Although working out with heavy weights at the gym might be what you prefer, there's no denying the fact that cardiovascular exercise has many different benefits.
Of course, as is the nature of cardio, many people just don’t want to do it, but there are things that can improve the experience.
What we're talking about here is the right workout app, an interactive app that can guide you through numerous sweat-inducing routines to get you back into shape.
Just recently, I finally decided to try two of the most popular workout applications on the market, iFIT and Peloton. Today, I'm going to provide you with all of the information that I can based on my own personal experiences with them. Right now, this Peloton vs iFIT comparison will stack these two workout apps against each other to see which one is right for you.
Peloton vs. iFIT: An Overview
Something that I need to say right off the bat is that both of these workout applications are world-class.
When it comes down to it, both of them will most likely provide you with exactly what you're looking for in terms of a guided cardiovascular workout, and more.
What's beneficial about both of these applications is that they offer training programs for specific pieces of equipment, such as rowing machines, bikes, and treadmills.
Even better is that both of the applications also feature programs for yoga, high-intensity interval training, and even weight training.
This is particularly interesting as most other workout apps don't really focus on weight training as much as they do cardio, but you do get elements of those here.
Both Peloton and iFIT offer relatively high-quality fitness experiences on their own, which is an added bonus because you can use these apps in combination with virtually any type of workout equipment you have at home.
With that being said, to get the best results out of these workout apps, you should use the proper cardiovascular exercise equipment with them.
For instance, the Peloton app is designed specifically to be used with Peloton equipment, such as the Peloton bike, whereas the iFIT app is designed to be used specifically with ProForm or NordicTrack equipment.
Based on my own experience, I like that there are many different categories to choose from, and I can always follow along at my own pace.
I really appreciated being able to work at my own pace, whether a slow jog or an intense bike ride. Both apps make it super easy to pause videos so I can go grab some water too.
Something that I also appreciate about both of these applications is that they have many classes that take the form of bootcamp-style lessons that spur you on to work harder and harder.
Generally speaking, when it comes to the iFIT app, I think it's worth the investment if you're actually going to use it for off treadmill workout and for running. It's almost like a personal trainer.
While I enjoy yoga, I haven't always been very consistent but the iFit yoga classes set in exotic locations do add an extra level of motivation especially on a rest day to help recovery.
While both apps have great coaches, Peloton has gone above and beyond to get the best coaches and give them exactly what they need to create an enjoyable but challenging workout and keep you motivated.
Who Is the Peloton App Right For?
Before I start talking about the main differences between these two workout apps, it is worth talking about who the apps are right for.
In terms of the Peloton app, if you have any kind of Peloton exercise equipment, particularly the Peloton bike, then this is obviously the app for you, as they are designed to work in unison and pair perfectly.
That being said, you don't necessarily have to own a Peloton bike as they recently made the app compatible with other equipment. For example, you can use Peloton on an Echelon bike by connecting to the QZ app.
If you like live classes with competitive aspects, then the Peloton app is certainly something worth considering.
Furthermore, if you have an Apple Watch that you'd like to connect to the fitness app, then Peloton is the way to go.
Although it's a small benefit, I do like how the Peloton workouts all come with rather lively and catchy music.
Related Post: See our Top 5 Peloton Alternative Bikes
Who Is the iFIT App Right for?
iFIT is a bit of a different beast as far as who it is ideal for. First and foremost, if you are a fan of ProForm or NordicTrack exercise equipment, then this is the app for you.
iFit owns both the brands so it's designed to seamlessly integrate with the equipment.
Next, the iFIT app is also a great option for anybody who likes on-demand classes as they have thousands of workouts to choose from.
Another benefit that you get with the IFIT app is that it's ideal for families. You're allowed to create up to 5 user profiles with the Pro membership and then even use them at the same time.
Plus, if you want to do a bit of strength training too they are a good choice as they have a range of strength training equipment that they have made programs for. You also don't need to use their equipment for the strength classes.
For example, they have the NordicTrack Select-a-weight dumbbells, but any old dumbbells can be used.
Finally, the iFit app allows you to go on runs and bike rides in scenic areas thanks to integrated Google Maps features and can choose your own path.
For more information about the plans available on iFit see our breakdown.
Similarities of the Peloton and iFIT Apps
Now that I've mentioned who both of these fitness apps might be right for, I'd like to take a closer look at the key similarities shared between them.
Right off the bat, what stands out about both of the applications is that they are fantastic standalone products that look good, are easy to navigate, and are very engaging and interactive.
They're also very easy to use because you can scroll through all of the categories and workouts to find whatever you need.
Furthermore, both applications have many different features and benefits for the users, with both easy and more challenging workouts.
Here is a list of the biggest similarities shared between the Peloton and iFit apps.
- Both of the applications feature a mixture of outdoor and studio settings for a good deal of diversity.
- These are state-of-the-art workout apps that feature only the highest quality of video production, to make it feel like you're right there in the middle of it.
- Both apps also feature fairly high-class instructors that are easy to understand, and the sound quality of the videos is great as well.
- Although not a huge benefit, there are also some classes within both apps offered for native German and Spanish speaking people.
- Generally speaking, the biggest similarity shared between both apps is that they both feature a wide variety of treadmill, cycling, and rowing workouts, along with meditation and mindfulness.
- The iFIT and Peloton apps both also allow you to track your performance, metrics, and work out history.
Main Differences Between Peloton and iFIT
Although there are plenty of similarities shared between these two workout applications, there are also some major differences that I must inform you about.
The fact of the matter is that if you're looking for a bit of coaching and instruction to get through some cardiovascular workouts, then both the iFit and Peloton apps are great options.
Something that I have to mention though is that the IFIT app is good for those who like both indoor sessions and a bit of outdoor scenery, for a more natural feel.
The Peloton on the other hand is better for people who like boot camps and boutique studio workouts. The Peloton feels a bit more serious in nature.
Now, one big downside of the Peloton app that I unfortunately have to mention is that if you aren't using the Peloton treadmill or bike, and you're just using the app alone, you won't be able to see leaderboard metrics or attend live classes.
For full access to all of the live sessions, the leaderboard standings, and for multiple user profiles, you will need to own a piece of Peloton equipment.
However, on the other hand, Peloton is also a huge community, and this is something that many appreciate.
Other than that, there are some major differences between both of these workout applications, as I've listed below.
- IFIT offers workouts that are specific to elliptical machines, which at this time Peloton does not.
- IFIT also provides you with volume control options so you can adjust in the instructor’s voice and background music separately. However, Peloton allows you to listen to the audio only which is ideal for outdoor workouts.
- Speaking of music however, Peloton creates these super adrenaline-fueled playlists that help to keep you going until the very last second.
- With Peloton, workouts are generally in studios, whereas with iFIT, there are also many workouts that take place outdoors.
- With IFIT, you can use Google Maps and drop a pin to follow any route in the world as you see fit.
- With iFIT, there is special automatic adjustment technology that adjusts decline, incline, speed, and resistance based on the terrain of Google Maps or based on trainer cues.
- Something that Peloton has which IFIT does not have however is a variety of instructional sessions for mobility and stretching.
- In general, Peloton offers a variety of live training classes with real life instructors, whereas IFIT only offers on demand sessions. These classes are not live. Peloton even has a schedule of live classes along with leaderboards so you can see just how well you're doing.
- A big benefit with iFIT however is that there is a family plan (Pro) that allows various members to use iFIT accounts at the same time, something which Peloton does not allow for.
iFIT vs Peloton: Workout Classes
Although it could have just listed this in the differences section, I wanted to create a separate part for this. The fact is that both of these applications have a large library of workouts that you can use both on the dedicated equipment’s monitor or stream to a tablet or smartphone.
Classes Offered by Peloton
- Bike Bootcamp
- Meditation
- Tread Bootcamp
- Running
- Outdoor
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Boxing
- Walking
- Cycling
- Pilates
- Barre
- Strength
Classes Offered by iFIT
- Runs
- Cycling
- Rowing
- Pilates
- Mindfulness
- Barre
- HIIT
- Elliptical
- Yoga
- Walks
- Strength
Peloton vs. iFIT: Customer Service and Experience
What is convenient is that both the iFIT and Peloton applications are available through Android and apple devices, and in many cases can also be streamed through smart TV's.
With that being said, an issue with both of them is that they don't have the best help features. If you want help with the apps, you'll have to go to their respective websites and either fill out a general inquiry form or use the live chat feature.
If we're talking about IFIT, the menu doesn't even have a help screen, although it automatically sends you to the website for support.
Although responses from the company are generally quite in-depth, they take some time to reach us if not using the live chat. As iFit is an American company you may have to try contacting them in the evening in you are in the UK like us. But the live chat staff do seem to able to resolve most issues there and then.
On the other hand, the story is much the same for Peloton. In both cases, with Peloton and iFIT, the customer support is relatively hit and miss.
Now, although this is not based on our own opinion, if you go on the Anrdoid App store, you'll see that it has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on 45,000+ customer reviews, whereas Peloton has a 4.9 star rating based on nearly 750,000+ reviews.
Based on this alone, it would appear that the Peloton app is by far the more popular one, although as you can see from today's review, it's not necessarily the better one.
Final Thoughts: Peloton vs. iFIT App
At the end of the day, the choice is quite simple. If you want an app that has many on demand classes, with both cardiovascular and weight training available, and you like being able to have many family members use the same app, then it's iFIT that you want to go for.
However, if you're looking for a boutique exercise experience characterized by live training sessions with chic instructors, and your main goal is cardiovascular exercise, then the Peloton app is likely better for you.
