Treadmills that can sync with fitness apps are great to hit your fitness goals with their motivating and interactive workouts. Apps like iFit and JRNY come with great features such as wireless real-time stats tracking, workout classes with famous trainers, running on terrains from around the world with Google Maps, and even personalized virtual coaching.
However, each app has its own pros and cons, in this post, we will try to compare them to help you decide which is better for your needs.
iFit
iFit is a great fitness app for those looking for an all-in-one fitness solution. It comes with many types of workouts and perfectly syncs with compatible treadmills and other cardio equipment. Many fitness equipment brands such as NordicTrack, ProForm, and Reebok use iFit on their console for smart training. You can read our NordicTrack T 6.5 Si review to see how iFit is integrated into its 10-inch display for interactive workouts.
It logs your workout stats to your account and gives you recommendations on calorie intake, exercise frequency, and sleeping habits.
One of the most powerful features of iFit is Google Maps workouts. With this feature, you can run anywhere in the world while your treadmill automatically syncs with the incline and decline settings to match the real terrain and you will enjoy the views of stunning places.
Another powerful feature is the iFit video workouts library. There are many categories such as weight loss series, yoga series, total body boot camp and even cooking classes, each with many HD videos. Many of these workouts feature famous athletes and celebrity trainers.
There is also a fun section called “Challenges”. These are small competitions that you can join with your friends. After you complete the challenge, you can see your overall ranking in different groups based on gender, age, etc.
All workout stats, nutrition, and weight logs are saved under your user profile. If there is more than one person using your treadmill, then you will need a family membership, so that you can add multiple users to your account.
These are the basics of the iFit app, you can visit iFit for more information.
iFit Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive Class Selection: iFit offers a vast library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes, covering more than 60 types of workouts. This includes unique features like Google Maps and Global Workouts, allowing users to experience different places around the world virtually.
- Comprehensive Content: Beyond physical workouts, iFit includes other videos focused on cooking, meditation, and mindfulness, for your overall well-being.
- High-Quality Instruction and Content: The app features world-class trainers, providing a personal trainer experience at home. The videography of the outdoor classes is of high quality, offering an immersive experience.
- Technology Integration: iFit is compatible with NordicTrack and ProForm workout equipment, offering automatic adjustments during workouts based on trainer settings. It can be used with integrated equipment, standalone machines, or without any equipment.
- User-Friendly Features: It includes options like closed-captioning for all classes and the ability for family plans to have 5 separate accounts. The app is regularly updated with new features and classes.
Cons
- Cost: The app can be considered expensive by some users, with a slightly higher price for monthly individual memberships compared to alternatives.
- Lack of Structured Progression: iFit does not offer a clear, defined progression path for users to follow, which can be a drawback for those seeking structured advancement in their fitness journey.
- Music: The music in iFit classes is more ambient and less integrated into the workouts, which may not be as appealing as the music selection and integration found in apps like Peloton.
- User Interface and Navigation: The app’s interface can be somewhat hard to navigate, requiring users to scroll extensively to find specific classes.
- Short Trial Period with Equipment Purchase: The trial period offered with the purchase of a NordicTrack or ProForm treadmill is relatively short, typically one month, which is less generous compared to a one-year trial provided by JRNY with a Bowflex treadmill purchase.
iFit 2024 Updates:
The iFit platform is introducing several exciting updates for 2024, here are some of them:
- New Workouts and Series: iFit is expanding its workout offerings in 2024 with new series and categories to keep members engaged. Highlights include cycling with Chris Davenport, exploring with Alex Gregory, running with Knox Robinson, rowing with Susan Francia, and various specialized series focusing on strength, weight loss, HIIT, barre, and more.
- Physical Milestone Rewards: iFit is reintroducing physical rewards for users who reach significant workout milestones. Members can purchase exclusive items from the Milestones Collection, such as shirts, sweatshirts, or jackets, when they hit 100, 500, and 1,000 workout milestones.
- iFIT Family Membership Giveaway: After completing 200 workouts, members will have the opportunity to win an iFIT Family membership, encouraging users to stay active and engage with the platform.
- Passport Newsletter: A monthly newsletter named Passport will provide exclusive insights into the iFit world, aiming to inspire members to achieve more milestones.
JRNY
JRNY is another fitness app you can use on any compatible smart device, it has a large library of on-demand workouts. Recent Bowflex treadmills such as Bowflex T10 and T22 come with consoles with the JRNY app and trial membership. It has a good selection of workouts and allows you to explore different places with scenic views. There are over 200 virtual destinations you can use with the Explore the world feature.
It has many classes in categories such as cycling, yoga, strength training, and pilates. The trainer-led HIIT, Endurance, and Recovery classes are great to keep you motivated.
One great feature of JRNY is you can enjoy your favorite shows from Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, alongside your workout stats as a small overlay near the bottom of your display. You can learn more about this app by visiting JRNY website.
JRNY Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Multimedia Integration: Offers the capability to stream from popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max. (With separate subscription)
- Diverse Workout Options: Features on-demand, trainer-led indoor studio classes for both Bowflex equipment and mat workouts, including yoga, Pilates, and HIIT. While the content variety may not be as extensive as iFit initially, it is continually improving with new additions.
- Personalized Workout Programs: Offers workouts made just for you, starting with a fitness test. These workouts change as you get fitter, keeping up with your progress.
- Scenic Routes and Exploration: Offers over 50 scenic routes filmed worldwide, with options for instructor-led guidance or manual exploration.
- Compatibility with Third-Party Apps: Allows connection with third-party fitness apps like Zwift or Peloton, increasing workout variety and options.
- Adaptive Workouts: Includes workouts that advance with your fitness level, offering a clear path for progression as you improve.
Cons:
- No Live Classes: Lacks the option for live, real-time workout classes for now.
- Limited Content Variety: Offers fewer content options compared to iFit.
- Equipment Dependency: Optimal usage requires Bowflex or Schwinn fitness equipment.
- Basic Music Selection: Features generic music playlists, which might lack appeal.
BowFlex Equipment Compatible with JRNY Platform:
Here’s the list of Bowflex equipment that works with the JRNY® app.
Built-in Touchscreen Experience Available for:
- BowFlex® VeloCore® 16/22 bikes
- C7 bike
- Max Total 16 machine
- Max Trainer® M9 machine
- Max Total® machine
- Bowflex 22, 10, and 7 Treadmills
JRNY® App for Phone or Tablet Available for:
- BowFlex® IC Bike SE
- BowFlex® C6 Bike
- Max Trainer® SE
- Max Trainer® M6 machine
- BXT8J Treadmill
- SelectTech 552 and 1090 dumbbells
- SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
- SelectTech 2080 Barbell
iFit vs JRNY Feature Comparison
The below table shows each app’s features side by side, to help you pick the right App. iFit is a more complete application for treadmill users with a slightly better interface but we think both are great and keep you motivated and entertained.
| App | iFit | JRNY |
|---|---|---|
| Live Classes | Yes | Yes |
| Classes on | Over 60 categories | Cardio, Yoga, Pilates, Strength, etc |
| Virtual Routes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | about $180 a year | $19.99 a month |
| User Interface | Great | Good |
| Free Trial Functions | Limited | Limited |
| Free Trial Period | 30 Days | 1 Year |
| Compatible Treadmills | NordicTrack, Proform | Bowflex |
