The best ProForm treadmills come compatible with the iFIT app, one of the most popular fitness apps on the market. With this app, you can sweat along to trainer-led classes or partake in scenic runs across gorgeous locales from around the world. Of course, not everyone might be interested in iFIT’s offerings (or its $39 monthly subscription cost), and those people might be wondering: “Can you use a ProForm treadmill without iFIT?
In this guide, we’ll answer these questions by detailing how to use your ProForm Treadmill without the popular fitness app. We will also discuss the benefits of using iFIT, share our favorite features of this platform, and explain how to easily start or cancel an iFIT membership.
How to Use a ProForm Treadmill Without iFIT
Although it seems like you must use iFIT in order to operate your ProForm Treadmill, that’s not the case. If you prefer to do some treadmill work without iFIT, just follow our quick step-by-step process to bypass this fitness app and run at your own leisure.
Exit The App
If you have already turned on your machine and are face-to-face with the iFIT app on your screen, exit the app and prepare for the next step.
Reset Your Treadmill
Once you have exited the app, look for the power button at the bottom of your treadmill. This button is often located near the spot where the power cord attaches to the machine. Turn the power button off and wait a few seconds before flipping it back on.
Wait For a Blank Screen
After you turn the power back on, the treadmill monitor will say “hello” before going blank again. Don’t panic, as this is the normal process after an exercise machine resets.
Hold Down iFIT Button
After the monitor goes blank, the iFIT app should shortly appear. When it does, press the button on your touchscreen monitor and hold it for up to 30 seconds. Wait until you see zeroes appear on the screen, then stop pushing the iFIT button.
These zeroes mean that your exercise machine is now ready to use in manual mode. You can also, of course, access one of the treadmill’s preloaded workouts.
Our Favorite iFIT Features
Before swearing off iFIT, we’d encourage you to consider the benefits of this fitness app, which is often found not just on ProForm models, but also many of the best NordicTrack treadmills.
Many pundits, like BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, proclaim iFIT’s greatness for cardio workouts. “iFIT programming is some of the best interactive fitness programming available, especially for cardio,” she says. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of our favorite iFIT features.
Massive Workout Library
They say that “variety is the spice of life.” Well, we say that iFIT is the spice of exercising. With more than 17,000 on-demand workouts to choose from, the variety of classes and challenges can help keep you engaged (and entertained) during your workouts.
As a ProForm treadmill owner, you can begin by searching through the vast library of treadmill workouts. However, if you are fortunate enough to own several of the best cardio machines, you can also browse workouts for ellipticals and rowers.
In addition to the massive workout library, there are nearly 200 different personal trainers and iFIT coaches teaching these classes. The selection is a great perk, as finding a trainer that you like as this will help keep you excited about the classes and consistently participating in the workouts.
I would also like to point out that iFIT’s library spans beyond just cardio workouts. There are many other types of classes, like strength training and yoga that can help improve your health and aid in accomplishing your fitness goals.
Automatic Resistance Adjustments
When working with a personal trainer in the gym, your machines and weights are planned out ahead of time and set up for you accordingly. This allows you to just focus on properly performing each exercise, the workout, and the trainer’s instructions.
iFIT has taken this concept and brilliantly added it to their workouts. Instead of having to push the speed or incline buttons to follow the trainer’s instructions, iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature will automatically make these adjustments for you.
So, if your trainer is motivating you to dig deep and raise the incline for a greater challenge, iFIT will automatically do this for you, allowing your focus to stay on your sweat.
30-Day Free Trial
I’ve yet to meet a person in life who doesn’t like getting something for free. When you buy a new treadmill, like the ProForm Pro 9000, iFIT will give new subscribers a free 30-day trial. The free trial is a great way to test out the app and see if these workouts, trainers, and membership costs fit with your personality, goals, and budget.
To take advantage of this 30-day free trial, you will have to sign up and enter your credit card information before activation. Once the 30 days are up, your card will automatically be charged for a membership. If you prefer not to use the iFIT app any longer, make sure to cancel before the 30 days are up.
How to Start an iFIT Subscription
To start an iFIT subscription, you must go to the official iFIT website or download the app and create a new account. Once logged in, you will be asked to create a profile with all of your basic information, measurements, and fitness goals. You will also have to enter your credit card info to pay for the membership on a monthly or annual basis.
Once this information is completed, you can log into your iFIT account on your machine’s built-in touchscreen. If your machine doesn’t have a touchscreen, you can bring up the iFIT app on a compatible mobile device and connect to your ProForm or NordicTrack treadmill via Bluetooth. Even if you’re connected this way, you’ll still be able to take advantage of SmartAdjust’s automatic adjustments.
How to Cancel an iFIT Subscription
Canceling your iFIT subscription is a quick and painless process.
- Log into your account at the official site or through the app.
- Go to Settings, select Membership Plan, and press the cancel option.
- iFIT will display your cancellation date and fees owed based on the commitment period you chose when first signing up.
- You will be able to continue using the full iFIT library until your cancellation date.
Best iFIT App Alternatives
iFIT is one of the best fitness apps we’ve tried, but it’s not the only program we love. As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto notes, “There are plenty of thoughtfully designed, carefully built fitness apps that can help you reach any type of fitness goal.” With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the popular alternatives to iFIT.
ProForm’s Onboard Workouts
One of the benefits of purchasing a high-quality ProForm treadmill is that they come with roughly 50 onboard workouts. This way, you can choose to use your Proform treadmill in manual mode or with one of the preloaded workouts.
For example, if you own a ProForm Pro 2000, you can bypass the iFIT app and directly access the built-in workout programs by pressing the Fitness Apps button. Scroll through the workouts until you find one that you like. Once selected, the workout details will display on the screen, including the name and profile. When you are ready to start, just press “Run” and you’re off to the races.
Future
Future is a fantastic alternative to iFIT, but at a heftier price tag. Depending on the membership you choose, costs can range from $149 to $199 per month. With this app, you can work directly with a personal trainer instead of taking group classes or on-demand workouts. It’s easily one of the best online personal trainers we’ve tested.
The benefits of working with a personal trainer, even in an online setting, are vast. In particular, a trainer can help keep you accountable and take the guesswork out of your daily sessions.
“Fitness apps can keep you on track and serve as a form of accountability, especially if you’re paying for an app that connects you with a real personal trainer,” says Capritto. “They can keep fitness fun and interesting, expose you to types of training you may not have thought of yourself, and at the same time, keep things simple so you don’t get distracted by all of the noise around fitness online.”
With Future, you can enjoy one-on-one access to a personal trainer who will create workout plans based on your goals and available in-home exercise equipment. Additionally, they will provide audio and video instructions on how to perform the exercises.
Your trainer will also follow up with you on how the workouts went and if there’s any adjustments you’d like to see for the next session. They’ll also monitor your progress and collect any data that you’ve tracked via SmartWatch or iHealth apps. For more, read our full Future app review.
Caliber
Caliber is similar to Future in that you work directly with a personal trainer for customized training programs. Additionally, it has a similar price tag that starts around $200 per month. However, Caliber leans more into the strength-training aspect and may not be as cardio-focused as some may want or need.
With that said, Caliber offers a free version of the app for self-guided usage. You can access the exercises, but not a trainer. A second option is the class package at $19 a month. With this option, you can experience a group-training setting or classes led by a personal trainer. And, of course, there’s the premium version, which offers one-on-one training with a certified personal trainer.
In addition to customized workouts based on your goals and available workout equipment, these trainers can also provide guidance on hydration, sleep habits, nutrition, and calorie goals. Keep in mind, this is generalized guidance, as the trainers are not registered dieticians and can’t create individualized diet programs. For more, read our full Caliber fitness app review.
Peloton
Peloton is very similar to iFIT in that its app contains a vast trove of on-demand workouts for a wide variety of classes. Many workouts are tailored to Peloton fitness equipment, like the Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread, but there are also thousands of classes that don’t require their branded equipment. Furthermore, Peloton offers daily live classes with several motivational perks, like leaderboards and virtual high fives. iFIT, meanwhile, no longer offers live classes.
Like these other options, you can access the Peloton app on your iOS or Android device. As a Peloton subscriber, I use the app on my Smart TV. I have thoroughly enjoyed the yoga and HIIT cardio classes, as well as the app’s stretching and bodyweight training. Peloton’s roster of instructors are charismatic, personable, encouraging, and entertaining.
Since these workouts are pre-designed for general goals and not one-on-one programs, Peloton memberships cost around the same as iFIT’s. If you don’t have any Peloton equipment, you can access these live and on-demand workouts for $12 to $24 a month. However, if you do have a Peloton machine, then you’ll want the $44 monthly membership that allows you to access the classes on its touchscreen.
[Related: Peloton Treadmill Review]
Strava
Strava is quite possibly the most popular app for cyclists and runners around the world. This tool provides many fantastic features for athletes and exercisers of these cardio disciplines. In fact, Strava is so immersed in the world of cycling that you often hear about Strava scores when watching professional races like the Tour de France.
Strava offers a free version that can be used to access many features. However, the paid membership of $11.99 per month or $79.99 per year will unlock the full list of features. There’s a 30-day free trial for the paid membership so that you can test it out to decide if it’s worth the price tag.
Some of Strava’s more notable paid features include a live leaderboard, A training log, power analysis, heart rate data, and the option to create your own routes. If that weren’t enough to excite you about this iFIT alternative, Strava also offers perks from partner companies where you can get discounts and exclusive deals.
Final Word
Owning a ProForm treadmill is an exciting way to improve your health and fitness. However, if you’d rather not shell out for the monthly membership cost that gives you access to the built-in iFIT app, there are steps you can take to turn it off and just run at your own leisure (or take advantage of ProForm’s preset workouts).
With that said, you don’t have to live in an “iFIT or nothing” world. There are a number of iFIT alternatives that may be more compatible with your personality, goals, and budget. Take a look at the alternatives we listed above — or this list of the best running apps we’ve tested — and see which one is most aligned with your goals.
FAQs: Can You Use a ProForm Treadmill Without iFIT
Can I use my ProForm treadmill without iFIT?
Yes, you can use any ProForm treadmill without iFIT. To bypass this app, reset your treadmill and then press down on the iFIT button for up to 30 seconds and wait for zeros to appear on the screen. Once you see the zeroes, stop pressing the button and you’re ready to use the treadmill without iFIT.
How do I put my iFIT treadmill in manual mode?
Depending on your specific model, there might be different options for accessing manual mode. More than likely, you will have to bypass iFIT in order to access manual mode. Once you have bypassed iFIT, your model may require you to press the Start button to activate manual mode or you might have to press the Program Select button a few times until a track appears on the display and the iFIT button is gone.
Do I really need an iFIT membership?
You do not need an iFIT membership to use ProForm or NordicTrack machines. This is more of a perk than a necessity. However, iFIT does have a large database of workouts and classes that can help make your treadmill sessions more enjoyable. Additionally, there are plenty of iFIT alternatives that not only have treadmill workouts, but also feature one-on-one training with personal trainers. Ultimately, using iFIT or an alternative app comes down to your fitness goals and budget.
