iFit Vs. Peloton: Which workout service is best for you?

Both Peloton and the iFit apps are great at offering virtual fitness training, both on and off fitness equipment.

Peloton invests extensively in studio classes while iFit is more in outdoor fitness classes. Now, the peloton also is focusing on outdoor fitness. iFit has more content than Peloton because iFit was established before but peloton also making huge programs at the least time.

iFit and Peloton have an extensive range of common workouts that include cycling, running, Walking, yoga, mental health Program and Strength. The main difference between Peloton and iFit is that iFit has extra Programs such as elliptical programs, and rowing programs that are not in Peloton.

So, in this article, we will dig into the features of Peloton and iFit, and in the process, enumerate their similarities and differences. 

What is iFit?

ICON Health & Fitness (“ICON”), the parent company of fitness market leaders NordicTrack, ProForm, and Freemotion, also owns iFit. iFit is a fitness app that requires a subscription and provides thousands of on-demand and live workout classes. You can either stream it on an iFit-compatible cardio machine or download it onto your own device in order to use the app.

Other than incorporating the all-new virtual studio exercises, iFit offers exclusive outdoor exercises that are the best in the market.

Can You Use iFit on Peloton?

Technically, the Peloton bikes and treadmills are designed for use with only the Peloton fitness app, hence an all-exclusive Peloton tablet. Nevertheless, there is a loophole in the Peloton bikes and treadmills that users take advantage of in order to accommodate iFit.

The Peloton equipment has the Just Ride feature on the bike, similar to the Just Run feature on the treadmill. It allows the Peloton owners to switch their equipment into the self-controlled mode, where they take workouts at their own pace and choice. 

At this point, they can use an iFit app from their phone, tablet or TV to stream and exercise as part of the iFit community. The best part is that they can still view their workout metrics on the Peloton touchscreen, despite the workouts being from iFit.

What is Peloton?

Peloton is a fitness app designed and offered by Peloton Inc. The company offers exercise equipment and the fitness app, which comes inbuilt into the fitness equipment.

While Peloton is a relatively new concept in the world of fitness compared to iFit, it has grown to be a top competitor. Besides, it is tops in indoor virtual training, with amazing instructors, music and content.

Interestingly, Peloton has a subscription that is exclusive to the Peloton equipment, that is, the bikes and the treadmills owners. However, the company also has another subscription designed App for members without the Peloton bikes and treadmills.

Can You Use the Peloton App on Any Device?

Yes, you can use the Peloton app on literally any smart device. It is compatible with Android and Apple phones, tablets and TVs, ROKU and Fire TVs, and you can also stream the workouts directly on the web. Therefore, whether you have a piece of Peloton equipment or not, the Peloton app makes it easy to access Peloton content.

Workout Types

While both services promote a variety of workouts to appeal to a wide audience, there are slight variations in what each one provides.

Similarities Between iFit and Peloton

Let’s skip to the similarities between the two fitness apps;

• Leaderboard: Peloton and iFit feature a Leaderboard that displays the class participants while encouraging competition.

• Live and on-demand classes: There are live classes for a real-time feel and interaction with the instructor and on-demand classes where one has a choice of class type and design.
• Indoor and outdoor classes: There are classes you can take on and off the equipment while in the house, complemented by outdoor classes that give you a tour of different routes and terrains.
• Multiple accounts subscriptions: Whether using iFit or Peloton, you get an opportunity to a subscription that allows for more than one account.
• Suitable for non-brand equipment, too: The best part about both iFit and Peloton is that you can actually subscribe to the apps even if you don’t have equipment with an inbuilt app. With a peloton, you don’t need a Peloton bike or treadmill. On the other hand, you don’t need a Proform, a NordicTrack, a Matrix or a FeeMotion to use iFit.

iFit Vs. Peloton at a Glance

Features	Peloton	iFit
On-demand classes	Yes	Yes
Live classes	Yes	Yes
Access	Available on Android, Fire TV, Roku, and in web browsers, Apple TV‌, ‌iPad‌, and ‌iPhone‌	Available on Android, Fire TV, Roku, and in web browsers, Apple TV‌, ‌iPad‌, and ‌iPhone‌
Tv-compatible	Yes	Yes
Heart rate monitor integration	Yes	Yes
Apple Watch integration	Yes	Yes
Classes	Indoor and outdoor	Indoor and outdoor
Equipment workouts	Treadmill, bike, Bike and Treadmill Bootcamps and strength	Treadmill, bike, elliptical, rower and strength
Non-equipment workouts	Yoga, stretching,  meditation, dance, shadowboxing, cardio, outdoor	global exploration, live events, iFit mind, progressive outdoor series
In-built equipment	Peloton bike and Peloton bike plus	NordicTrack, FreeMotion, Proform and Matrix
Scenic rides and runs	Yes (only for peloton bike and tread member)	Yes
Cost of membership	$44 per month (unlimited membership) $12.99 per month (digital app membership)	$39 per month (multiple accounts) $396 per year (multiple accounts) $180 per year (1 account) $15 per month (digital app membership)

iFit Vs. Peloton (Differences)

The differences between Peloton and iFit will help you identify which fitness app will serve you best;

Equipment Workouts 

Peloton only has exercises for two major equipment, the bike and the treadmill, and strength training equipment. On the other hand, iFit has rower and elliptical training on top of the bike, treadmill and strength equipment training.

iFit Vs. Peloton Classes

Peloton has heavily invested in indoor classes and everything that make the classes excellent. These include multiple class variations, a wide range of matching music, community interaction and active instructor-user interaction.

Does Peloton have live classes? Definitely! Live classes on Peloton are scheduled daily and scattered all day to suit different schedules.

During Peloton live classes, the class could have people in hundreds and thousands, depending on the time and popularity of the class and instructor. During such classes, one has the same feel as that of a physical studio class.

Contrarily, iFit invests more in outdoor classes. Global classes get you touring different scenic sites, such as historical monuments, beaches, and wild parks, among others. 

Another outstanding feature of the iFit classes is the challenges. If you are training for 5K and other professional or personal target goals, iFit has so many that you could never exhaust.

Does iFit have live classes? Yes, it does. However, the live classes in iFit are pretty dull compared to Peloton since people rarely interact on the Leaderboard. Also, they feel monotonous compared to the flare and glare of the outdoor fun exercises on iFit.

Most importantly, iFit is more about personal growth in fitness, while Peloton is more about social growth in fitness.

iFit Vs. Peloton for Weight Loss

Can you lose weight with Peloton? Yes, you can. Peloton has tons of HIIT, cardio and other classes specific to weight loss goals. Therefore, with consistency and the right diet combination, you can definitely lose weight with Peloton.

Can you lose weight with iFit? iFit takes you to hikes, long-distance rides, and runs that help you with weight loss goals. More importantly, healthy cooking classes will make you love your own food, which is healthier than the fries and pizzas you would otherwise order.

Which is the best for weight loss? Whether you take on Peloton or iFit, you will definitely find something worth your weight loss goals. However, iFit gets the upper hand for actively involving the diet part of weight loss.

iFit Vs. Peloton for Muscle Build-up

Which is the best for muscle build-up? Peloton gets a win in muscle building because its classes are more intense yet interactive, hence more likely to help compared to iFit’s live strength classes. 

iFit Vs. Peloton for Beginners

Is iFit suitable for beginners? Of course, it is! iFit has beginner classes that help with form and class design while preparing newbies for the more demanding challenges.

Is Peloton good for beginners? Yes, it is! Peloton has beginner classes that are slower and more informative on the exercises and form, inducing beginners into the world of fitness.

Which is better for beginners? Peloton and iFit are both excellent choices for beginners.

Peloton Vs. iFit TV Connection

Both fitness apps connect seamlessly to smart TVs, from Android, Apple, and ROKU to Fire TVs. I have used both options without a challenge, though some iFit users complain of a TV connectivity challenge. However, there is no problem with TV connectivity and the Peloton app.

iFit Membership Vs. Peloton Membership

Peloton has two types of memberships, an unlimited membership and a digital app membership. The unlimited membership costs $44 per month and is only available on Peloton bikes and treadmills, while the digital app membership costs $12.99 and is available to non-Peloton bike and treadmill users.

However, Peloton does not have an annual subscription option for membership.

On the other hand, you can opt for a monthly or annual membership on iFit. The monthly membership with multiple accounts is $39 per month, while its yearly cost is $396. However, the cost is lower for one member, at $180 per year. Also, besides the iFit digital membership that costs $15 monthly, iFit is cheaper than Peloton overall.

iFit Vs. Peloton App

Peloton and iFit apps are suitable for all members without the brand-inbuilt app for use with other equipment. They are less costly, though they only allow for one account per membership. The Peloton app costs $12.99, while the iFit membership costs $15 per month.

Amazingly, you can use the Peloton and iFit apps on personal devices such as phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs.

iFit Vs. Peloton Bike

Basically, Peloton has two bikes with the inbuilt app; the Peloton bike and the Peloton bike plus. Both bikes are high-end, with the standard bike going at $1445 and the bike plus at $2495.

On the other hand, iFit is inbuilt on Proform, NordicTrack, Matrix and FreeMotion bikes and ellipticals. Due to the range of bike options, iFit is cheaper than Peloton to obtain, with Proform bike options starting from as low as $599. 

iFit Vs. Peloton Treadmill

Just as with the bike, iFit comes inbuilt in four treadmill brands; Proform, NordicTrack, Matrix and FreeMotion. On the other hand, Peloton is only inbuilt on the Peloton treadmill.

Is iFit Better than Peloton?

Yes, iFit is better than Peloton for outdoor classes. It captures the outdoor environment best and has so many varieties that one would want to try. The challenges are also many, with targets that rhyme with different athletic goals.

However, Peloton is still a better choice for indoor classes, music and interaction.

FAQs

Can You Watch Netflix on Peloton?

Yes, you can. However, you would have to use a method Peloton disapproves of and even risk your touchscreen warranty.

Is iFit More Expensive than Peloton?

Well, iFit and Peloton have similar subscription options for a family package, which is $39 per month. Actually, iFit has a cheaper subscription for the same services and offers an option for a subsidized annual membership.

Final Thoughts

Peloton and iFit are both great, with each shining best on one end of the other. Therefore, one can either get the subscription that suits their needs most or get both.

However, you can get a taste of each for free for a whole month by subscribing to the digital app membership. This is the best way to come up with a final decision.