iFIT Embraces AI Fitness With New NordicTrack, ProForm Machines
AI Coach integration is central to iFIT’s new lineup of 40-plus smart machines across the NordicTrack and ProForm brands
iFIT, a leading fitness equipment manufacturer and content platform, is going all in on AI and personalization.
On Tuesday, the Utah-based company announced an all-new product lineup that will see it launch over 40 different smart or smart-enabled products across its NordicTrack and ProForm home-fitness brands.
The new machines feature hardware improvements and new touchscreens powered by a revamped operating system that syncs with iFIT’s AI Coach, an artificial intelligence tool that recommends workouts and helps people stick to their fitness goals.
“We are at a turning point in fitness as AI enables us to deliver truly personal experiences,” said iFIT CEO Kevin Duffy. “Our team has updated our entire hardware and software experience using best-in-class technology that delivers real results for every member.”
The announcement is headlined by two new NordicTrack machines: the X24 Treadmill and X24 Bike.
The X24 Treadmill ($3,999) features an industry-leading 40% incline and a 6% decline, along with SpringFlex cushioning to absorb impact while users sprint, jog or walk.
The X24 Bike ($1,999) features a 20% incline and 10% decline, along with Silent Magnetic Resistance Tech designed to recreate the outdoor cycling experience in an indoor setting.
NordicTrack has also updated its signature Commercial 2450 Treadmill ($2,999) with new features including software upgrades and AI Coach integration.
Some of the new machines are available and ready to ship today.
All of the new machines feature large touchscreens (up to 24”) supported by faster processing speeds for a more seamless user experience. On the touchscreens, users can stream workout content from iFIT’s library of 10,000-plus coach-led classes, including everything from hiking Mount Everest to biking through Costa Rica. Users can also stream popular apps including Netflix and Spotify while working out.
Machines That Adapt to You
With the new launches, iFIT is further embracing personalized fitness.
The NordicTrack and ProForm machines feature SmartAdjust technology – when a user begins a workout on-screen, their machine will automatically change speed, incline or resistance to account for what’s happening on-screen. If you’re taking an outdoor hiking class, for example, the X24 Treadmill would adjust its incline depending on where you are on the mountain.
With ActivePulse tech, the machines actively monitor a user’s heart rate and adjust workout intensity to keep heart rate in the right zone. This feature could prove ideal for Zone 2 training, which has become a popular form of cardio exercise.
Another feature, Workout Creator, allows users to create their own library of workouts, including custom-built training intervals. The machines also sync with Strava, Garmin, Google Fit and Apple Health so users can track their health and fitness data while running, walking, biking or rowing.
A New Era for Artificial Intelligence
iFIT’s AI Coach is central to the new machines, and the fitness company’s strategy as a whole.
AI Coach acts as a personalized fitness coach, chatting with iFIT members to recommend the best workouts based on their goals. iFIT members can communicate with AI Coach through text, receiving daily workout plans and friendly motivational nudges to hit their fitness and wellness goals.
The new NordicTrack and ProForm machines feature AI Coach integration – workouts that the chatbot recommends automatically appear on-screen once it’s time to work out. This is designed to reduce friction (and the excuses) that keep many people from doing their daily workout.
AI Coach is currently in beta mode, but it’s available to U.S.-based iFIT Train and Pro members using NordicTrack and ProForm equipment.
Duffy told Athletech News earlier this year that iFIT will invest heavily into artificial intelligence, viewing it as the ideal tool to motivate people to work out.
“Our vision is to create the world’s most effective fitness platform,” Duffy, who took over as iFIT’s CEO in 2022, told ATN.
“There’s been so much talk in general about improving health, but from my perspective, we haven’t as an industry improved health outcomes enough,” he added. “I want to make that more of a reality as I look to the future of our company, and I think we’re at a unique moment in time where technologies such as AI are making that more possible.”
iFIT also owns Freemotion, a leading commercial fitness equipment provider for gyms and studios worldwide.
iFIT workout content is also available on Freemotion machines. That means users can pick up where they left off with their NordicTrack or ProForm machines at home, hop on a Freemotion machine in their local gym, and do the same workout. This is part of the company’s omnichannel fitness push to make gyms more connected through technology.