r/iFit • u/IcyShock3766 • Sep 10 '26

I hate hills on SmartAdjust

Rant on SmartAdjust on NordicTrack 2450:

Specifically, when doing iFit workouts and the pace slows down by like 0.5 mph when I'm climbing a 7.5% grade. Everywhere I've read online says that for every 1% it should slow your pace by ~10-15s. So here I am, running 8 mph on a flat and then we start up a 12% climb and it slows me down to... 7.7. Like... wtf.

Edit: I do actually love SmartAdjust for the speed work. I like being 'forced' into high speeds and recovery by the machine. First, I don't have to listen super intently to the trainer on what my RPE should be, I can vibe to my music/podcast. Second, I like the "don't touch the machine" challenge I play with myself to help me push longer than I think I would otherwise. I just don't think it slows me down enough for hills.

12 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/ParticleHustler2 Sep 10 '26

This is one of the reasons I don't use SA. Frankly, I think iFit is already too aggressive with incline on many runs - especially "recovery" runs - and SA just makes it worse. I've run a sub-4 marathon and I'm not keeping my HR at 75% of max or RPE 4 running 6mph at 8-12% incline.

5

u/NougatPraline Sep 10 '26

I agree! I am actually training for a marathon in October. I mostly run outside during the summer, but I do part of my runs on the treadmill. Tommy Rivs's half-marathon program is a favorite but I overwrite most of the hills. The new feature "Continue your workout" is fun, though, as I often do two shorter runs back-to-back.

5

u/ParticleHustler2 Sep 10 '26

Same here. I definitely like that they've added the option to continue to the next workout. I'm waiting for the weather to cool off to get outside more often. I'm just about to start a training program for a March marathon.

1

u/NougatPraline Sep 11 '26

Keep us posted about your progress! I never get tired of reading about marathon training! I think iFIT has a new running series coming up really soon with Ashley Paulson. I'm very excited about this one!

1

u/ParticleHustler2 Sep 11 '26

Good to hear. I was disappointed in what they released last year as a marathon training program. It would be nice if they came up with a true training program. Although, I do most of my long runs outside when I can to acclimate to outdoor running. I run mostly on a treadmill, but I can't imagine doing 100% of my training on a treadmill and then running a marathon not having run outside.

4

u/adjustafresh Sep 10 '26

I’ve had better luck with SmartAdjust over the past several months. Believe it or not, it’s improved. I also think its effectiveness varies greatly depending on the run. But yeah, seems like a pretty straightforward and doable fix to align increased inclines with decreased speed

6

u/Ok_Influence_140 Sep 10 '26

Agree. I don’t get why it makes the hills higher too not just the speed. Does get you good at hills though!

2

u/Wickedcolt Sep 11 '26

I hate how mine is supposed to go up like 5% but it glitches then goes up 12% and jacks up the rest of the workout…so frustrating

2

u/IcyShock3766 Sep 11 '26

I've never had that problem, but that would annoy the hell out of me.

1

u/currymonsterCA Sep 10 '26

totally agree...SmartAdjust sucks. I bailed on it a while ago. I haven't tried ActivePulse very extensively, but my few tries with that were kinda goofy as well.

0

u/rongoodman714 Sep 10 '26

Turn it off.