agree that the app’s value lies in its integration with cardio machines because of its performance-tracking features and automatic resistance adjustments.

Plus, while you can find free workout classes or running schedules online, having a huge library of classes and workout programs at your fingertips makes it easier to progress toward your fitness goals.

Just be sure to get the OK from a healthcare professional before you start virtually jogging around Paris.