If you’re a NordicTrack treadmill owner, you might be wondering about using other fitness apps. A common question is, can you use peloton app on nordictrack treadmill? The short answer is yes, you absolutely can. While you won’t get automatic equipment control, you can use the Peloton app’s excellent classes on your own device to guide your workout on the treadmill.
Can You Use Peloton App on NordicTrack Treadmill
This setup is often called a “bring your own device” or BYOD workout. Your NordicTrack treadmill operates independently, and you use the Peloton app for its motivating instructors and class structure. It’s a popular way to combine hardware you already own with a software platform you prefer.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Setting this up is straightforward. You’ll need a few basic items to begin.
- Your NordicTrack treadmill, powered on.
- A subscription to the Peloton App (not the more expensive All-Access Membership for Peloton equipment).
- A separate device to run the Peloton app, like a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
- A stable internet connection for your device.
- Optional but helpful: a sturdy device holder or mount for your treadmill.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these simple steps to start your first Peloton-guided run on your NordicTrack machine.
- Place your device (phone or tablet) in a secure spot on your treadmill’s console where you can easily see and hear it.
- Open the Peloton App on your device and log into your account.
- Navigate to the “Tread” or “Outdoor” sections to find running classes. You can filter by time, instructor, music, and difficulty.
- Select your chosen class and press play.
- On your NordicTrack treadmill, start your manual run or select a program that matches the class’s intent (e.g., manual mode for intervals).
- Follow the instructor’s cues for speed and incline, adjusting your treadmill’s controls manually as they coach you.
Handling Incline and Speed Manually
This is the key difference from using a Peloton Tread. The app cannot talk to your NordicTrack console. When the instructor calls for an incline increase, you must press the incline button on your treadmill yourself. The same goes for speed changes. It becomes second nature after a couple classes, but it does require you to pay a bit more attention.
Choosing the Right Classes
Not all Peloton classes are created equal for this purpose. Some are easier to follow on non-Peloton gear than others.
- Tread Bootcamp: These switch between floor exercises and the tread. You’ll need to hop on and off quickly, which can be tricky but is doable.
- Scenic Runs: These have no instructor cues, just video and music. You run at your own pace, making them very simple to sync.
- Walk + Run classes: Great for beginners, the cues are usually clear and the changes are less frequent.
- Music-Based Runs: The cues often align with the beat, making them memorable and easier to anticipate.
Benefits of This Combination
Why go through the trouble of manually adjusting? Many users find this mix offers the best of both worlds.
- Cost-Effective: The Peloton App membership is significantly cheaper than iFit, and you already own the treadmill.
- Variety: You get access to Peloton’s huge library of running, walking, bootcamp, and even strength classes for off-treadmill work.
- Great Instructors: Peloton’s coaching style is highly engaging for many people, providing motivation you might not get otherwise.
- Flexibility: You’re not locked into one ecosystem. You can use iFit sometimes and Peloton other times.
Limitations and Considerations
It’s not a perfect integration, so it’s good to know the drawbacks before you start.
- No Auto-Follow: The lack of automatic control is the biggest compromise. You must adjust everything yourself, which can disrupt your flow.
- Metrics Don’t Sync: Your treadmill’s distance, pace, and calories won’t appear in the Peloton app. The Peloton app will only record the class you took, not your specific stats from the NordicTrack.
- iFit Conflict: Your NordicTrack is designed for iFit. You cannot use iFit and the Peloton app on the treadmill screen simultaneously.
- Screen Size: Depending on your personal device, the screen may be smaller than your treadmill’s built-in display.
Tips for a Better Experience
A few tweaks can make your hybrid setup feel much more seamless and enjoyable.
- Preview the class graph: Before starting, look at the class breakdown to see the intervals. This helps you anticipate changes.
- Use a Bluetooth heart rate monitor: Connect it to the Peloton app to get your most important metric—effort—into the app.
- Adjust for resistance: NordicTrack treadmills often feel different than Peloton’s. A 6% incline on Peloton might feel like 5% or 7% on your machine. Focus on perceived effort.
- Secure your device properly: A wobbly tablet is distracting. Invest in a good holder that attaches to your treadmill’s frame.
- Try Audio-Only: For a change, use “Audio Only” mode on scenic runs or listen to a “Just Run” with your own music.
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Can I get the Peloton app on my NordicTrack touchscreen?
No, you cannot directly download or install the Peloton app onto the NordicTrack’s Android-based console. The system is locked to iFit and its partnered apps. You must use an external device.
Is using the Peloton app with NordicTrack worth it?
For many people, yes. If you prefer Peloton’s content but already own a NordicTrack, the minor hassle of manual adjustment is worth the savings and enjoyment. It’s a great way to refresh your treadmill routine without buying new equipment.
Will my treadmill stats go to Peloton?
No, they will not. The two systems are completely separate. Your NordicTrack records its data to iFit (if subscribed), and the Peloton app only records that you completed a class, along with any heart rate data from a connected monitor.
What about other apps like Zwift?
The same principle applies. You can run Zwift on a separate device and manually match your treadmill’s speed to the app’s requirements. Some higher-end NordicTrack models with “Bluetooth FTMS” support may connect to third-party apps for speed and distance data, but this is not common and requires technical setup.
Can I use the Peloton app without a subscription?
You can access a very limited library of classes for free, but for full access to all running and training content, a Peloton App subscription is required. They often offer a free trial period to test it out.
In conclusion, using the Peloton app with your NordicTrack treadmill is a very viable option. It requires a willingness to manually control your run, but the trade-off is access to a different world of motivating instruction and class variety. By following the steps above and setting your expectations, you can create a fun and effective hybrid fitness setup that makes the most of the equipment and services you choose.