What is Podfitness?

Podfitness is a patent-pending, revolutionary fitness service that gives you custom workouts from the world’s top trainers, mixed with your own music. Based on how, when, and where you want to work out, Podfitness builds a brand new audio workout for you every time you use it.

You get the benefits of a personal trainer anywhere, anytime: your Podfitness coach steps you through your entire workout, counts your reps, and keeps you motivated, all while you listen to your music!

How does it work?

Podfitness is the result of several years and millions of dollars in development: the world's first and only custom audio workouts. It’s simple: you choose your fitness goal, from losing weight to running a marathon. Then, choose the coach you want from over 50 of the world’s top fitness experts to guide you. Then, pick the music to make your workout soundtrack.

What you get is a totally custom workout plan, designed specifically for you that you can take with you on your MP3 player. To make this a reality, we've created a super-smart, patent-pending system based on the way our trainers would work with you in person, and a mixer to bring each session together with the best music in the world--yours. Every workout is designed just for you, with one goal: To get you in the best shape of your life, fast.

What does Podfitness have to do with music?

If you’ve ever used music during your workout, you know that your "workout soundtrack" can make or break your momentum. Podfitness is all about your music. We've made a patent-pending mixer that lets you mix music from your iTunes^TM or Zune library with every session. It's even smart enough to know when to turn down the music to let you hear your instructor. You get exactly the right music during every workout, because you get to choose it yourself.

Do I need to install anything on my computer?

When you create your first workout, you will be asked to install the Podfitness Mixer that lets Podfitness add music from your iTunes^TM or Zune music library.

What do I need to run Podfitness?

All you need is a PC (Windows 2000, XP, or Vista) or Mac (Mac OS 10.4 or greater) running iTunes^TM or Zune software, an iPod, Zune, or portable MP3 player, and a broadband internet connection.

Where does the music come from? Can I use my own?

Podfitness works with any music you’ve imported into iTunes^TM or Zune (but not tracks purchased form the iTunes^TM Store or Zune Marketplace). You'll be able to select tracks or a Playlist from your own music library, and Podfitness will automatically mix your music to play in the background of your workout.

Why can’t I use my purchased music with Podfitness?

Currently, Podfitness is only compatible with music you have imported into iTunes or Zune, not music purchased through their stores.

Because of restrictions placed by record companies, music purchased from the iTunes Store and Zune Marketplace are locked with Digital Rights Management (DRM). This is designed by the record companies to prevent people from sharing their music with others. Because of these restrictions, Podfitness cannot legally unlock this music to mix with workouts.

We're not big fans of DRM, since it treats everyone like a criminal, and keeps people from using the music they've purchased for legitimate purposes (like mixing songs with Podfitness). The good news is that there’s a growing library of iTunes Plus tracks available to purchase. iTunes Plus music is not shackled by DRM, and that music is compatible with Podfitness.

What if I don’t use an iPod or Zune?

Podfitness creates workouts that you can use with any type of MP3 player. You just need the free iTunes or Zune software installed on your computer in order to use Podfitness. Click here to download iTunes, or click here to download Zune.

How do the workouts get to my MP3 player?

If your iPod or Zune is set to automatically sync, your workouts are automatically copied to and from your iPod. If you are set to manually sync, or have another MP3 player, you can simply drag-and-drop your workout from your Podfitness playlist to your MP3 player.

How much is it? Is it a subscription service?

Podfitness is a quarterly subscription service, at $59.85 per quarter (13 weeks). There are no contracts, and you may cancel at any time.

Do you sell pre-recorded workouts one at a time?

No. We think pre-recorded workouts certainly have a place, but they're not that great after they’re used once. Pre-recorded workouts aren't very good at helping people progress and get more fit, and helping people become more fit is our top priority.

Do I need a credit card to use Podfitness?

To use Podfitness, you can either sign up with a PayPal account, or a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).

What devices does Podfitness support?

Podfitness works on any recent PC or Mac using iTunes or Zune. The workouts are playable on any MP3-capable device, including the iPod and Zune.

Can I use Podfitness on multiple computers?

Yes. You can log in to Podfitness from any internet-connected computer, and Podfitness will pick up where you left off last. To mix your music with a workout, you just need to have iTunes loaded with music on the computer you’re using, and the Podfitness Mixer installed.

I'm a trainer, and I'd like to offer workouts through Podfitness!

Podfitness is looking for the best trainers in the world to create custom workouts. Contact us at trainers@podfitness.com if you're interested in joining the Podfitness revolution!

Is Podfitness available outside the United States?

We're working on getting Podfitness everywhere people work out. We'll have more detailed information about this soon.

How do I contact Podfitness?

Check out our contact us page.

What will I be charged monthly?

A subscription to Podfitness costs $59.85 per quarter (13 weeks). If you are on a trial, you will not be charged until your trial ends. If for any reason during your trial you decide to cancel, you may do so at any time.

Do I need a credit card to use Podfitness?

No. You may use either credit card or PayPal.

When will I see a charge on my credit card?

You will see a charge for Podfitness quarterly (every 13 weeks at $59.85) which will recur on the date you signed up. If you are on a free trial you will not be charged. When your trial expires your billing cycle will begin.

How do I cancel my Podfitness subscription if I am paying with a credit card?

Simply login to Podfitness and click on the My Account tab. Click on Account Status then click on the cancellation link.

How do I cancel Podfitness if I am paying with PayPal?

If you are currently using PayPal to pay for Podfitness and would like to cancel, login to your PayPal account then locate the Podfitness subscription and follow the instructions to cancel. There is also a details link if you have additional questions.

Are there any fees for canceling?

No way! Podfitness loves its customers and would never charge them any hidden fees.

What if I cancel my subscription early?

If you cancel before the end of your subscription you are not eligible for any time, workout or financial credits. You are also not eligible for any refunds on unused time.

Do you have to commit to Podfitness for a certain amount of time?

Nope! Unlike a gym, you are never locked into subscribing to Podfitness.

What is Podfitness?

Podfitness is the world’s first fitness program that utilizes over 60 world-class trainers and your music to serve up customized audio workouts. We have the largest exercise database in the world waiting to use for your fitness goals.

How does Podfitness work?

The first time you log in to Podfitness, you'll fill out a quick Fitness Profile. This allows us to team you up with a trainer and program that is best suited to help you reach your goals (or, you can choose one yourself if you’d like). Then, simply select one of your own music playlists and Podfitness automatically mixes the music with your audio workout. You get a personal trainer on your MP3 player, wherever and whenever you like, and your workouts change over time. When you come back to Podfitness after a workout to mix your next session, you can give feedback that directly changes your next workout; every workout keeps getting smarter, more tailored to you, and more satisfying.

How do I access Podfitness?

You can click here to get started. After you have signed up, you can come back whenever you like and click on the 'Member Login' tab to start your next session.

How much is it?

Podfitness is $59.85 per quarter (billed every 13 weeks). If you are interested in checking it out before you subscribe, click here to begin a free trial.

What do I get when I subscribe to Podfitness?

When you subscribe to Podfitness, you get access to over 60 world-class celebrity trainers and their programs, the largest exercise database anywhere on earth, fitness tracking, technology that creates smarter workouts over time, and the ability to mix any workout with the best music in the world -yours!

What does Podfitness have to do with my music?

Podfitness creates audio workouts customized for you. And it’s the only one that mixes your audio coaching with music from your own iTunes or Zune playlists! When the trainer is providing audio instructions, your music volume will turn down and then kick back up when you need it most.

Is this a Podcast?

Certainly not! Unlike other sites on the internet that serve up canned audio workouts, Podfitness learns your likes and dislikes each time you use it. We’ve built Podfitness with one thing in mind - your results!

We do however offer a free weight loss Podcast created by the Podfitness trainer staff. Click here to subscribe!

Do I need a gym membership to use Podfitness?

No. Whether you work out at home, outside or in the gym, Podfitness workouts can adapt to fit where you work out, your skill level, and the equipment you have available. Anywhere you can take your MP3 player, you can use Podfitness.

How does Podfitness know my fitness level?

Before your first workout, we ask you a series of questions that allow us to determine your fitness level, interests, workout experience and equipment availability. This allows us to search our exercise database and provide you with a trainer and program that is perfectly tailored for you. Whether you are training for a marathon, bodybuilding or just walking in the park, we can help you get results quicker.

Is Podfitness available outside of the United States?

Currently Podfitness is only available in the United States. Don’t worry though; we are working to expand Podfitness to anywhere your MP3 player can go.

Are there any system requirements I should be aware of?

PC System Requirements:
Windows 2000 or newer
iTunes or Zune software installed

Mac System Requirements:
Mac OS 10.4 or greater
iTunes 5 or greater

How do I contact Podfitness?

To call or email Podfitness simply visit our Contact Us page.

I own an iPod, how do I get started?

Click here for a Getting Started tutorial on setting up Podfitness for the first time.

I own a Zune, how do I get started?

Click here for a Getting Started tutorial on setting up Podfitness for the first time.

I don’t use an iPod or a Zune, is there anything I should know?

Yes! If you use an MP3 player that is not an iPod or Zune, you will still need to have iTunes or Zune software installed to mix and download workouts.

Windows

Do I need to install anything on my computer?

Yes, in order to use Podfitness on a PC you will need to install the latest version of the Podfitness Mixer. You can download the last version by clicking here.

How do I install Podfitness?

Click here for a Getting Started tutorial on setting up Podfitness for the first time.

How do I know if Podfitness is running?

When Podfitness is active, there will be a green Podfitness icon in the System Tray (next to the clock in the lower-right).

Mac

Do I need to install anything on my computer?

Yes, in order to use Podfitness on a Mac you will need to install the latest version of the Podfitness Mixer. You can download the last version by clicking here.

How do I install Podfitness?

Click here for a Getting Started tutorial on setting up Podfitness for the first time.

How do I know if Podfitness is running?

When Podfitness is active, you will see a green Podfitness icon in your Dock with a small black arrow underneath it.

Do I need to have iTunes Playlists created before I mix?

It’s highly recommended that you create a few Playlists filled with music you would like mixed with your workout before you begin. That way, when you are ready to mix your first workout, your music is ready to go.

Tip: Create Playlists with at least 30 minutes of music.
Tip: Create different playlists for different kinds of workouts: relaxed music for Yoga, upbeat for Cardio training, and so on.

I use iTunes, how do I create a Playlist?

1. Open iTunes.
2. Under File, select 'New Playlist'.
3. Name your Playlist whatever you would like (for example, "Workout Music".
4. Now simply highlight songs from your library and drag them into your newly created Playlist on the left.

How do I import my CDs into iTunes?

1. Insert an audio CD into your computer's internal CD or DVD drive.
2. When the list of songs appears in the iTunes window, deselect (remove the checkmark from) any songs you don't want to import.
3. To add the selected songs to your library, click the Import CD button (at the bottom of the iTunes window).
4. Once the CD is imported into your library you may add it to a Playlist

I use Zune software, how do I create a Playlist?

1. Go to your PC and open up the Zune software. In the Navigation pane, right-click Playlists and select Create Playlist. A new Playlist appears on the right-hand list pane.
2. Drag your songs to the new Playlist and arrange them however you want.
3. When you are done, click Save Playlist.

How do I add my workouts to my Zune?

1. Connect Zune to your PC and open Zune software.
2. On the Navigation pane (left), click the icon to display Music.
3. Navigate to the workouts you want to sync to Zune.
4. On the List pane (right), click the sync icon Task Selector to display the sync list.
5. Drag media from the Details pane (center) to the List pane to create a sync list.
6. When you're ready, click Start Sync. Zune software will sync your choices to your Zune device.

How does Podfitness mix music with my workout?

Podfitness uses patent-pending technology that mixes your music with every custom workout. Then, it creates a music file that can be downloaded to your iPod or Zune player.

I don't have any music; does Podfitness provide any?

No, unforntunately you will need to provide your own for right now. We are working on some solutions though... stay tuned.

Do the workouts come pre-mixed with music?

No way! We would never tell you what music to listen to while you work out. That’s part of the fun: using your own tunes.

Do I need to match my Playlist length to the length of my workout?

Nope. If your Playlist length is longer than your workout time, the mixer will automatically cut your Playlist off where the workout ends. (But we won’t cut you off: it'll finish the song you were listening to.)

Why can’t Podfitness mix music I bought from the iTunes Store or Zune Marketplace?

Currently, Podfitness is only compatible with music you have imported into iTunes or Zune, not music purchased through their stores unless it is iTunes Plus.

Because of restrictions placed by record companies, music purchased from the iTunes Store and Zune Marketplace are locked with Digital Rights Management (DRM). This is designed by the record companies to prevent people from sharing their music with others. Because of these restrictions, Podfitness cannot legally unlock this music to mix with workouts.

Note: Any songs that are grayed out and not selectable are copyright-protected and not available to mix with Podfitness workouts.

Will Podfitness ever work with music I buy online?

Yes! The good news is that there’s a growing library of iTunes Plus tracks available to purchase. iTunes Plus music is not shackled by DRM, and that music is compatible with Podfitness.

My workout is taking a while to mix. Can I speed it up?

We work hard to make getting to your workouts as fast as possible, but mixing your workout depends on the speed of your computer. If you have a relatively new computer, it should only take a minute or two. It will also help to make sure you’re not running any demanding tasks, such as working with video, while mixing your workout.

I hear the voice of my trainer, but no music in my workout. What happened?

Make sure you have selected a Playlist that has music added to it. Also, make sure the songs you are trying to mix aren’t copyright protected.

The mixer says, "Loading Playlists" instead of "Select a Playlist". What do I do?

Your Podfitness mixer or iTunes may not be running. If using a PC, find the Podfitness Mixer in your Start Menu/Programs and start Podfitness. Next, find iTunes in Start Menu/Programs and start iTunes.

If using a Mac, find the Podfitness Mixer icon in your Applications folder and start the program. Next, find iTunes in your Applications folder and launch iTunes.

Why do I hear a second voice in my workout (other than my trainer's)?

Each trainer uses an Assistant Trainer to count your reps and help with instructions. Depending on your workout settings, you may hear more or less of the assistant trainer. Throughout your workouts, your trainer will pop back in to give you additional instructions or motivation.

Why don’t I hear my trainer’s voice at all?

Every workout is custom-built around your preferences from millions of possible combinations. So, not every trainer has recorded for every possibility that could come up (and believe us, there are a LOT of possibilities!). Even though your trainer designed the workout program you are participating in, it may have been customized to give you different exercises that your trainer hasn’t recorded yet. In rare cases, your workout can become so customized that your Assistant Trainer coaches you through the entire workout. If this happens, please contact us and tell us about it.

Is the workout I get really designed by the trainer I select?

Absolutely. Every Podfitness workout program is designed by the world-class trainer you choose. Each of these trainers creates a Podfitness workout program to give you the same workout you would get with them in person. Then, inside the Podfitness studio, the trainers record all the exercises and coaching you’ll need for every workout. As a result, Podfitness has the largest exercise database in the world. These workouts aren’t canned, they are designed and built for your fitness needs and grow with you.

Where do I learn more about the trainer I’ve selected?

You can learn more about the your trainer by clicking "Details" on their picture inside Podfitness. And if you really want to be impressed, do a quick Google search on any of them (Hint: these are top-notch trainers).

Can I contact my trainer?

Sure! If you have a question or story you would like to share with your trainer, simply send them an email at askmytrainer@podfitness.com.

How do I choose a trainer that’s right for me?

The first time you log in to Podfitness, you’ll fill out a quick Fitness Profile. This allows us to team you up with a trainer that is best suited to help you reach your goals. However, at any time you can check out other trainers and switch to their programs.

How often can I switch trainers?

You can add, switch, or remove trainers and training programs as often as you like. In fact, you can use multiple training programs at one time. Podfitness even keeps track of each of your programs for you!

Why don’t I hear more of the trainer I selected?

Each trainer uses an Assistant Trainer to count your reps and help with instructions. Depending on your workout settings, you may hear more or less of the assistant trainer. Throughout your workouts, your trainer will pop back in to give you additional instructions or motivation.

How is my workout customized? Will my workout be different every day?

Your workout is customized based on your Fitness Profile, as well as by gathering your feedback when you log back into Podfitness after mixing a workout. When you give feedback, you change your next workout. With each workout you complete and give feedback about, you make the next workout smarter and more customized for you. Your workouts will be more similar or less similar day-to-day based on the way your trainer designed your plan. Try out several plans and see what works best for you.

My workout was too hard or too easy, what do I do?

You can give feedback after your workout to increase the challenge of your next workout. If you want to try something new, feel free to change it up! You have the power to change your trainer, program or goals at any time.

I didn’t have the equipment to do some of the exercises in my workout, what do I do?

Check your fitness profile and make sure you have selected all the right settings for you. This includes making sure your location, equipment and fitness levels are set correctly.

How many workouts can I download at a time?

Podfitness allows you to mix up to three workouts per day.

I received instruction that I don’t think was correct or that I couldn’t understand, what do I do?

We strive to make workouts that everyone can enjoy and get results with. If you have trouble with any part of your workout, note name of the trainer, the workout, and the approximate elapsed time that you had an issue. Click here to contact us and let us know about it!

I’ve mixed my workout, where is it?

Your workout is automatically added to the "Podfitness" playlist in iTunes or Zune. Click here for instructions for getting the workout to your iPod or Zune.

Why do I have to install software to use Podfitness?

Podfitness uses a patent-pending mixer that builds your workout, combines it with music from your computer’s library, and downloads it to your iPod or Zune. It’s available for Windows or Mac here.

When I try to install Podfitness for Mac, I get the error, "DMG is corrupt". What do I do?

This means that you are attempting to install Podfitness on a Mac that is not running OS 10.4 Tiger. You need at least Mac OS 10.4 to use Podfitness. If you are using Mac OS 10.3 and would like to use Podfitness, click here to contact Support.

Why do I hear a second voice in my workout (other than my trainer’s)?

Each trainer uses an Assistant Trainer to count your reps and help with instructions. Depending on your workout settings, you may hear more or less of the assistant trainer. Throughout your workouts, your trainer will pop back in to give you additional instructions or motivation.

Why don’t I hear my trainer’s voice at all?

Every workout is custom-built around your preferences from millions of possible combinations. So, not every trainer has recorded for every possibility that could come up (and believe us, there are a LOT of possibilities!). Even though your trainer designed the workout program you are participating in, it may have been customized to give you different exercises that your trainer hasn’t recorded yet. In rare cases, your workout can become so customized that your Assistant Trainer coaches you through the entire workout. If this happens, please contact us and tell us about it.

I’m hearing two voices at once, what happened?

Podfitness mixes your workout with tracks from your iTunes library. If you have accidentally selected to mix a previously-downloaded Podfitness workout from your iTunes library, your new workout is mixed on top of your old one. You can fix this by returning to Podfitness and mixing again, being sure to select only music.

My workout didn’t have any music in it. What happened?

More than likely, you selected Protected music purchased from an online music store. Podfitness is currently not compatible with most music purchased from online stores such as iTunes or Zune Marketplace.

I added a new playlist to iTunes, but it’s not showing up in Podfitness.

You will need to quit and restart the Podfitness mixer to update it with the new playlist you’ve created. On a PC, right-click the Podfitness icon in the lower-left, choose "Exit", and restart Podfitness from your Start Menu. On a Mac, right-click (or control-click) the Podfitness icon in your Dock, select "Quit", and restart Podfitness from your Applications folder.

I’m unable to download workouts, what do I do?

There are several things you can check if your are having problems downloading your workout:
1. Make sure the Podfitness software is running on your computer. (For more information, see the question: "When selecting music, I see 'Loading Playlists' instead of 'Select a Playlist'".
2. The problem may be with your music playlist. Try creating a new music playlist, making sure to only add songs that are not protected music from the iTunes Store or Zune Marketplace. (Why can’t I use protected music?)
3. Your problems may be caused by certain configurations of third-party firewall software, such as McAfee Internet Security or Norton Internet Security. You’ll need to add Podfitness.com to your Trusted Sites in order to download workouts.
4. Lastly, if you have problems with Microsoft Internet Explorer, we recommend you download and use Mozilla Firefox (it’s free, and available here). Even though Podfitness is compatible with Internet Explorer, some users have Internet Explorer modifications that make it difficult for Podfitness to work properly.

When selecting music, I didn’t see any music to choose from.

You will only see playlists from your iTunes or Zune library. Make sure you have created at least one playlist and added songs to it.

I know I selected music with my workout, but I didn’t hear any music during my workout.

This can happen if you attempt to mix Protected tracks from the iTunes Store or Zune Marketplace with your workouts.

When selecting music, I see "Loading Playlists" instead of "Select a Playlist". What do I do?

Your Podfitness mixer or iTunes may not be running. If Podfitness is running in Windows, you will see a small green Podfitness icon in your System Tray (next to the clock in the lower-left). If it is running on Mac, you will see a green Podfitness icon in the Dock, with a small black arrow under it. To start Podfitness, find Podfitness in your Start Menu/Programs (for Windows) or in your Applications folder (for Mac) and launch Podfitness. To start iTunes, locate its icon in Start Menu/Programs (for Windows) or in your Applications folder (for Mac) and launch iTunes. In addition, Podfitness.com must be allowed as a trusted site on firewall software such as Norton or McAfee Internet Security.

I received instruction that I don’t think was correct or that I couldn’t understand, what do I do?

We strive to make workouts that everyone can enjoy and get results with. If you have trouble with any part of your workout, note name of the trainer, the workout, and the approximate elapsed time that you had an issue. Click here to contact us and let us know about it!

I didn’t have the equipment to do some of the exercises in my workout, what do I do?

Check your fitness profile and make sure you have selected all the right settings for you. This includes making sure your location, equipment and fitness levels are set correctly.