iFIT Member Meets Tommy Rivs Puzey
Meet iFIT member Stephanie Brewer, who purchased a NordicTrack X11i, loves it, and has been working out with iFIT ever since. Recently, she went on her first real-world hike and had the lucky chance to run into iFIT Trainer Tommy Rivs Puzey, who also happened to be in the Grand Canyon that day, training for an upcoming race. iFIT was able to interview her about her experience!
Q: What trail were you doing in the Grand Canyon?
A: We went down the South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point—about 3 miles down and back.
Q: Were you hiking or running?
A: Hahaha! I'm no Tommy! Definitely just hiking and trying not to die in the process.
Q: Have you ever done anything like this before?
A: No, this was my first ever true hike, something I truly never imagined myself doing. I've always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon but never thought about hiking it until I did iFIT Trainer John Peel's walk down the Kaibab Trail and back up Bright Angel Trail. After doing the iFIT workout, I knew hiking the real Grand Canyon was something I wanted to do.
Q: What made you decide to buy a NordicTrack X11 incline trainer?
A: I had been looking at several treadmills, but when I came across the iFIT programs, I knew this was the one I wanted. I wish now I would have gone with the bigger screen, but I'm still happy with this one.
Q: Do you use iFIT every time you use the machine?
A: Yes! If I'm on the treadmill, I am doing a program. I like to find one and stick with it until I finish before moving on to another.
Being able to feel like you are in a location that many of us would never be able to go makes it so much more fun and makes me look forward to getting on the treadmill.
Q: What is it about iFIT that keeps you motivated?
A: Having the videos really distracts you and keeps you going through the workouts. Being able to feel like you are in a location that many of us would never be able to go makes it so much more fun and makes me look forward to getting on the treadmill. One of the reasons John Peel and Tommy are my faves is because they are both so knowledgeable and really keep you interested in what they are talking about during each and every workout.
Q: Do you think you could do these workouts without iFIT?
A: I could do them, but probably wouldn't. The trainers and videos make all the difference.
Don't get dead
Q: Describe your fitness journey...did you have a specific Grand Canyon adventure goal in mind?
A: Having been fit enough to do fitness competitions and then putting weight back on, I’m at a point in my life where I work out for the pure ability to be active. Sure, losing weight would be nice, but it's more about heart health, emotional and mental health, and just keeping active for me. I weight train and do the iFIT programs for cardio, along with getting in a bike ride on Saturdays with our group for about 25–30 miles. For the Grand Canyon, the only goal was to not give up and “Don’t get dead” as Tommy says. I knew going back up was going to be difficult, so I made sure to push myself the 3 miles to Skeleton Point, knowing I'd have to go back up. It was far from easy for me, but worth every ounce of pain.
Q: Are you on your fitness journey with others in your home or friend group?
A: I work out at home. My husband and I converted one of our rooms into a home gym when we bought our house last year.
Q: What's the biggest difference in your life now that you are fit enough for activities like Grand Canyon adventures?
A: It pushes me to see that I am stronger than I believe, and makes me want to do more things like it. I really enjoy nature and the beauty that it holds, so I see more vacations like this in my future.
I want to express to the coaches just how much they mean to us. In our world, they are rockstars.
Q: What are some of your other favorite trainers and workouts?
A: So far my favorites are Tommy, of course, and John Peel. Although I just finished the Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek with Jake Norton and really enjoyed that one. I used that one as my training for the climb back up the Grand Canyon. I loved Tommy's Swiss Alps series where it was climbs and runs. I'm not really a runner, so it was great having the combo and not just running all the time. My first workout when I got the treadmill was John Peel's Swiss Alps series. I was hooked from that moment.
Q: Anything else you want to tell the teams at NordicTrack and iFIT?
A: I want to express to the trainers just how much they mean to us. In our world, they are rockstars. We connect with them in a way most can't understand. I've always hated being on a treadmill (or dreadmill), but now I look forward to listening to them and learning from them in every workout.
Thanks for taking an interest in my chance encounter with Tommy. He will never know what it meant to me and just how much he motivates me and all the other “iFitters!”
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
People Need People: The Positive Effects of Socializing
As human beings, we are social creatures by nature. Instinctively, we don’t like feeling alone, and our bodies and brains actually function better when we are surrounded by others. We are basically wired to be social. If you were to google “why humans need humans” or anything along those lines, you’ll find a plethora of articles explaining why social connections and friendships are vital to our health and well-being. Outside of our family units, when we have friends we can lean on, laugh with, cry with, and talk to, we are nourishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need that connectivity not only to survive, like this article suggests, but to thrive. Whether you’re someone who prefers to have just a few really close pals, or you’re a social butterfly with a lot of friends, at the end of the day, we need those relationships. Here are the top three reasons we need friendships in our lives! Friendships improve our health Research has shown that having strong social connections is vital to our health. For starters, it can reduce stress levels, ward off depression and suicide, lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, and cancer, as well as boost our immune system...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also easier to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle when you have the support of friends and family. Friends extend our life expectancy Aside from improving our overall health, maintaining friendships can also add years to our lives—just like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and not smoking. Multiple studies have found that people who have positive relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier and tend to live longer. Some studies have even gone as far to conclude that social belongingness is just as important as physical survival needs, such as food and shelter. Friends make life more fun This might not be a mind-blowing revelation, but friends bring an abundant amount of happiness to our lives. While I’m sure you can find enjoyment doing certain things solo, I’d argue that most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. There’s an unexplainable joy that comes from sharing experiences with people we care about. Studies have shown, including this one conducted back in 2011, that having meaningful social relationships affects our neurobiological endogenous opioid system (think endorphins), triggering the part of the brain that makes us feel good. Simply put, connecting and interacting with our friends gives us happy feelings. Ever caught up with an old friend, then felt really good afterwards? Those are your endorphins kicking in, telling you that what you just did is healthy for your emotional and physical health! So, no matter what stage of life you’re in, make it a priority to get out and do things with your friends. Whether it’s a quick phone call or grabbing lunch, keep your friends close and remember to have fun!
July 13, 2019
iFIT Exclusives: Iron Mom: Hannah Eden’s Story
iFIT Exclusives are more than workouts. They are transformative, documentary-style experiences that connect you with the stories, people, and moments that make the iFIT community unique. These episodes offer a deep dive into the lives of our trainers and members, following their personal journeys to greatness. Hannah Eden’s Story: Turning a Challenge into a Strength The latest iFIT Exclusive brings you Iron Mom: Hannah Eden’s Story, following her journey from motherhood to the finish line. You’ll witness her transformation as she sets her sights on completing a Half Ironman in Hawaii, all while balancing training and family. With honesty, heart, and the support of her friends and family, Hannah reminds us that strength isn’t just physical–it’s the courage to keep showing up, even when things get tough. Why iFIT Exclusives Matter iFIT Exclusives go beyond physical fitness. They tap into the human experience and serve as a reminder that growth and struggle are all part of the journey. Through stories like Hannah’s, you’ll feel connected and inspired to chase your own goals. More Stories Ahead Iron Mom is just one of many iFIT Exclusives that aim to keep you motivated and engaged in your fitness journey. Stay tuned for more powerful stories from the iFIT community. Whether you’re in the midst of your own comeback or simply looking for inspiration, Hannah’s story is one you don’t want to miss. 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.
May 27, 2025
Introducing the iFIT Weekly Group Ride: A New Experience to Keep You Motivated
We know it can be difficult to stay consistent with your workouts, especially when life gets busy or your routine starts feeling stale. That’s why we’re launching a new experience that iFIT members can all look forward to each week: the iFIT Weekly Group Ride. This new series reimagines how you engage with cycling workouts on iFIT. It’s a weekly drop of fresh motivation that brings the iFIT community together, all from the comfort of home. What is the iFIT Weekly Group Ride? The Weekly Group Ride is a structured, 12-week journey built around Anja Garcia’s new bike series in the iFIT Studio. It’s an approachable, results-driven cycling program that’s great for all levels. Whether you’re new to intervals or looking to build consistency in your routine, this ride is for you. Rather than releasing all 12 workouts at once, we’re doing things differently: one workout will be dropped each week on Wednesday, starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Each week’s ride will appear in the “Featured Now” row on your iFIT-enabled bike, so it’s easy to find and jump in. Why Ride with iFIT? We believe fitness is more powerful when it’s connected. The Weekly Group Ride is just one more way we’re building experiences that bring our global fitness community together in fun, flexible, and motivating ways. So clip in, press play, and ride with us. This is your time to take control of your fitness, one week at a time. 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.
May 21, 2025