Does the Nordictrack Rower Work without iFit?

October 16, 2022November 12, 2022 FitnessEquipmentGuide Q and As, Rowers

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Click Here to read our full affiliate disclosure.

“Do I Need iFit For My Nordictrack Rower?”

This is one of the top questions people have when it comes to Nordictrack rowers.

If you’re considering a rowing machine, then you’ve probably already heard a lot about iFit.

iFit is Nordictrack’s online streaming and virtual training option that they put on pretty much all of their equipment now – including rowers.

You can row famous waterways all over the world and watch the scenery pass you by in the screen for a more virtual reality type of feel.

Or take a rowing fitness class from your home to add some extra challenge.

You can also get personalized workouts, track your stats over time to set and reach new goals.

So overall, iFit is pretty cool.

However not everyone wants it – which leads to the question:

Does the Nordictrack Rower Work Without iFit?

The short answer? Yes it will.

You can use the Nordictrack rower without iFit.

You have a few options depending on what you’re looking for here. This post will go over some things you should know about iFit on Nordictrack rowers.

First of all, as stated above, Nordictrack is adding the iFit option to all of their new rowing machines. That includes the RW600, RW700 and RW900 models.

Compare All Nordictrack Rowers Here

But that doesn’t mean you have to get the paid subscription to use the machine.

Most people don’t know this (and frankly, Nordictrack does a terrible job of explaining this) but there are 3 versions of iFit.

There’s a free version of iFit that you can use on your machine. There are also 2 paid versions – the individual membership for 1 person (around $19 a month) and the family version that covers all machines and up to 5 family memberships (around $39 a month).

Many people who don’t want iFit – but want the most updated rower model like the RW900 for example, just use the free version of iFit with their machine.

You can use the machine in manual mode with this option. There are also some built-in workouts included with the free version as well.

And you can still see your workout stats on the console screen when rowing, increase your resistance etc.

So you don’t need the paid iFit subscription to use the rowing machine (unless you want all the fancy world and studio workouts, tracking etc).

What about if you’re not sure you want iFit? What if you can’t decide if it’s right for you?

Not a problem.

Right now, you can get a complimentary full family membership to iFit included with certain rowing machines.

This is a pretty great deal – you can try the full version of iFit to see what it gives you and if it’s right for you.

Then if you don’t want it, simply go into your iFit account and cancel the membership before the complimentary membership period is up. Easy.

If you want to see which rowers give you the limited-time Full iFit membership included, check out the link below.

Click to See Rowers with iFit Deals

So the answer to the question – can you use the Nordictrack rower without iFit – the answer is yes.

And this is directly from the Manufacturer faqs:

Do I need an iFIT subscription to use my machine?

No, you can still use your machine in manual mode and also run a small selection of onboard workouts. However, you will need a paid subscription to access iFIT’s full workout library.

And here’s another quote I found from the iFit FAQs as to what will happen when your complimentary membership is up:

“If you don’t renew your subscription you will have access to a limited number of iFit workouts. You can always use your treadmill, elliptical, bike, fusion or rower in manual mode. The iFit subscription is required for the advertised coach-controlled interactive personal training experience but not mandatory to purchase.” (emphasis mine)

So there you have it, you can use the Nordictrack rower without iFit. Just use the free version to get around it. Or use the machine in manual mode.

So that’s one way to get around the iFit subscription if you want the latest Nordictrack rowers.

Is There Another Option?

There is. But it’s a bit unconventional.

If you buy a refurbished Nordictrack rower model that uses a dual-color screen like the one seen below, then you can also get around the iFIt subscription.

Nordictrack Rower with Dual-Color Screen

Older rowers with dual-colored screens don’t have iFit built into the console. So while some will work with iFit, you can’t connect directly through the console screen. You have to add your own tablet or phone and connect with iFit that way.

While these older models can be hard to find, I did find a few at the Get Fit site here.

Get Fit is a Nevada-based company that gets older models, fixes them up as new and resells them at a hugely discount price to you.

As of this writing for example, I found a Nordictrack RW500 rower with blue and white screen that you could get – without any subscription to iFit.

While this option probably won’t be around for years (since older models will get harder and harder to find), as of right now, it’s worth considering.

Click to Compare all NT Rowers at Get Fit

The downside to this option? Well, if in the future you DO decide you want to try the full iFit subscription – you’ll need to use your own tablet to connect.

So those are a couple of options if you don’t want iFit with your rower.

Now, another thing you might be wondering is:

What Exactly Makes iFit So Great?

In a nutshell, iFit takes a standard rowing machine and gives you a more immersive, fun, exciting experience.

You get workouts personalized to you based on the goals that YOU set for yourself. You also can take pre-recorded and even LIVE trainer-led studio workouts directly from your home.

You can row famous waterways and enjoy the scenery passing you by in the console screen.

Or take a live or pre-recorded class to add more challenge.

Just to give you an idea of what you get, here’s a video showing you just a few of the rower-specific workouts.

Bottom Line?

So can you use Nordictrack rowers without iFit (the full paid membership)? Yes you can – and this comes directly from the manufacturer.

However.

Just to show you how cool it is, Nordictrack is currently offering you a Full Family membership to iFit included for a limited time on some of their rowers. You can use the link below to get the iFit deal included.

I don’t know how long they’re going to continue this promotion. However as of right now, it’s a pretty good deal if you can get it.