BarBend https://barbend.com The Online Home for Strength Sports Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:31:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://barbend.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BarBend-ios-152-50x50.png BarBend https://barbend.com 32 32 The 7 Best Treadmill Apps of 2024 (Personally Tested) https://barbend.com/best-treadmill-apps/ Tue, 04 Jun 2024 02:31:26 +0000 https://barbend.com/?p=259698 The best fitness apps can help you track, build, and maintain your fitness routine, and while there are thousands of options to choose from via Google Play and the App Store, finding the right app for your training can be like herding cats — it seems possible, but also exhausting. If you’re in need of some assistance for...

The post The 7 Best Treadmill Apps of 2024 (Personally Tested) appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
The best fitness apps can help you track, build, and maintain your fitness routine, and while there are thousands of options to choose from via Google Play and the App Store, finding the right app for your training can be like herding cats — it seems possible, but also exhausting. If you’re in need of some assistance for your treadmill workouts, we’ve curated a list of the best treadmill apps that offer workout classes, stat tracking, scenic and virtual runs, supportive communities, and coaching to help you reach your goals.

Whether you’re running at the gym or on your own home treadmill, these apps can help you dial in or zone out, providing users of all levels access to the benefits of cardio, such as strengthening the heart, managing weight, and boosting low self-esteem. (1)(2)(3) After testing more than 70 of the most popular apps on the market, our team of fitness professionals have assembled our seven favorites. 

The 7 Best Treadmill Apps of 2024

  • Best Treadmill App Overall: iFIT
  • Best Treadmill App for Data Tracking: MapMyRun
  • Best Motivating Treadmill App: Aaptiv
  • Best Virtual World Treadmill App: Zwift
  • Best Free Treadmill App: Nike Run Club
  • Best Treadmill App for Games: Zombies, Run!
  • Best Treadmill App with Live Workouts: Peloton

About Our Expert

This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level-1 instructor. She reviewed the research we cite and the running tools we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations. 

How We Tested and Chose the Best Treadmill Apps

The BarBend team is made up of marathon runners, certified personal trainers, and powerlifters who are always looking for a way to make running less of a punishment. To determine the best treadmill apps, we got hands-on experience with more than 70 different apps, utilizing the BarBend equipment testing methodology to score each app’s ease of use, pricing, accountability, instruction, and more on a scale of 1 (boo) to 5 (awesome).

  • Ease of Use: When we want an app to support our walking or running workouts, getting the app set up and ready to use shouldn’t be what spikes our heart rate. We prioritized treadmill apps that made signing up, navigating, and getting started a headache-free experience. 
  • Workout and Entertainment Variety: We zeroed in on apps with a focus on finding options with diverse workout offerings, entertaining coaching and storytelling, and programming suitable for all levels of runners and walkers.
  • Training Metrics: We worked to highlight apps that could track your training, so you can better understand the details behind the work you’ve put in and how that affects your overall progress. 
  • Price: While many apps on our list are free — or have free tiers — we made sure to note when there is a subscription cost. Some have low monthly costs that provide basic training plans and tracking, but we also wanted to include options that offer trainer-led classes and immersive features, which will inevitably drive up the subscription price. 

Best Best Treadmill App Overall: iFIT

$25 Off
IFIT Class Subscription
IFIT Class Subscription
IFIT Class Subscription

The iFit app features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from mental health and recovery to rowing, running, HIIT and strength classes. You can get the full studio experience virtually through iFit, and is a great boost to any home gym set-up — with or without equipment.

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Starting at $15
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Scenic running, walking, and hiking classes around the globe

Pros

  • More than 17,000 on-demand classes both on and off treadmill
  • Run, walk, and hike through scenic locations
  • Can pair with compatible treadmills for stat-tracking and automatic speed adjustments

Cons

  • Live classes have been discontinued
  • Some app features are only available with compatible treadmills
  • Limited music integration

iFIT is one of our team’s favorite treadmill running apps, as it offers scenic runs along busy city streets in Japan, beside mountains in Chile, through rich historical cities like Prague, and more. iFIT prioritizes outdoor runs where the trainer is right there with you, running across beautiful backdrops,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. Ease of use and instruction both scored a 4.5 out of 5.

If quality and quantity are your love languages, iFIT’s library of more than 17,000 classes will keep your heart happy. In addition to scenic and studio treadmill runs, walks, and hikes, you’ll also find yoga, strength training, and more. “The library of classes is easy to navigate when you browse by type of workout,” noted our tester, who gave ease of use a 4.5 out of 5.

While iFIT can be downloaded onto your phone or tablet, it also comes integrated into many NordicTrack and ProForm treadmills (see our list of the best treadmills with iFIT). However, if you don’t have compatible equipment, fear not. “Since I can download it to my phone, it’s an app that I can take with me anywhere I go,” noted our tester. Equipment demands scored a 4 out of 5. 

BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod, NASM-CPT, selecting an iFIT class on the NordicTrack S22i.
BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod, NASM-CPT, selecting an iFIT class on the NordicTrack S22i.

However, running on an iFIT-compatible machine can provide you with more data tracking and access to AutoAdjust, a feature that allows your speed and incline to adjust automatically based on your workout. BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, did a workout in Hawaii during testing, noting the beautiful views on the app. “SmartAdjust took control of my resistance and really made me feel like I was climbing the hills I saw on screen,” said Meier. 

If you’re looking for real-time classes, you may be disappointed. They previously had daily live classes, but currently only offer occasional live racing events. Additionally, while you’ll be able to stream music in the app, you’ll only be able to choose stations based on genre and you won’t be able to select the exact music you’d like to listen to. 

“These classes are great,” concluded our tester, who gave instruction a 4.5 out of 5. With a variety of coaches, you can find a trainer with the right vibe or style to support your training. We also like how many coaches will share running tips and interesting facts about whatever location you choose to run through. 

Read our full iFIT Review.

Best Treadmill App for Data Tracking: MapMyRun 

MapMyRun by Under Armour
MapMyRun by Under Armour
MapMyRun by Under Armour

MapMyRun by Under Armour gives you free access to the app, with some added benefits with a paid subscription. A solid running app with GPS tracking, map creation capabilities, and data analytics to support your mileage.

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Free or $5.99
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Audio coaching and feedback

Pros

  • Pairs with heart rate devices and compatible shoes to track data
  • Invite friends to challenges you’ve created
  • Training plans built for beginners and seasoned runners with MVP subscription

Cons

  • MVP subscription needed for some features
  • Limited videos to train with
  • Shoe connectivity expires on March 31st, 2025

While Under Armour’s MapMyRun app was designed to benefit outdoor trail running and laps on city streets with GPS tracking capabilities that provide you with a map of your run, there’s still a good deal of functionality when used on a treadmill. We like MapMyRun for data tracking thanks to its compatibility with many of the best fitness trackers, which can offer detailed insights into your workouts. Setup, instructions, ease of use, and value all scored a 5 out of 5.

MapMyRun’s free version reminds me of Strava, with a social network where you can connect with friends and share your efforts. Weekly analytics also give you insight into how your stats, like total miles and calories, compare from week to week. 

With a $5.99 a month or $29.99 a year MVP subscription, you can enable audio coaching, custom workouts, detailed heart-rate analysis graphs, and live tracking to keep your friends informed about where you are. Value scored a 5 out of 5. 

Screenshots of the MapMyRun app.

“The app doesn’t provide streaming videos akin to iFIT or Peloton, however, the subscription gives you a lot to work with for a reasonable price,” mentioned our tester. 

I hopped on the treadmill to see how the free version of MapMyRun works. Since I wasn’t outdoors, I knew that the app’s free GPS tracking wouldn’t be able to provide me with information on my speed or pace. However, I did appreciate that duration, start time, date, and calories burned were tracked. 

After pairing my Apple Watch, I was able to see a heart rate analysis that allowed me to assess how well I performed from day to day. What’s more, if you have UnderArmour Connected Footwear, you can get access to stats from your run like cadence, stride length, pace, splits, and more. 

“Syncing the app with my devices was super easy,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer, who scored ease of use a 5 out of 5. However, this shoe connectivity feature is coming to an end on March 31st, 2025.

My favorite aspect of MapMyRun’s social functionality is the ability to create challenges based on workouts, distance, calories burned, or time, which you can invite your friends to compete in. If you’ve ever challenged friends to compete on the Apple Watch, this is a similar feature that will help crown the top performer of the week.

Best Motivating Treadmill App: Aaptiv

Aaptiv
Aaptiv
Aaptiv

An audio-focused streaming workout app that lets you take your workouts anywhere you want to go.

Specs

  • Price Per Month: $14.99
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Audio coaching

Pros

  • Audio-based training can keep you motivated and off your phone
  • Workouts and programs suggested based on your goals
  • AI-powered Coach feature can curate personalized training plans

Cons

  • Limited visual training aids
  • Currently only six trainers on the app
  • App has been noted to crash after updates

If you don’t want to be glued to your phone during your run, Aaptiv, one of the best personal training apps we’ve tested, provides audio-based workouts and coaching to help guide you through your paces. Aaptiv is our choice for the best motivating treadmill app thanks to its audio-focused training, with expert coaches who provide form cues and plenty of energy to help keep you moving. Setup and ease of use scored a 5 out of 5, and instruction and accountability came in right behind with a 4 out of 5.

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored accountability a 4 out of 5. “I love that I’m able to add programs and workouts to my calendar in the app, which are then followed up with push notifications to motivate me to get to work,” they said. For additional motivation, there’s also a social aspect to the app. “There’s a community feed so I can see what others are doing and post my own workouts as well.”

Workouts are suggested based on your goals, plus our tester noted how easy it is to navigate the app to find what you’re looking for. “The user experience is simple and everything is laid out clearly, so you can find a workout based on duration, the equipment you have, muscle group you want to target, or level of your ability,” they said. Ease of use scored a 5 out of 5. 

Screenshots from the Aaptive app.
Screenshots from the Aaptive app.

However, it’s worth noting that some customer reviews have mentioned that the app functionality can glitch, especially after app updates.

BarBend editorial member Randall Colburn used Aaptiv for about a year and a half, splitting his training on the app between HIIT workouts, strength training, and treadmill running. “I loved the energy of the coaches,” he said. “During runs, the coaches offered speed and incline recommendations, but also routinely encouraged me to focus on and refine my form.” 

While we love the coaching, there are currently only six coach trainers to choose from, which may be an obstacle for those who like variety in their coaches. 

Since this app is primarily for audio coaching, you won’t find a ton of visual aids to support your training. “Since the coaches aren’t always on screen, sometimes you’ll just have an animation doing the movements,” said our tester, who gave instruction a 4 out of 5. The limited visuals may not be suitable for new runners or those who need some more detailed visual cues.

Best Virtual World Treadmill App: Zwift

Zwift
Zwift
Zwift

Immerse yourself in 3D virtual worlds with Zwift. Most popular with cyclists, this premium app is free for runners. 

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Free for runners
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Train on virtual courses

Pros

  • Control your avatar through immersive virtual courses
  • Free for runners
  • Academy training provides training tips and structured workouts

Cons

  • You need a Bluetooth-enabled treadmill or additional sensors to use Zwift
  • Initial startup takes multiple steps
  • Zwift’s RunPod can be finicky

Zwift is an app unlike any other, allowing you to propel an avatar through a virtual world based on how quickly you move on your treadmill. We chose Zwift as the best virtual world treadmill app because of its ability to allow you to virtually run through the land of Watopia, with the option to explore alternating (and real) worlds, such as Scotland, New York, London, and more.

While Zwift and the Zwift Companion app are often used by cyclists — and cost $14.99 — users wanting to explore this virtual landscape on their treadmill can run for free! To get set up, you’ll either need a Bluetooth-enabled treadmill, like the AssaultRunner Pro, or a running sensor, foot pod, smart shoes, or smartwatch. 

Getting set up with Zwift can take a little trial and error, especially if you don’t have a compatible treadmill. The Zwift RunPod ($19.99), a shoe attachment that tracks your speed, cadence, and distance, is one option to get you running as soon as possible, though there have been some complaints from users about problems with the connectivity of this device. 

For those fearful of connecting tools and troubleshooting tech issues, the simplest option is to download the $4.99 Treadmill Smart Speed app, which can tell Zwift (and your avatar) how fast to run.

Once you’re set up, you can run along a variety of courses. If you choose to set up the Zwift Companion app, you can send messages to other racers, flip U-turns on the course, adjust your training segments, teleport elsewhere on the course, and even take photos of your avatar in the virtual world.

Academy training provides running tips and more structured training, and as you accumulate experience points by trying out new features, burning calories, participating in events, and more in the app, you can level up, which rewards you with cool swag for your avatar.

Zwift is one of the coolest apps out there for treadmill running, and if you’re looking for an escape from your reality (or boring LISS cardio sessions), you’ll definitely want to give this app some consideration.

Best Free Treadmill App: Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club
Nike Run Club

Nike Run Club is a free running app that allows you to track your run while providing training plans and coaching to keep you moving in the right direction. 

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Free
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: Best for beginners, suitable for all levels
  • Key Feature: Free training plans

Pros

  • Free coaching from Nike trainers and athletes
  • Guided running plans for everyone from beginners to marathon runners
  • Play music from Apple Music or Spotify

Cons

  • Metrics won’t be calculated unless you hold your phone while you run (or use the Apple Watch app)
  • Limited library of training options compared to other apps
  • Users have mentioned their runs not saving

We think that Nike Run Club is one of the best online workout programs, and the icing on the cake is that it’s totally free. I’ve been using this app on and off for about 10 years. The social aspect allows me to look back at all of my training, but my favorite part of this app is that there’s no paywall — you’re getting everything Nike has to offer. Pricing, setup, and ease of use scored a 5 out of 5.

This free app gives you access to a wide range of tools suitable for beginners to marathon runners. That includes stat tracking, training plans, guided runs from Nike coaches, and leaderboards, as well as a social network where you can share and compare your efforts with your friends. Value scored a 5 out of 5.

Apple Music and Spotify integration allows you to seamlessly access playlists from the app, so you can stream music from the landing page that shows you your running stats. 

Screenshots of the Nike Run Club app.

When using this app on a treadmill, you’ll have to carry the phone in your hand for your run to be tracked. If you set your phone down on a media shelf during your treadmill workout, the app will pause your workout. Annoying, right?! We scored our workout experience a 3 out of 5. However, the app can connect with your Apple Watch if you’d rather run without your phone. 

The guided runs provide audio-based support, with a coach telling you when to pick up your pace. The Nike coaches go above and beyond, sharing why you’re doing what you’re doing. This helped me understand more about the mechanics and purpose of my warm-ups, slower-paced endurance runs, and how to pick up the pace for high-intensity training. Instruction scored a 4 out of 5.

While the Nike Run Club library of training options is limited compared to some other apps — there are only five training plans and 302 total guided runs — it’s worth a download to test it out since it’s free. However, one thing to be wary of is that some users have mentioned their runs not saving.

Best Treadmill App for Games: Zombies, Run!

Zombies, Run!
Zombies, Run!
Zombies, Run!

Run anywhere in the world while you play your own music or listen to a podcast. However, when you hear that zombies are closing in on you, you better pick up the pace to stay alive and complete your mission.

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Free or $6.99
  • Compatibility: iOS and Android
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Outrun zombies within radio plays

Pros

  • Gamified running experience with a horror vibe
  • Four seasons of stories with more than 100 episodes  
  • Stream your own music or podcast 

Cons

  • Story downloads can take up a lot of space
  • Limited fitness metric tracking
  • Tracked distance can be inaccurate

If your treadmill workout needs a little infusion of fun, Zombies, Run! allows you to participate in what feels like a live-action role-playing game. Throughout your training, a radio play pops on to set the scene of a dystopian zombie apocalypse. You’ll have missions to collect supplies, rebuild the world, rescue people, and uncover mysteries — and when you hear zombies breathing down your neck, you’ll want to pick up your pace to avoid being zombie food (or losing items from your inventory).

I’ve used this app on and off over the last decade, and I find it most useful when I’m trying to get back into a running routine. I love the gamification of cardio, especially with this form of loose Fartlek training where you’re mixing up your speed intensity. Occasionally hearing that I’ve picked up various pieces of equipment or that “there are zombies 100 meters behind you!” keeps me entertained and grinning. Workout experience scored a 5 out of 5.

Screenshots from the app Zombies, Run
Screenshots from the app Zombies, Run!

I can listen to my own music or podcasts, and when a story clip pops on, my music’s volume automatically lowers so I can tune in to the mystery afoot. ZRX has created a huge immersive world, with talented voice actors, engaging story arcs, and four seasons with more than 100 episodes worth of content. While you can pay to unlock more episodes, stories, and missions, the value of the free option is impressive and earned a 5 out of 5.

When using this app on a treadmill, you won’t be able to utilize the GPS tracking, which tells the game you’ve outrun the approaching zombies. However, you can switch to Simulate Running mode or Step Counting mode, but you’ll want to hold your phone in your hand for the latter. Ease of use scored a 4 out of 5.

If you’re interested in a running app with detailed training metrics, you’ll want to look elsewhere. While Zombies, Run! does keep track of your distance, many users have complained that this tracking can be inaccurate. Regardless of your level, if you need a jolt of fun to shake up your running workouts, this app is a worthwhile consideration.

Best Treadmill App with Live Workouts: Peloton

Peloton App
Peloton App
Peloton App

No need to have Peloton equipment when you can have access to the app with a subscription. Take classes from popular coaches to help you get your run done and dusted.

Specs

  • Price Per Month: Starting at $24
  • Compatibility: iOS and Andorid
  • User Level: All levels
  • Key Feature: Range of coaching styles

Pros

  • More than 7 live tread classes daily
  • Wide range of coaches can suit whatever mood you’re in
  • Music focused programming

Cons

  • Leaderboard and training metrics are only available for All-Access memberships
  • Higher subscription fee with Peloton Tread or Tread+
  • Pre-loading classes can take up a lot of space on your device

Peloton is a leader in the digital fitness marketplace, notable for its high-energy, off-the-cuff live workouts on exercise bikes and treadmills. (At one point, it even seemed as if these types of virtual workouts would spell the end of fitness studios.) We love Peloton because it schedules more than seven live treadmill classes daily. 

Additionally, the coaches that lead these live workouts are beloved by the masses (huge Cody Rigsby fan here) thanks to their range of talents. Matt Wilpers, a former D1 runner, brings a grounded, cue-driven focus to his workouts, and Camila Ramón coaches in Spanish and English with uplifting beats to support your run. Whatever your mood, there’s a coach to suit your preference. Instruction scored a 5 out of 5.

In addition to awesome coaches, the music selection on Peloton is better than any other fitness streaming service or app I’ve tried. You can select a music genre (pop, punk, metal, hip-hop, rock, country, 90s, 80s, etc.) to play a workout that features the music you want to hear. Workout experience scored a 5 out of 5.

A person walks at an incline with the Peloton Tread treadmill
A BarBend tester walking on the Peloton Tread.

The $24 a month Peloton App+ subscription gives you access to live and on-demand treadmill classes that you can stream from your own device, but you won’t be able to track your training metrics. If you have the Peloton Tread or Tread+ — some of the best high-end treadmills we’ve tested —  a $44 a month All-Access membership is needed to stream content, track your metrics, and participate on the leaderboard to see how you stack up against other members.

When using the Peloton App+ on your phone or tablet, preloading each workout can take up a ton of space on your device. While there’s always the option to stream the class, depending on your data plan or available Wi-Fi, downloading workouts may be your best option when working out at the gym or on vacation.

Benefits of the Best Treadmill Apps

Treadmill apps can be built into your equipment or downloaded onto a tablet or phone, allowing users, depending on the app’s functionality, the ability to access coaching, programming, entertainment, and data tracking. The following are some of the benefits of treadmill apps. 

  • Programming: According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer, “Solid, smart programming is what keeps you from spinning your wheels in the gym and failing to see results.” Apps that can be used on a treadmill can take the guesswork out of your workouts so all you have to do is show up and follow along to treadmill classes or audio instructions.
  • Social Network: Some of the apps we’ve highlighted offer community within the app, whether you’re a casual jogger or running every day. You can follow friends, post your efforts for your network to see, and encourage (or challenge) one another.
  • Versatility: Some treadmill apps are built into equipment, but many of these apps can be downloaded onto your phone or tablet so you can take your training on vacation or to the gym. Additionally, some apps provide training beyond treadmill running or walking, so you can have guidance, motivation, and tracking for indoor cycling, strength training, and more.
  • Data Insights: If you’re a data nerd, some apps and premium memberships can provide you with a clear picture of your mileage, time, speed, heart rate, and how each run compares to previous efforts or the efforts of others.
  • Affordable Access: Many of the apps on our list can be accessed for free, with premium subscriptions ranging from $5.99 up to $44 a month. Regardless of your budget, there’s something on our list that can help your training.

How Much Do Treadmill Apps Cost?

Regardless if you’re training on budget-friendly equipment or one of the best treadmills that money can buy, there’s a treadmill app to support your efforts at a price point that fits your needs. While some of the apps we’ve highlighted are free (or provide some offerings for free), a wider range of access and functionality can be achieved with monthly subscriptions that range from $5.99 up to $44. Peruse our choices and the expected cost below.

What to Consider Before Choosing the Best Treadmill App

“Anyone who has an interest in reaching a fitness goal or simply improving their overall fitness will benefit from an [app-based] workout program,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer and a certified personal trainer. “Those who find success with external accountability and motivation will also benefit.” 

iFit NordicTrack 1750
A BarBend tester navigating iFIT on the NordicTrack 1750.

Treadmill apps are diverse in their offerings, functionality, and price, so it’s important to consider the following areas before picking an app to support your training.

Type of Training

What type of training are you looking to accomplish? Consider your fitness goals, whether you’re looking to start a 5k training plan or simply trying to stay active during your downtime. 

If you’re interested in an app that can make getting onto a treadmill to walk or run more enjoyable, consider an app that provides entertainment in the form of storytelling, dynamic instruction, or gamification so you can get some sweet dopamine hits as you compete on virtual courses. (4)

When your fitness goals revolve around increasing your speed or building up your endurance, consider an app that provides training plans, so you can train with a focus on your specific needs.

Cost

We’ve provided a range of apps with prices that fit any budget, from free offerings to memberships that cost up to $44 a month. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and if that cost adds value to your indoor runs. 

Higher-priced apps tend to offer live and on-demand streaming video classes, with new classes added daily. More cost-friendly apps offer basic tracking features and some training program guidance to help you progress.

Streaming Content

What do you want from your treadmill workout app? If you’ve got your eyes set on streaming content, you’ll want to consider all of your options. 

Some apps offer live workouts where you can follow along with what the coach is doing on screen. Others specialize in outdoor scenic runs where you train alongside a running coach on beautiful trails. There’s also audio-based programming with coach cues and form insight, as well as radio plays that can help your interval runs feel like you’re in an interactive adventure game. Deciding on the type of content you want to stream is a great place to start.

While we love streaming content, it’s worth noting that there are some virtual coaching limits, and you won’t get one-on-one feedback within these apps.

Community

Some apps allow you to connect with your friends, share your efforts, and even give each other kudos for a job well done. Consider if this is the type of motivation and encouragement you need from your app. While many running apps provide a social feed, some apps take this a step further, allowing you to high-five, message, and participate with others in the community of your choice.

Best Treadmill Apps FAQs

Is there a free treadmill app?

Yes! The Nike Run Club App is our favorite free app, with a wide range of guided workouts to suit beginner athletes looking to tackle a 5k to marathon runners upping their mileage.

Can treadmill apps track running?

Yes. Apps like MapMyRun, Nike Run Club, and Run, Zombies! have options to toggle over from GPS tracking to treadmill running, so you track your training when on a treadmill. Additionally, apps like Zwift, Peloton, and iFIT can pair with some Bluetooth-enabled treadmills to give you even more data from your workout session.

What is the best treadmill app?

We picked iFIT as the best treadmill app because of its huge library of scenic runs, in which a coach runs with you through some of the most beautiful trails on the planet. You can run, walk, and hike in locations around the world, from Japan to Prague, with an expert coach right there with you, sharing training tips and insight into the location you’re exploring. While this app comes integrated into many of the best Nordictrack treadmills, you can also download the app onto an iPhone or Android device.

References

  1. Pearce, M., Garcia, L., Abbas, A., Strain, T., Schuch, F. B., Golubic, R., Kelly, P., Khan, S., Utukuri, M., Laird, Y., Mok, A., Smith, A., Tainio, M., Brage, S., & Woodcock, J. (2022). Association Between Physical Activity and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA psychiatry, 79(6), 550–559. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0609
  2. Markotić, V., Pokrajčić, V., Babić, M., Radančević, D., Grle, M., Miljko, M., Kosović, V., Jurić, I., & Karlović Vidaković, M. (2020). The Positive Effects of Running on Mental Health. Psychiatria Danubina, 32(Suppl 2), 233–235.
  3. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry, 8(2), 106. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
  4. Koepp, M. J., Gunn, R. N., Lawrence, A. D., Cunningham, V. J., Dagher, A., Jones, T., Brooks, D. J., Bench, C. J., & Grasby, P. M. (1998). Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video game. Nature, 393(6682), 266–268. https://doi.org/10.1038/30498

The post The 7 Best Treadmill Apps of 2024 (Personally Tested) appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
Future App Review (2024): Personal Training for the Stay-At-Home Athlete https://barbend.com/future-app-review/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 22:28:53 +0000 https://barbend.com/?p=223582 Research has shown that working with a personal trainer can not only help break down barriers to exercise, but may also help change one’s overall attitude about fitness. (1) Of course, not everyone has the time, budget, or comfort level to work in person with a trainer, which is where online programs like the Future fitness app come...

The post Future App Review (2024): Personal Training for the Stay-At-Home Athlete appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
Research has shown that working with a personal trainer can not only help break down barriers to exercise, but may also help change one’s overall attitude about fitness. (1) Of course, not everyone has the time, budget, or comfort level to work in person with a trainer, which is where online programs like the Future fitness app come in handy. Future, one of the best fitness apps we’ve tested, aims to bring the personal training experience to your home gym. It works like this: A certified coach will create a weekly workout plan for you to follow while routinely checking in for added motivation.

I trained with Future four times a week for roughly a month, rating the app in categories such as ease of use, accountability, instruction, and more on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). And while it does cost a hefty $199 monthly fee, the personalization of Future makes it one of my favorite online workout programs, and it could provide the extra motivation and accountability you’ve been searching for. Let’s dig deeper into our experience working out with Future. 

Future Online Personal Training
Future Online Personal Training
Future Online Personal Training

Future offers online personal training in every facet of fitness. Every client gets a certified fitness professional who will prescribe training programs, follow up daily to assess progress, make program adjustments as needed, and offer accountability.

About Our Expert

This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and CrossFit Level-1 Trainer. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions, and recommendations.

Future App Video Review

In the below video, BarBend expert tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, breaks down what he loves about the Future app, some potential cons, and what you can expect when you gear up for a session.

Main Takeaways

  • Future pairs you with a coach who creates personalized training based on your current fitness level and goals.
  • Each week, your trainer creates a customized workout plan and checks in via messages and FaceTime calls.
  • You can record your workouts and send them to your trainer for feedback on your form.
  • Though not required, a compatible smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, makes it easier for your trainer to make adjustments based on your stats.

Future App Highlights

  • Price Per Month: Starting at $149 
  • Training Discipline: Strength and conditioning
  • Equipment Required: None
  • Available On: iOS, Android
  • Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee 

Future costs $199 per month, but the cost can drop to $149 per month if you opt for an annual membership. That’s a sizable chunk of change, but I would rate its value a 4 out of 5 — between the instruction, personalization, flexibility, and accountability, you really do get your money’s worth. 

It begins with an assessment of your fitness level, goals, injury history, and preferred coaching style, which helps the app curate a list of trainers suited to your goals and interests. I was given three options, and after scanning their bios, I went with a trainer who had experience with NCAA Division 1 Football, which was perfect for me. If I didn’t like the options presented, I could’ve expanded my search. Setting up and navigating the app was super easy and straightforward, thus my 5 out of 5 rating for both setup and ease of use. 

During sessions, the Future app includes prompts and videos demonstrating each workout.

After being paired with my coach, we connected on a video call and got into the nitty gritty of my goals and home gym setup. The beauty of this process is that your workouts are tailored not just to your goals, but also the equipment you have at home. So, if you don’t have any strength gear — dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, whatever — your trainer can program bodyweight workouts. But if you have free weights or a power rack, they can offer more options. 

Each trainer is different, but mine had me doing a lot of HIIT workouts with high reps and lighter weights. My workouts also had a good amount of running on the treadmill in the beginning, but that phased out after a couple of weeks. This is the opposite of how I typically train, but I enjoyed the fresh approach. Working with a trainer, after all, is a great way to mix up your workout routine. 

After sessions, you can provide feedback to your Future personal trainer, which can help them make adjustments to your next workout.
It’s easy to leave feedback for your Future trainer after workouts.

I also enjoyed how flexible the process turned out to be. I could hit my four weekly workouts without disrupting my schedule or impacting my rest days, and even get adjustments made to my workouts when I was away from my home gym. I went out of town for a week during the holidays, and my trainer tailored my workouts for the adjustable kettlebell I brought with me. 

[Related: The 8 Best Weight Loss Programs of 2024]

There are downsides to this kind of training, of course. For some, getting out of the house and exercising alongside another person is what helps them sustain a fitness routine. Though your workouts with Future include video instruction for each movement, you’re still performing them solo, which may be a barrier for beginners. Future has its own approach to motivation and accountability, which we’ll get into more below. 

Also, having a smartwatch allows your trainer to see what parts of the workout were particularly hard or easy and allows them to adjust accordingly. I don’t have a smartwatch, but I was able to sync my FitBit with the Apple Health app, though I don’t know if it shows the same stats. Future says having a smartwatch helps you get the most of the app, but it would be nice if there were alternative ways to access that data. As such, I dinged my equipment demands score slightly, rating it a 4 out of 5. 

Pros

  • Future’s coaches tailor your weekly workouts to your needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all program.
  • Whether you have a fully-kitted home gym or rely on body weight, you won’t need to worry about making additional purchases to achieve a proper workout.
  • The in-app messaging and video calls provide a personalized experience that not every online training program offers. 

Cons

  • An app-based personal training experience may feel impersonal for those who’d rather work alongside a fitness coach.
  • The monthly fee — between $149 and $199, depending on your plan — is steep. 
  • Those without compatible smartwatches will be limited in the workout data your trainer receives, which may impact how they adjust future sessions.

Training With the Future App

From the one-on-one experience to the guided videos for your personalized workouts, there is much to like about Future. The app is easy to navigate, and the option to stream on other devices makes following along much easier.

Workouts

The best thing about Future is the personalization. While some online workout programs only offer a one-size-fits-all experience, Future excels in offering a training regimen that is specific to each individual person. From the frequency of your workouts to specific goals like improving your mile time or increasing your bench press, you’re in total control.

Simply fire up the app, hit “start workout,” and you’ll hear a voice recording from your coach detailing the goals of your session. Workouts begin with a mobility warmup and end with static stretching. I really enjoyed this. I stretch multiple times a week, but having a mobility routine is something I struggle with holding myself accountable, and I’m sure a lot of people are in the same boat. 

In addition to the audio that provides cues on the movements and what equipment you need, you’ll have a visual representation of how to perform each exercise. While your coach isn’t able to watch your actual workout, the app has an option for you to record your form and send it along for feedback. 

Each exercise comes with audio cues on the movements and what equipment you need, as well as a video showcasing how to perform it properly. I found there to be instances where it benefits having more time with the exercises beforehand. If you’re unfamiliar with a movement like, say, cossack squats, it can be tough to watch the video and get the hang of it without losing out on reps. I rate the instruction a 4 out of 5. 

You can make adjustments to your trainer’s recommended weight during sets using the Future app.

Here’s an example of one of my routines and the kind of timing you can expect: My coach had me doing 8 reps of barbell reverse lunges on your left leg, having five seconds, then 8 on the left leg, then 10 seconds before kettlebell swings, then 10 seconds before performing isometric pull-ups for 40 seconds. After that round, I got 60 seconds to rest before hitting it again. The number of rounds depends on the specific workout, but you’re typically working with three to four rounds of that. 

I appreciated how my coach made an effort to vary up my workouts week to week. I only had two that were copy and pastes, but they involved progressive overload. Overall, I rate the app’s workout variety a 5 out of 5. 

After completing your workout, you log your stats and answer a short questionnaire about how the workout went. You also have the option to rank each workout from poor to excellent and can leave feedback. With this information, your trainer can adjust the exercises and difficulty for the next session, ensuring you’re making progress. 

Communication

Not every online fitness program allows you to speak with trainers. Juggernaut AI, for example, uses artificial intelligence to generate personalized lifting programs. Future, on the other hand, works to ensure its trainers are actively involved in your journey. 

[Related: 5 Ways to Find Your Motivation for Fitness Again]

Your coach contacts you regularly to see how your workout went or ask why you missed a session. And when we passed along a video of our movements, we found them quick to reply with proper form techniques, cues, and suggestions. In general, the coaches are great at providing motivation, compliments, and encouragement in nutrition and recovery. Future, too, will give you achievement badges over time for workouts completed and calories burned. 

Talking to our digital personal trainer on the Future app.
BarBend’s Jake Herod chatting with his digital personal trainer on the Future app.

This level of support is helpful when you have a bad workout or aren’t progressing as fast as you’d like. We all struggle with motivation and consistency at times, so this extra communication can be a big help. Compared to other online fitness programs, I give Future a 5 out of 5 for both accountability and interactivity. 

App Compatibility 

You can choose to just use Future on your iPhone, but you can also sync the app to your smartwatch or stream everything at home on your TV. This is perfect for those who don’t like having their phone on hand while training or those who want a larger screen for a more immersive streaming experience. 

By syncing the app to your smartwatch, your trainer can access metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and workout duration. Smartwatches will also chime and vibrate to know when rest periods are over. I don’t have a smartwatch, but I was able to use an app that synced data from my FitBit to the Apple Health app. 

[Related: The Best Fitness Trackers For Heart Rate, Sleep Quality, and More]

Unfortunately, this limited the amount of data my coach had access to, which impacted their ability to make adjustments. I also had to manually log particular stats into the app, which can be a tedious process. Without a smartwatch, it can feel as if you’re not getting the most out of the program. 

What to Consider Before Joining Future

Similar to purchasing a new treadmill or rowing machine, you must consider some important factors before signing up for Future. For one, you always want to stay within your budget, but you may also want to pay close attention to the variety of workouts, the necessary equipment, and your overall fitness level.

Fitness Goals

As certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto says, “Everyone, even advanced exercisers (perhaps especially advanced exercisers) can benefit from an online personal trainer.” It helps, though, to have an idea of what you’re hoping to accomplish with a trainer before signing up. 

A person in a tan t-shirt squats with a loaded barbell draped across their back.
BarBend expert product tester Jake Herod with a loaded barbell.

The logical place to begin is with your fitness goals and current fitness level. Where are you at now, and where do you want to be?” Capritto continues. “You need a fitness plan that accommodates your current capabilities and can progressively lead you to where you want to go.”

By doing so, your trainer can help you clarify those goals and build a workout program to help you reach them. “Even if it’s just for four or six weeks, a clear plan from point A to point B is a great way to 1) get consistent in your habits, 2) motivate you to keep going, and 3) put you on a path that more efficiently gets you to your end goal,” says Capritto. 

Price

Even though Future is one of the most personalized online coaching programs on the market, you may not be thrilled about the price tag. Future costs $199 a month, but the monthly price decreases if you commit to 3 months ($179), 6 months ($169), or 12 months ($149). It helps to consider that the average cost of an in-person trainer ranges between $25 and $100 hourly (2). Depending on how often you train (and factoring in the convenience of an at-home program), you could potentially end up saving money using Future. 

But as Capritto notes, “There is no use in paying for an online personal training plan that you know you don’t have the time to commit to.” If you see your schedule being an issue, it might be better to opt for an app like Peloton or iFIT, which are less expensive ($44 and $39 a month, respectively) and offer on-demand classes you can take at your leisure. 

Workout Variety and Necessary Equipment

Nobody wants to be complacent with their workouts, and luckily, you don’t have to worry about that with Future. Another thing is that Future is compatible with or without fitness equipment. From simple exercises like bodyweight burpees to complex Olympic weightlifting exercises like the Clean & Jerk, Future has you covered. The beauty of it is that you have total control over what workouts are at your disposal.

Jake Herod doing the side plank.
Jake Herod performing bodyweight exercises.

We will note, however, that having a compatible smartwatch, such as an Apple Watch, lets your trainer access your full range of stats, thus allowing them to see what parts of the workout were particularly hard or easy. You don’t need one to use Future, but I felt as if I wasn’t getting the full experience without one. 

Future Vs. The Competition

We love comparing products against each other, so why not do that with Future and other online fitness apps? Below is a chart pinning some of our favorite platforms against each other.

Even though all of these platforms are similar, they’re also pretty different in their offerings. iFIT is the best for those working on a budget due to its affordable price tag, but those looking for more personalized content may be disappointed. It has plenty of strength classes, but it really excels in the cardio corner of fitness, with thousands of on-demand classes. 

NCFIT is ideal for the CrossFit enthusiast, but you won’t be getting personalized programming or coaching. Juggernaut AI is, as its name implies, uses artificial intelligence to generate personalized strength training programs centered around progressive overload. We love how it utilizes readiness prompts to determine the arc of that day’s workout, but it is an entirely digital experience, so don’t expect any one-on-one coaching. It’s also strength-focused, so cardio fiends will want to look elsewhere.

Future is hands down the most expensive option on this chart, it’s also the most accommodating and personalized. All of your workouts are tailored to your specific needs, you aren’t required to purchase any equipment, you have a catalog of video demonstrations for your workouts, and you can always chat with your personal trainer. We don’t think you can go wrong with any of these programs. You just want to be sure to base your decision on your specific wants and needs. 

Places to Buy

Head over to the Future website to sign up for your membership.

Company Information

Future aims to inspire and engage in lifelong health by bringing human connection through digital personal training. In addition to speaking to your trainer within the app, you can email their support team at help@future.co. They offer a risk-free first month, so if you aren’t happy with your experience, you can cancel your membership and they’ll refund your money.

In Conclusion

Future is one of the most immersive online fitness apps on the market, and it cracked our best list due to its personalization. Once you complete a short questionnaire and choose your personal trainer, you’ll receive guided weekly workouts based on your fitness level, history, and goals, and your trainer will contact you daily to provide extra motivation and accountability. 

Whether you have a fully stocked home gym or you’re just rocking with your body weight, you’ll have access to all the coaching you need to meet your goals. The $199 monthly membership fee may be too steep for some, but if you have the budget for it, we think the potential results will make it worth the money.

FAQs

How much does a Future membership cost?

You pay a $199 monthly membership fee for Future, though the price can decrease to $149 a month if you commit to a full year. While this is more expensive than most other online programs, we think the extensive catalog and personalized feel make it worth the money. The average cost of an in-person trainer ranges between $25 and $100 hourly, so, depending on how much you train, Future could end up saving you money in the end (2).

What equipment do I need to work out with Future?

The beauty of Future is that whether you have the best dumbbells on the market or only use body weight, your coach will tailor your workouts to what you have or don’t have at your disposal.

How do I communicate with my personal trainer in Future?

Communication is made easy within the Future app. You can hop on a video call or use in-app messaging. You can also share videos of your workout to get form critiques and suggestions from your coach.

References

  1. Mahaffey, K. (n.d.). How much does a personal trainer cost & should you hire one?. NASM. https://blog.nasm.org/how-much-does-a-personal-trainer-cost
  2. McClaran, S. R. (2003). The effectiveness of personal training on changing attitudes towards physical activity. J Sports Sci Med, 2(1), 10-4.

The post Future App Review (2024): Personal Training for the Stay-At-Home Athlete appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
Noom Weight Loss App Review https://barbend.com/noom-weight-loss-app-review/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:49:07 +0000 https://barbend.com/?p=218981 Noom is a weight loss app that emphasizes building a healthy and sustainable relationship with food more than it does on counting calories and restricting your eating. It runs primarily on the Noom app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Noom offers daily lessons that cover the psychology of eating and how it affects your...

The post Noom Weight Loss App Review appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
Noom is a weight loss app that emphasizes building a healthy and sustainable relationship with food more than it does on counting calories and restricting your eating. It runs primarily on the Noom app, which is available on both iOS and Android devices. Noom offers daily lessons that cover the psychology of eating and how it affects your habits, primarily when it comes to dieting and weight loss. Noom also takes more of an all-inclusive approach than many other dieting apps. Rather than categorizing foods as “good” or “bad,” Noom places an emphasis on categorizing foods by their calorie density, as well as considering your habits, preferences, and level of activity.

Noom
Noom
Noom

Noom combines psychology and behavioral science with traditional weight loss features like meal and activity tracking, personal coaches, and online communities to help customers adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

From there, Noom divides foods into high-, moderate-, and low-calorie categories, and allows you to mix and match those foods to hit the calorie allowance that Noom lays out for you. You can track your food and daily activity in the app, and personal coaches and an online community provide accountability. Noom aims to help people understand why they eat by adding a psychological approach to meal and activity tracking, making this a solid choice for people who want the mental tools to create long-term lifestyle changes. Let’s dig into a full review.

About Our Tester

Billy Brown is a Reviews Editor at BarBend.com. He has reviewed countless fitness apps for various publications, and he’s used them personally to help cut weight for competition and bulk up during the off-season. He used a combination of user reviews, product research, and personal experience to write this review. 

Main Takeaways

  • Noom uses a combination of activity and nutrition tracking, health coaches, and a psychology-based approach to dieting and losing weight.
  • Instead of requiring you to eliminate certain foods, the app uses a color-coded food classification system with red, green, and yellow categories.
  • Noom offers different payment options, including a $70-per-month monthly plan, a $209-per-year annual plan, and custom plans based on your specific goals and time frames.

Noom Fitness App Highlights

  • Price: There are multiple payment options available, including a $70/month monthly plan, a $209 per year annual plan, and plans with specific time frames to match your goal. 
  • Meal/Activity Tracking: The app allows users to log daily food intake and activity to see how close they are to their calorie goals. 
  • Accountability: Users are connected with health coaches as well as an online community of Noom members for support during their membership.
  • Time Frame: Programs are designed to run for 16 weeks but may vary from person to person.

Unlike other weight loss programs that give you a set meal or macro-counting plan, Noom aims to change your relationship with food using psychology and behavioral science. It offers daily lessons that educate users on how psychology can affect your habits, especially when they relate to eating, dieting, and weight loss. This is an intriguing approach, as it seems geared more toward a permanent change in how you eat versus dieting for a few months until you reach your goals.

Put into practice, Noom works by setting a daily calorie goal designed to create a caloric deficit. Instead of a specific diet or meal plan, Noom uses a color-coded system to classify food based on their caloric density. Green foods have a lower calorie count in large portions, yellow foods have moderate amounts of calories in moderate portions, and red foods have high amounts of calories in small portions. This gives users more freedom to choose what foods they eat as long as they stay within their prescribed calorie count. However, this may not work for people who prefer a more structured diet with strict calorie and macro counts. And, at $70 per month for a monthly membership, this may be out of some people’s price range.

Pros

  • Noom doesn’t eliminate any foods like starches or grains. Instead, it splits foods into different categories, so you can pick and choose how you eat. 
  • The psychology-based approach is designed to change your relationship with food for long-term success.
  • The Noom app’s user interface is incredibly easy to navigate, and you can access your account and information on Noom’s website.
  • Noom provides a health coach and online community for support throughout your membership.

Cons

  • Noom requires you to track and log each meal, which can be tedious. 
  • If you would rather have someone tell you exactly what to eat and how much, Noom isn’t for you. 
  • While the cost is comparable to other weight loss programs, it may be too big of a financial commitment for some.
  • Noom syncs with fitness trackers but only shares steps and weight, so you’ll still have to add your caloric intake and non-walking activities manually.

Using the Noom Fitness App

Noom starts out by asking how much weight you want to lose, which is common among weight loss apps. But since Noom uses a psychological approach, the survey users take before signing up goes beyond the usual questions like “How often do you work out?” and “Do you sit a lot at work?” In addition to the usual questions about daily activity and fitness level, Noom asks about whether or not you eat when you’re bored, how often you feel stressed, and how you feel about your body. 

A person eating a salad in the gym
Credit: Milan Ilic Photographer / Shutterstock

As you answer questions, Noom will adjust the time that it estimates it will take you to achieve your weight loss goal. During our test of the program, we saw the time frame drop from four months down to ten weeks as we answered questions about our current health and activity levels. Once you finish the survey and sign up, Noom gives you your daily calorie goals, and the process begins.

Psychological Approach

Noom uses a team of behavioral health experts to design programs to educate their users on why they eat the way they do. Users are asked to complete ten five- to 16-minute lessons on behavioral change over the course of 16 weeks. These are designed to help users examine their eating habits, manage the emotions affecting their eating, and make lifestyle changes that may result in sustained weight loss.

One of the most impressive things about this approach is that it’s based on helping people lose weight and keep it off. Many programs offer restrictive diets that can help people lose weight and hit their goals, but don’t offer resources to help them keep it off. Noom’s goal is to create permanent changes in people’s approaches to eating so that they not only lose weight but have the tools to keep it off indefinitely. 

Food Categories

One thing that we appreciate about Noom is that nothing is off the table (so to speak). There are no restricted foods like you’d find in weight loss programs like with a low-carb or low-fat diet. Instead, users get a daily calorie limit that they need to stay at, using foods that the company differentiates using colors. Green foods are the least calorie-dense, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy. Yellow foods are moderately calorie-dense, like dried fruits, most meats, and starchier vegetables like corn. Red foods are very calorie-dense, like fried foods, alcohol, high-fat dairy, and processed grains.

The best part about this is that it doesn’t necessarily require a huge change in how you eat. It helps Noom users to be more cognizant of what they eat and eat more deliberately. Plus, since nothing is forbidden, having zero food restrictions can minimize those bread or Skittle cravings that can derail an eating plan. 

Time Frame

The time to reach your goal weight will vary based on how much weight you want to lose and your activity levels. Our tester works out four to six times a week and is generally active, so his time went down to about ten weeks. The plan is designed to run for 16 weeks, but Noom suggests up to 12 months for maintenance. Noom offers three- to 11-month plans as well as annual subscriptions.

Food Log

Users are required to log their meals on the app, similar to how you would on MyFitnessPal. Logging every meal manually can be tedious and time-consuming, but Noom also has a database of foods you can use instead. This method is more convenient since you can look up something like clam chowder and click on it to enter, but individual recipes vary, so it may not be as accurate. 

Activity Tracking

Noom also requires you to log your activities and steps (the app has a built-in step counter). The app has a growing database of activities to choose from, so you can choose your activity and duration, and the app will adjust your calorie requirements for the day.

Person checking a calorie calculator app comparing pastries and vegetables.
Credit: asiandelight / Shutterstock

Noom does sync with fitness trackers, including the Apple Watch, but it only syncs weight and steps, so you’ll still have to manually add your food intake and any non-walking activities.

Motivation/Encouragement

A few days into the program, Noom will set you up with a health coach who will reach out twice a week to answer questions, offer advice, and do weekly check-ins. In addition, Noom has a mini social network called Circles, in which you can find other “Noomers” with similar interests. These groups can provide a sense of community and accountability between members.

What to Consider Before Subscribing to the Noom Fitness App

Signing up for Noom is a big commitment in terms of both time and money, and its approach to weight loss may not be for everyone. If you’re thinking about signing up for Noom, consider whether the price fits your budget, if you need a structured meal plan, and whether or not you’re willing to track everything you eat for months at a time. 

Price

Noom starts at $70 monthly for a month-to-month plan, with prices dropping for longer plans. If you go with the $209 annual plan, the price is about $17.42 per month. While this is comparable to other weight loss plans, it’s still a financial commitment. So be sure that you can afford the program before you buy. 

Structure

Some people want a rigid plan. This ain’t it. One of the perks of this plan is that there are zero food restrictions, but for some people, that’s a road to temptation. If you want something more strict that eliminates certain foods (like the Keto diet) or counts your nutrition down to the macro, you may want to try something else. However, this would be a great option if you want a plan that offers a bit more freedom. 

Tracking Food

Tracking your food in the app is a necessary part of using Noom, but it can be extremely tedious to log everything you eat. If you’re not willing to faithfully log your food for months on end, you probably won’t see the results that you want with this app. 

Weighing In

Noom recommends daily weigh-ins to help track your progress. This may not be ideal for people who have issues with hopping on the scale. In addition to tracking your progress, the daily weigh-ins are designed to help scale-averse people normalize using a scale on a regular basis, but some people may find it difficult.

A person on a weighing scale.
Credit: Yiistocking / Shutterstock

We should note that other factors like water retention and hormones can cause weight fluctuations, making this a tough way to gauge daily progress. 

Noom Fitness App Vs. The Competition

Before committing to a weight loss program, it’s a good idea to compare it to others on the market to make sure it’s the right fit for you. We put Noom up against some of the more popular weight loss programs on the market to see how it stacks up.

Noom WW Nutrisystem MyFitnessPal
Price  $70 per month for a monthly subscription Starts at $3.38 per week Starts at $508 for one month  Free, with an optional subscription
Meal Plan? No Yes Yes No
Health Coach? Yes Available in higher price tiers Yes No
Food Provided? No Available at an extra cost Yes No

As you can see, the prices and perks of weight loss programs can vary widely. MyFitnessPal is the most wallet-friendly since the app has a free option that allows you to track your food and activity. However, it doesn’t offer any direction in what or how much you should eat. 

Nutrisystem is the most expensive, but it actually provides the food for you, so it’s ideal for people who prefer not to cook all their meals. Weight Watchers is more cost-effective, with food available at an extra cost and coaches available at higher price tiers. Both of these offer more structured and strict programs, so if you need that direction, these may be good options.

Foods rich in magnesium
Credit: YARUNIV Studio / Shutterstock

Noom is by no means the most expensive option, but it can still be pricey if you go with the month-to-month option. However, Noom does stand out for its psychological and behavioral approach, which is ideal for people who want to achieve a healthy relationship with food and maintain long-term weight loss.

Each program takes a slightly different approach to weight loss. Do your research and consider which approach would be the best for you, and you’ll find the right one. 

Places to Buy

You can download the Noom app in the iOS and Android app stores.

Guarantee

Noom actually offers a weight loss guarantee. If you complete the program and don’t lose weight, Noom will give you your money back, no questions asked. 

Company Information

Noom is a subscription-based weight loss app that tracks a person’s food intake and activity levels. The company takes a psychological and behavioral approach to help people lose weight.

In Conclusion

Noom can be an excellent weight loss program for people who have unhealthy eating habits, and those who want to understand why they eat the way they do. Its color-coded eating system defines calorically light, moderate, and dense foods, which can help users stick to the daily calorie goals that Noom provides. Also, the weekly check-ins with coaches and the ability to communicate with other Noom members via Circles offer accountability for people who may be struggling. 

What makes Noom stand out is that while its primary aim is to get people down to their goal weight, it also places a focus on educating members about how and why they eat. In addition to helping users lose weight during their membership, this information may help them keep it off long after they’ve stopped using the app.

FAQs

How much does Noom cost?

Noom starts at $70 per month with a month-to-month subscription. The price gets lower with larger time commitments (two months, three months, etc…), down to $209 for a 12-month commitment, which averages about $17.42 per month.

Can you drink alcohol on Noom?

You can drink alcohol with Noom. However, it is in the red group, which means small amounts of it have large amounts of calories, so you’ll want to keep it to a minimum.

Can I use Noom if I have dietary restrictions?

Since Noom’s eating plan is based on calories instead of specific foods, Noom will work with any dietary restrictions.

The post Noom Weight Loss App Review appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal? https://barbend.com/ifit-review/ Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:21:13 +0000 https://barbend.com/?p=115355 The “workout from home” era has ushered in a surge of virtual fitness platforms and spiked interest from consumers looking to get the most out of their home gyms. Interactive streaming services like iFit offer a way for people to get studio-quality workouts at home, most of the time at a much lower cost than attending classes in...

The post iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal? appeared first on BarBend.

]]>
The “workout from home” era has ushered in a surge of virtual fitness platforms and spiked interest from consumers looking to get the most out of their home gyms. Interactive streaming services like iFit offer a way for people to get studio-quality workouts at home, most of the time at a much lower cost than attending classes in person. Classes typically range from beginner to advanced and low impact to high impact, to make sure all users are included.   

We found iFit — NordicTrack’s full fledged fitness app — to be great not just for use with their NordicTrack equipment, but also all on its own. You can take yoga, HIIT and strength classes along with their running, rowing and cycling classes, which you do need equipment for. All of their instructors are long-time trainers who specialize in the classes they teach, so you know you’re in for a good sweat session when you open up this app. Here’s our full review of iFit and what it has to offer. 

Main Takeaways

  • iFit features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from yoga to strength workouts, to hiking Mount Everest.
  • Users can take virtual classes in locations across the globe.
  • With NordicTrack and ProForm equipment, trainers can control your machine to get trainees fully immersed in their workouts.

$25 Off
IFIT Class Subscription
IFIT Class Subscription
IFIT Class Subscription

The iFit app features a library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes that range from mental health and recovery to rowing, running, HIIT and strength classes. You can get the full studio experience virtually through iFit, and is a great boost to any home gym set-up — with or without equipment.

iFit Highlights

As far as who should and shouldn’t use iFit, it really comes down to one thing: If you like coaches guiding you through class, this service is a solid fit for you. If you like to workout on your own and don’t want a coach, you probably won’t find much value here. iFit takes a strong stand amongst competitors like Peloton and Apple Fitness+, and as far as we can tell, it’s equally valuable, and potentially offers more than other services when integrated with products like their popular treadmill and their new home gym mirror, the NordicTrack Vault

Who Should Use iFit

  • Athletes who have NordicTrack equipment or any compatible equipment at home.
  • Anyone who wants to boost their at-home workouts with live and on-demand classes, with or without equipment.
  • Users who enjoy group classes and like having guidance from a trainer throughout their workouts.

Who Shouldn’t Use iFit

  • Athletes who don’t enjoy listening to coaches as they workout.
  • Users looking for a more personalized training experience. 
  • Customers looking for the cheapest deal on the market for interactive, virtual fitness — you can find cheaper options out there. 

Membership​

For full access to the iFit library, you can pay $396 per year or $30 per month for the family plan, or $180 per year or $15 per month for the individual plan. This is a touch more expensive than Peloton which charges $12.99 per month. It’s worth noting that many NordicTrack and ProForm products come with a free 1-year subscription to iFit, so there’s a lot of value for people who are also on the hunt for gym equipment

Overall Components 

One of the benefits of iFit is that it works with or without NordicTrack and ProForm equipment. Whether you don’t have any machines at all or even have a machine from another brand, you’ll find a class for you on this app. Take classes all over the world with different destinations and environments, or opt for the ones taught in-studio if you’re focusing more on technique. The library of over 16,000 live and on-demand classes certainly kept us hooked no matter what training modality we chose. 

ifit integrates with nordictrack treadmills

Features

An iFit membership means you’ll have access to thousands of classes that range anywhere from strength to yoga and running to rowing, and all of these classes are taught by professional trainers who specialize in each particular workout. You can opt to use equipment or just grab a yoga mat and hit the floor, but either way iFit has laid out navigation and filters on their app that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Included workouts​

You can choose from treadmill, bike, rowing or elliptical workouts if you have the proper equipment necessary. If you don’t have an at-home treadmill or rower, you can also choose from iFit’s collection of strength, yoga, HIIT, mental health, recovery and barre classes to mix up your routine. 

Stats Tracking and Metrics​ 

Once you’ve selected your workout, iFit will track your calories burned and time elapsed throughout class. And if you’re taking a class with equipment you’ll also be able to follow along with stats like distance, speed, incline, stroke rate or other numbers associated with the specific equipment you’re using. 

tracking stats with ifit

You can sync a SmartBeat heart rate monitor through Bluetooth and your machines will adjust their settings to keep you in the optimal heart rate zone. 

Once in the app, you’ll find new series featured at the top, and at the bottom, you can select the live schedule, or browse option. You can also add classes to your calendar or participate in challenges along the bottom menu. If you’re browsing on-demand classes, you can filter by class type, trainer, length, intensity, environment, and more to find your perfect pick.

Class Format

With each workout, iFit tells you the time, estimated calories burned, intensity and estimated effort score (along with distance, elevation gain, and other workout-specific stats) on the preview page, so you know what you’re getting into before you start.

ifit class warmup

The class starts with an optional warm up that’s not included in the time of your workout. So if you choose a 30-minute workout, you can choose to add time if you want to take the warm up. It also ends with an optional cool down, so the same thing goes if you want to take the time for that. You can take classes that are coached from a studio or classes that take place at beautiful locations across the globe, for a welcome distraction from the challenge of the class. If you have the latest NordicTrack or ProForm equipment, the incline and speed will adjust to match the terrain of the location.

Trainers

The iFit trainers have often been instructors for many years and specialize in the different forms of exercise they teach to make sure you’re getting the best training you can get. Following them on social media can also help dive a little deeper into workout explanations if you’re interested or in need of a little guidance. 

Compatibility

You can use the iFit app with NordicTrack equipment, which has built-in compatibility, or you can use the app with any piece of equipment you have if it has a tablet holder or prop for your phone for streaming purposes. Obviously if you don’t have any equipment, you can also just use the app on its own and choose from the workouts that don’t require equipment, like bodyweight strength, yoga and HIIT.

Heart Rate Monitoring​

You can pair your heart rate monitor through Bluetooth, and iFit will track it and also use it to set proper paces and heart rate zones for some of its workouts — though, this is not a necessity to complete the workout.

Before Joining Consider

Choosing any virtual fitness subscription is a commitment. Before you choose the right one for you or if you even want one at all, you’ll want to consider many things about your personal workout style. The monthly or annual payments are only going to be worth it if you use the app consistently.

Usage

You’ll definitely want to make sure this is something you’re using on a (mostly) daily basis. If you have other studio memberships or just like to workout on your own a lot, it may not be worth the membership fee. However, if you’re someone who would prefer to have every workout coached, from the 10-minute stretching classes to the 60-minute runs, the iFit subscription is probably great for you. You can find virtually any workout on this app, so even on a rest day when you’re doing some recovery, you can still have a pro walk you through every move. 

Workout Style

You’re definitely going to want to consider what workouts you like most and if the app offers what you’re looking for. If you typically like to take pilates, barre or HIIT classes, there are other apps out there that have a wider variety of those classes than iFit — that’s not to say iFit doesn’t have any options for these though. However, this is a great option for strength training — the strength classes and series are virtually endless. It’s also great for users who have NordicTrack equipment or any piece of equipment since iFit has a huge library of running, cycling, rowing and elliptical classes. 

Cost

One of the most important things you’ll want to think about is if the cost is worth it to you. iFit offers a free week-long trial, so it’s definitely worth it to test out the app first, see how much you use it and see if you like it before you decide to commit to the membership. Overall, you get a lot of options for the cost, so if you end up liking the trial, you should get all the bang for your buck out of it.

Company Information​

NordicTrack is known for their quality exercise equipment. NordicTrack makes rowers, bikes, treadmills and ellipticals. They also offer a 30-day trial period for their equipment and a 7-day free trial for iFit, and if you aren’t thrilled with either purchase, you’ll receive a full refund or be able to cancel. For more help, you can get in touch with their customer service by calling 1-888-308-9616.

Final Word

iFit is great for people who like coached classes — especially strength, running and mind classes. It includes pretty much every style of class you can think of including mental health classes and recovery classes. Do some digging to see if this iFit has the best options for your personal preferences. iFit takes you all over the world during its classes and gives coaches the ability to control your machine in select workouts — details like this add to the training experience and help iFit stand apart from other interactive training subscriptions. 

FAQs

Can I use iFit without NordicTrack equipment?

Yes, you are able to use the iFit app on your tablet or phone, and if the equipment you have has a place to prop up your device, you can stream any class as you go. There are also classes that don’t require any equipment at all, making it super easy to use the iFit app on its own. A few  perks to using their equipment are that the iFit feature is already built in and the coaches have the ability to adjust the machines during the workouts.

Is iFit worth the money?

Overall, yes. For just $15 a month for the individual plan, you have access to over 16,000 live and on-demand workouts. For a real individual studio membership, you’ll be paying about 10 times that monthly cost and you’ll be limited to the class times you can actually attend. However, as it goes with anything, you’ll want to make sure you will actually use the app, even if it is just $15 per month.

Is iFit better than other fitness subscription apps?

This depends on your workout class preferences. If you like traveling around the world (virtually) as you workout, iFit is for you. Long story short, each app has its perks, so you just need to find the one that best suits your workout style. When it comes to iFit, it’s great for its scenic workouts, ample running and strength classes and motivating series/challenges that integrate with their equipment.

The post iFit Review – Is Virtual Coaching The New Normal? appeared first on BarBend.

]]>