iFIT Member Highlight: Juan Rivas

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.