About the Author

Colin Jenkins

Colin lives in Ventura, CA where he runs a Strength & Conditioning facility. If you have suggestions for fitness tech that you’d like to see covered or reviewed, feel free to send info over to colin@9to5mac.com

Future App Review: The future of personal training is on your iPhone

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 27th 2021 11:59 am PT @shredded_sloth

Comments

The future of personal training is here, and it’s on your iPhone. The Future App is an online personal training service that is designed around both the iPhone and Apple Watch. In fact, Future will even send you an Apple Watch to use if you don’t already have one. This review will cover everything you need to know about the Future app and my experience over the past few months.

iFIT announces launch of IPO

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 27th 2021 7:07 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

IFIT Health & Fitness Inc, owners of NordicTrack, ProForm, and Freemotion, has announced the upcoming launch of its IPO. The announcement included the plan to list on the Nasdaq with the symbol IFIT and sell just over 30 million shares of its Class A common stock. The IPO price is expected to be between $18 and $21 per share, which would value iFIT at over $6 billion.

Tempo adds new strength coach: Jonathan Ibrahim

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 25th 2021 2:53 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Tempo

Comments

Tempo Studio has added a new coach, Jonathan Ibrahim, to its strength training lineup. In addition to on-demand and live classes already scheduled, you can check out Jonathan in Tempo’s new training program, “3 Week Gain Strength: Heavy Lifting”

Peloton is offering a refurbished bike again, this time for $1,195

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 24th 2021 12:27 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Once again, Peloton is offering digital members a chance to purchase a refurbished Peloton bike at a discounted price. This time the discount takes off $300 to bring the total cost of the original bike to $1,195. It’s a price lower than we have ever seen.

NordicTrack Vault Complete vs. Standalone: Which should you buy?

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 24th 2021 8:39 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack vault

Comments

The NordicTrack Vault by iFIT comes in two versions. One is the Standalone Vault that does not include any equipment. The other is the Complete Vault that comes with quite a bit of equipment. I am going to compare the Complete NordicTrack Vault to the Standalone Vault to see if it’s worth the extra $1,000, or if you are better off purchasing the equipment separately.

MYX II Bike Review: The perfect MYX

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 20th 2021 1:43 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Beachbody MYX

Comments

I was granted early access to test out the brand new MYX II Bike by Beachbody and so far, I am very impressed. The MYX II enters the market at a lower cost than similarly connected bikes of this quality and is currently on sale for $1,249. But does this lower cost come with another price?

Five Reasons why I love the Ergatta Rower

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 16th 2021 12:28 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Ergatta

Comments

The Ergatta Rower is not like a traditional rower for many reasons. The biggest reason is that instead of focusing on live classes, they primarily focus on games. Today, I am going to tell you my top five reasons why I love the Ergatta Rower and why I cannot stop rowing on it.

Eight Sleep announces new partnership with Barry’s

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 15th 2021 2:15 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Recovery Barry's

Comments

Eight Sleep, the dual cooling and heating smart mattress cover we reviewed last month, announced a new partnership with Barry’s. Owners of the Eight Sleep mattress or mattress cover can now access Barry’s X at a special price.

Peloton celebrates Latinx Heritage Month with new classes and music

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 15th 2021 9:52 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton today announced that it will be celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with new classes and new music. The event kicks off on September 15 and ends on October 15.

Is the Peloton Bike+ worth the extra $1,000 cost?

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 15th 2021 9:10 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

The original Peloton Bike price has been lowered by $400, bringing the lowest price yet at $1,495. When you compare this to the Peloton Bike+, there is now a whopping $1,000 difference. I have written about some of the differences between the two bikes before, and now I want to analyze some of those differences further to see if the value is worth the extra $1,000 cost for the Peloton Bike+.

iFIT sets new record with Kilimanjaro Half Marathon Race

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 14th 2021 10:32 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack

Comments

iFIT has set a new record for its longest on-demand workout yet with the release of the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon Race. The total duration of the race is 2 hours and 22 minutes, which breaks its previous record of 2 hours and 4 minutes from the Jackson Hole Half Marathon Race.

Comment: Is Apple GymKit dead?

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 13th 2021 1:43 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton Tempo Apple Watch

Comments

Tempo’s big update today includes full Apple Watch integration even though there is no Apple GymKit in the hardware. Beachbody is updating its new MYX 2 Bike with similar Apple Watch support. Is Apple GymKit dead for at-home use?

Tempo announces new Apple Watch integration

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 13th 2021 10:30 am PT @shredded_sloth

Tempo

Comments

Tempo Home Fitness Studio has officially announced their new Apple Watch integration. The Tempo Studio uses 3D sensors with on-demand and live classes to track reps and provide real-time feedback. With their new Apple partnership, Tempo members can now use the Apple Watch to track their heart rate, pause and resume workouts, view the leaderboard, and more.

Peloton announces Ed Sheeran artist series

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 13th 2021 8:16 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton has announced a new artist series featuring Ed Sheeran that begins Tuesday, September 14. This 6 class series is taking place this week as part of the celebration the opening of Peloton’s new London Studio.

Review: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 8th 2021 2:22 pm PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack

Comments

This review will cover everything you need to know about the NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle by iFIT. I have previously shared my thoughts on the S22i, but there have been several updates that are significant. Let’s see if this connected fitness bike is a good fit for your home.

Ergatta adds new Progressive Push Programs and recalibration controls in newest update

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 3rd 2021 10:11 am PT @shredded_sloth

Ergatta

Comments

On September 1, Ergatta released a software update that included new “Progressive Push Programs,” recalibration controls, and rebranded “Friends” as “Rivals.”

Nordictrack X22i Treadmill Review

Colin Jenkins - Sep. 1st 2021 10:28 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack

Comments

This review will cover everything you need to know about the Nordictrack X22i Treadmill by iFIT. The Nordictrack X22i is an incline treadmill that hosts a variety of iFIT workouts, including running, hiking, power-walking, and more. Is this treadmill the best fit for your home gym? Let us find out.

MYX, Nordictrack, and more connected home fitness Labor Day Sales (save up to $350)

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 30th 2021 10:16 am PT @shredded_sloth

NordicTrack MYX Deals

Comments

Labor Day sales are kicking off this week, with MYX, Nordictrack and other home fitness devices already being discounted. Our top pick is the newly released MYX 2 Bike Plus, whose Labor Day sale includes $200 off and a free weight rack (valued at $150). The MYX Bike Plus also comes with a 6-piece weight set, kettlebell, Polar OH 1 heart rate monitor, bike mat, workout mat, foam roller and resistance band. The improved MYX Bike Plus has a 21.5″ rotating screen, Apple Watch support, and can be used with both Beachbody’s Openfit and BODi connected fitness platforms.

BODi beta impressions

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 30th 2021 10:06 am PT @shredded_sloth

Beachbody

Comments

Beachbody has designed a new fitness platform called BODi, also known as Beachbody Interactive. BODi offers daily live classes and is supposed to be released sometime in September. It is being promoted as an alternative to other programs like Peloton, iFIT, Apple Fitness+, and more. I am going to share my initial impressions with you on BODi beta so far.

Peloton announces new Verzuz Artist Series: Too $hort vs. E-40

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 28th 2021 8:53 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton has announced the fifth installment of the Verzuz Artist Series, this time featuring Too $hort vs. E-40. On August 31 and September 1, these two West Coast icons will be featured in a running class with Chase Tucker and a cycling class with Kendall Toole.

Peloton adds three new instructors alongside Tread relaunch

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 28th 2021 8:34 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton has officially announced three new Tread instructors, who all have premiere classes planned this week alongside the relaunch of the Peloton Tread. The three new Tread instructors are Kirsten Ferguson, Daniel McKenna, and Marcel Dinkins.

Eight Sleep Pro Pod Cover Review

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 20th 2021 2:00 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Recovery Connected Accessories

Comments

The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover is as much of a connected fitness tech product as the Peloton Bike or Nordictrack Treadmill. Instead of trying to improve your endurance, Eight Sleep focuses on improving the most important aspect of your recovery: your sleep quality. This review will cover everything you need to know to ensure this high-tech, temperature-adjusting, biometric-tracking mattress cover is the perfect fit for you.

Peloton digital members will no longer receive free Century Club T-shirt

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 19th 2021 6:14 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Starting August 31, Peloton digital members will no longer receive a free Century Club T-shirt. Previously, all Peloton members would receive the free T-shirt upon completing 100 workouts from any single category. Now, Peloton is emailing digital members to inform them the Century Club T-shirt will no longer be available.

Peloton Guide: Power Zone classes and the FTP Test

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 16th 2021 11:53 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Taking Peloton’s Power Zone classes is an effective way to structure your training and improve your performance on the bike. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Peloton Power Zone classes and taking the FTP test.

Fix for the Peloton Tread is approved by CPSC

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 16th 2021 8:14 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Earlier this year, Peloton recalled both its Tread and Tread+ in compliance with safety issues investigated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Now, it looks like the Peloton Tread may be ready to be re-released as a fix has been approved by the CPSC.

iFIT launches TV app for Roku

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 13th 2021 6:38 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit Apps

Comments

iFIT has launched a new app for Roku-enabled TVs and media players. Also available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Google TV, the iFIT app allows access to all yoga, strength training, meditation, pilates, and boxing classes in the iFIT Library.

Ergatta adds 3D Race options with new update

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 13th 2021 6:13 am PT @shredded_sloth

Ergatta

Comments

At the end of July, Ergatta released a software update that added a new 3D look to their race workouts. This new update now allows members the option to switch between the new and older visual styles, among several other small improvements.

Win a free entry to the Boston Marathon with iFIT

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 12th 2021 12:53 pm PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

Have you ever dreamed of a chance to race in the Boston Marathon? If you have, iFIT has just announced an exciting opportunity. The company is sending 13 iFIT members to run in the Boston Marathon on October 11.

Amazon deal: Connect to Peloton and Apple Fitness Plus with the RENPHO bike for $559 ($140 off)

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 11th 2021 6:56 am PT @shredded_sloth

Deals

Comments

Able to connect to Peloton digital, Apple Fitness Plus, and pretty much any other fitness app, RENPHO’s AI-powered bike comes as an affordable one-size-fits-all solution. Not only does this bike allow you to connect to your favorite programs, but it also comes with training courses and features native to a complementary RENPHO app.

NordicTrack now provides free shipping and assembly on both the S22i and S15i Studio Cycles

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 9th 2021 1:18 pm PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack

Comments

NordicTrack (owned by iFIT) has quietly made significant changes to the pricing on some of their equipment. One of the biggest changes is that you no longer have to pay extra for shipping and assembly on the S22i and S15i Studio Cycles.

Nordictrack Vault Review (2021)

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 9th 2021 8:34 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit NordicTrack

Comments

The Nordictrack Vault by iFIT is a fitness mirror that also functions as a compact, freestanding storage system. In addition to storing close to 300lbs of free weights, the Nordictrack Vault hosts a wide variety of iFIT workouts. Is this workout mirror the perfect fit for your home gym? Let us find out in our Nordictrack Vault review.

This Month in iFIT: Michael Phelps, Kayla Itsines, and Summer Camp [July 2021]

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 6th 2021 8:33 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

In this monthly iFIT news recap, we cover last month’s top stories including Michael Phelps joining the team, the acquisition of Kayla Itsines’ Sweat App, the acquisition of 29029, the Summer Camp Flash Challenge… and much more!

Amazon Halo launches heart rate tracking with iFIT, OpenFit, and CLMBR

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 5th 2021 2:00 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Connected Accessories

Comments

Today, Amazon Halo launched a new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) heart rate setting that allows owners to see live heart rate tracking as an overlay on connected fitness equipment from top brands including iFIT (Nordictrack), OpenFit, and CLMBR.

Peloton fixes issue that prevented Tread+ from working without a membership

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 5th 2021 1:56 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Comments

The Verge recently reported that Peloton owners will finally be able to use the Tread+ again without having a current Peloton All-Access Membership. As a way to increase safety for those who choose to keep their Tread+ in the recent voluntary recall, Peloton had implemented what it calls Tread Lock. Unfortunately, this new pincode system prevented Peloton Tread+ owners without a current membership from using the treadmill at all.

Closed Captioning now available on iFIT

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 4th 2021 9:27 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

iFIT has now released the long-awaited Closed Captioning feature to both iFIT-enabled equipment and the iFIT app. Closed Captioning is now available in English and Spanish for most workouts, with the exception of the live classes.

This Month in Peloton: leaked Peloton strength devices, video game mode, Robin Arzón’s return [July 2021]

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 4th 2021 8:39 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

In this monthly Peloton news recap, we cover last month’s leaked Peloton strength devices, video game mode, Robin Arzón’s return, Spice Girls artist series… and much more!

Everything you need to know about the Ergatta rower Meteor game

Colin Jenkins - Aug. 3rd 2021 11:11 am PT @shredded_sloth

Ergatta

Comments

Ergatta is a connected fitness rower that is unique in that it focuses entirely on workout games instead of workout classes, which is great for someone like me who loves both fitness and gaming. Here, I am going to go over everything you need to know about my favorite game on the Ergatta: the Meteor game.

New job listing confirms Peloton rower is coming

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 30th 2021 10:29 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

The upcoming Peloton rower has been rumored for years, but Peloton’s latest job listing is the first to actually confirm it. The job post is for a “Senior Product Safety Engineer” and mentions they will be working on the Peloton rower, as well as other connected fitness devices.

Peloton beginner’s guide to every class category

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 28th 2021 2:30 pm PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

If you are new to Peloton, you may have noticed that they have a lot of different class categories, and not all of them are exactly what you think. We break down every single Peloton category in the on-demand library so that when you jump on the bike, tread, or grab some dumbbells for a strength workout, you will know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

Beachbody launches new MYX II Bike in preparation of two new connected fitness platforms

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 27th 2021 6:58 am PT @shredded_sloth

Beachbody MYX

Comments

Beachbody announced today that they are launching two new versions of the recently acquired MYX Bike: the MYX II and MYX II Plus Bikes. These improved models come in preparation to both of Beachbody’s upcoming connected fitness platforms: Beachbody on Demand (BODi) and Openfit. Check out our review of the MYX II here.

Peloton adds German strength coach Marcel Maurer

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 26th 2021 9:21 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton has added a new German coach, Marcel Maurer, to teach strength classes. Maurer is set to have his premiere 20-minute Full Body Strength class released on-demand this Tuesday, July 27, at 1 p.m. EST. He is the first German coach to be added to Peloton since Irene Scholz left in May.

iFIT to provide outdoor endurance events with acquisition of 29029

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 24th 2021 9:35 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

iFIT has officially announced their acquisition of 29029, a company that puts on outdoor endurance events. 29029 currently puts on “Everesting” challenges, which task participants to hike the equivalent distance of Mount Everest within 36 hours.

Echelon announces Disney collaboration to promote upcoming ‘Jungle Cruise’ movie

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 23rd 2021 6:36 am PT @shredded_sloth

Echelon

Comments

Echelon members who love Disney are in luck. Echelon has announced a new collaboration with Disney to celebrate and promote its upcoming movie “Junge Cruise.” The collaboration will include a Jungle Cruise dedicated cycle ride, tie-in promotion for television advertising, and social media promotion.

The Daily Watt: July 21, 2021 – Peloton’s new community challenge

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 22nd 2021 6:44 am PT @shredded_sloth

The Daily Watt

Comments

Watch a recap of the top stories of the day from Connect The Watts. New episodes of The Daily Watt are recorded three to five times each week. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they’re available.

Peloton releases more information on upcoming video game mode ‘Lanebreak’

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 22nd 2021 6:24 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

David Packles, senior director of product management at Peloton, put out a press release with more information on Peloton’s upcoming video game mode called “Lanebreak.” We reported on Lanebreak earlier this week, but the press release reveals new details on how the game will work, as well as a timeline for when the final version may be released.

Peloton announces a brand-new challenge — with a twist

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 21st 2021 9:44 am PT @shredded_sloth

Peloton

Comments

Peloton’s newest challenge has a bit of a twist. Instead of a regular challenge where members are asked to work toward a personal goal, they will work alongside the entire community with Peloton’s new Community Challenge, which starts this Friday.

Hands-on: PR Lotion by AMP Human

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 21st 2021 6:58 am PT @shredded_sloth

Reviews

Comments

This week we went hands-on with PR Lotion by AMP Human (who recently merged with Momentous). PR Lotion is a sports lotion that delivers sodium bicarbonate directly to your muscles via your skin.

iFIT announces new ‘Train Like a Pro: Gold Series’

Colin Jenkins - Jul. 21st 2021 6:51 am PT @shredded_sloth

iFit

Comments

iFIT has announced a new “Train Like a Pro” series featuring Paralympic triathlete Melissa Stockwell, gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and rowers Alex Gregory and Susan Francia. Each athlete has put together a collection of iFIT workouts for their own curated series, inspired by their personal styles and training regimens.