Many of us have banked on the promise of “tomorrow” as an excuse to sidestep things that feel daunting or inconvenient. How many can attest to saying, “I’ll work out tomorrow”? At one time or another, we’ve all been there. This was the case for iFIT member Juan Rivas, who struggled to fully commit to his fitness goals in the past. In 2020, he decided it was finally time to trade in those empty promises of “tomorrow” for fulfilled ones of “today.”
Over the past year and a half, Juan has gone from “somewhat fit” to a sub-30 5K, with strength gains to boot. Crediting his family as his reason for getting active, Juan now consistently posts about his impressive fitness journey on the Official iFIT Member Facebook Page. Here’s his story!
Describe your fitness journey thus far. What ignited those first steps?
My kids were the reason why I finally got my act together. In the past, I could only stay somewhat fit for a few months, and I finally got tired of it. This time, I decided that I wanted it to be a permanent change so I could be around for grandchildren. A year and a half ago, I purchased a ProForm bike and haven’t looked back. I cannot believe that now, in my mid-40s, I am the fittest that I’ve ever been in my life.
From strength and yoga to bike workouts and outdoor hikes, you’re always crushing it in your posts on the Official iFIT Member Page. What keeps you so motivated?
Learning to keep those self-promises. For so long, I let myself down, saying “Tomorrow, tomorrow.” Now, it's all about TODAY and how I can make a better version of myself. It’s those mental victories of completing a workout when I really didn’t want to that propelled me forward.
I’ve come to understand that time will pass whether I do the workout or complain about it, so I might as well get it done because I will feel better. They may not be the best workouts, but they are better than no workouts. I keep building on these mental victories and adding notches to my fitness utility belt.
What’s one of your favorite PRs this year?
I have two. One of them is doing Russian twists for one minute. My core was a weak area of mine, so I’m proud of the progress that I’ve made on it. It’s not just about crunches anymore! My other favorite PR is 13 unbroken pull-ups.
You recently ran the Surf City 5K in person. What was that race experience like for you?
Two words: Absolutely amazing! Running Live Races on the treadmill with my fellow iFIT family is pretty cool. However, being around other people, feeding off their energy, and working toward a common goal is extraordinary. The icing on the cake was running the race with Nikki Bailey, a fellow iFIT member I had just met. She helped pace me to reach my goal of running it sub-30.
The iFIT staff at the expo booth had our iFIT medals ready for us to make things extra special. I walked with a little swagger not only because my calf tightened up during the race, but because I had two medals. It was truly an incredible weekend meeting Sally McRae, participating in the shakeout run at sunset, visiting the iFIT booth, and finishing the race.
Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer?
It’s a toss-up between John Peel and Briohny Smyth. One helps me crush my workouts, and the other helps me recover. I love the multiple active recovery workout options.
What is your favorite iFIT series?
My favorite workout series is iFIT Trainer John Peel’s Next-Level Strength Training Series because it took me out of my comfort zone and made me do movements I don’t like. For example, the leg workouts incorporate jumping. Most of those workouts use kettlebells too, which I used to dislike. John does a great job building on each previous workout. Week 12 includes a few AMRAPs that I could not have done during Week 1. It’s pretty cool seeing the progress you make in those 12 weeks.
How long have you been an iFIT member?
Although I joined in January 2020, it wasn’t until November 2020 that I really started using the app when I purchased my treadmill. Since then, I haven’t looked back. iFIT listened to its customers and made huge improvements in the user interface. They’ve truly stepped up their game big time.
What do you like most about iFIT?
I will never get bored because there is so much content! I’ve visited many places in the world that I have only dreamt of. On my Hawaii trip this summer, I replicated some of iFIT Trainer Jonnie Gale’s Hawaiian Islands Endurance Series workouts. It was so much fun!
In addition, I love the iFIT community. I believe iron sharpens iron. The members encourage and motivate one another. I also love the magnets and medals. It’s so cool that iFIT does this for its members.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.
You might also like
Explore the Equator in the Trip to the Tropics Challenge
Ready to heat things up? This month’s Challenge takes you on a sun-soaked journey between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. In the Trip to the Tropics Challenge, vibrant landscapes meet energizing workouts infused with adventure. Each workout is set between the two iconic latitude lines that frame the tropical belt. These regions are known for dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, high-altitude peaks, and sunny beaches. From Hawaii and Costa Rica to St. Lucia and French Polynesia, there’s so much to explore and experience in June! Complete the workouts from your selected Challenge level by June 30, 2025 and you’ll earn this digital reward for your Trophy Case. Here are this month’s Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: Lace up your shoes for an epic adventure to Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Martinique. You’ll feel the heat as you move with iFIT Trainers John Peel, Chris Clark, Stacie Clark, and Alex Gregory. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Walking Running: Focus on intervals, endurance, and tempo as you explore stunning Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and French Polynesia. Soak in the sun and encouragement alongside iFIT Trainers Knox Robinson, Hannah Eden, Paulo Barreto, and Leah Rosenfeld. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Running Bike workouts Casual Riding: Clip in and get ready to ride in the lush backdrop of Hawaii, Bermuda, and Costa Rica. Join iFIT Trainers George Hincapie, Gideon Akande, and John Peel for endless adventure in the sun. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Casual Riding Amped Cycling: Kick things up a notch in Thailand, Hawaii, and Vietnam as you improve your fitness. Soak in the sights and sounds as you ride alongside iFIT Trainers Richard Biglia, George Hincapie, and Casey Zaugg. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Amped Cycling Rower workouts Rowing: Explore the crystal clear waters of Martinique, Hawaii, and French Polynesia as you row. Paddle your way through the beauty of these countries with iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory, Kai Wilding, and Kevin Scott. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Rowing Strength workouts Strength: Find strength and beauty in strength and yoga workouts set in Vietnam, Jamaica, and Thailand. Soak it all in as you challenge your body with iFIT Trainers Hannah Eden, Aaron Ross, and Briohny Smyth. Join the Trip to the Tropics Challenge: Strength Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
June 2, 2025
Push Your Limits as You Shine Bright in the Grit & Glow Challenge
Ready to sparkle like a diamond as you tackle April’s Challenge? As a nod to this month’s birthstone, we have workouts sure to make you feel shiny and bright while you sweat! Complete the workouts from your selected Challenge level by April 30, 2025 and earn a digital reward viewable in your Trophy Case. Here are this month’s Challenges: Treadmill and elliptical workouts Walking: From the Dominican Republic to Zimbabwe and Canada, there’s so much to explore this month. You’re sure to shine as you walk and hike with iFIT Trainers Phil Catudal, Mick Davie, and John Peel. Running: Start your running adventure in French Polynesia, the Balkans, and New Zealand. You’ll sparkle alongside iFIT Trainers Hannah Eden, Paulo Barreto, Kelsey Sheahan, and Zac Marion. Bike workouts Casual Riding: Embark on an exploration in Chile, Maui, and French Polynesia. Chase your shine with iFIT Trainers John Peel, Ashley McIvor, and Ashley Davis with beginner-level cycling workouts. Amped Cycling: Take it to the next level with iFIT Trainers Richard Biglia, Travis McCabe, and Casey Zaugg! Feel bright and shiny as you tackle advanced cycling workouts in Thailand, Japan, and Norway. Rower workouts Rowing: Row your way across Hawaii, Montana, and the iFIT Studio! Sparkle and shine in each of these workouts with iFIT Trainers Kai Wilding, Susan Francia, and Alex Silver-Fagan. Strength workouts Strength: From Pilates and yoga to traditional strength training, there’s so much to explore this month. Head to the Bahamas, Chile, and Jamaica for workouts with iFIT Trainers Kelsey Sheahan, Faith Hunter, and John Peel. Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
April 1, 2025
How to Bring Your A-Game to the Train for a Tour Series (Part 1/3)
If you’re familiar with the cycling world and follow European racing, you may have come across both myself and the team I coach, the UAE Team Emirates. I’m Kevin Poulton and have coached for nearly 25 years, specializing in Spring Classics riders and sprinters. In that time, I’ve been fortunate to coach elite World Tour professionals and work with some of the best teams in the sport. My athletes have secured victories in Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France stage wins, World Championship Road Race podiums, and multiple Spring Classics podiums. And now, you’re my next athlete! The Series Structure I designed the Train for a Tour Series much like the programs I use at UAE Team Emirates’ training camps. Over six weeks, your iFIT Trainers (all of which are pro cyclists themselves) will run you through an immersive World Tour pre-season experience. You’ll train in Mallorca, Spain, as it is the ultimate training destination for professionals. Every winter, World Tour teams flock to the island for their pre-season camps, and for good reason. The terrain is incredibly diverse, offering long, steady climbs, rolling hills, and flat coastal roads—exactly what’s needed to develop all aspects of cycling fitness. The Train for a Tour Series gradually builds in intensity, taking you from controlled endurance efforts to high-powered, race-specific efforts. The workouts follow a carefully structured progression: Early Weeks: Lower-intensity, steady-state efforts with proper recovery, laying the foundation for improved aerobic endurance and efficiency.Mid-Series: More focused interval work, targeting different energy systems, including fast-twitch muscle activation, anaerobic power, and high-intensity efforts.Final Weeks: Race-like sessions, including VO2 max intervals, lactate tolerance efforts, and short recoveries, mimicking the demands of competition. If you follow my training program as I’ve laid out (and you ensure that the SmartAdjust™ feature on your bike is on), you can expect to see improvements in your cycling performance, endurance, and ability to sustain high-intensity efforts. Check out more articles on training like the pros:Part 2: leveraging data Part 3: how to avoid beginner mistakes Good luck and enjoy the ride, Kevin Poulton Shop NordicTrack bikes Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
March 18, 2025