This treadmill owner used Claude to escape a subscription trap, and it’s glorious

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This treadmill owner used Claude to escape a subscription trap, and it's glorious

Nov 4, 2026 — 5:20 AM ET

- A NordicTrack owner used Claude Code to escape iFIT’s subscription restrictions on their treadmill’s screen.

- The AI-assisted makeover added Netflix, Crunchyroll, and a custom workout interface without sacrificing essential controls.

- The owner has made the project public on GitHub for others who want to try something similar.

A treadmill is supposed to make you sweat, not negotiate with a paywall. But NordicTrack apparently had other ideas, selling a machine with a big, beautiful screen that demands an iFIT subscription before it can become the entertainment hub you’ve paid for. One owner’s response? Call in Claude, evict the subscription headaches, and give the machine a second life.

As detailed in a Reddit post, the owner’s girlfriend bought a NordicTrack Commercial 2250 a couple of years ago, with its large display as one of the biggest attractions. The couple wanted to enjoy Netflix and Crunchyroll while exercising, only to discover that accessing those services required an additional iFIT subscription, even though they already paid for the streaming services. Even basic workouts meant waiting for iFIT to load and dealing with its ads.

Rather than keep feeding the subscription machine, the owner enlisted Claude Code. Roughly a day and a half later, their treadmill had undergone quite the personality transplant.

Gone were iFIT’s login demands, ads, and membership nags. In their place sat a custom home screen with Netflix and Crunchyroll, alongside workout statistics and controls that stay accessible while you watch videos. The physical buttons still work, too. Even Netflix’s launch time reportedly dropped from nearly a minute to just 21 seconds.

It’s another fascinating example of AI becoming a surprisingly capable accomplice in everyday problem-solving. We’ve already seen enthusiasts use Claude to build personalized software, though AI-assisted tinkering with connected devices can also expose unexpected risks.

There are compromises. Netflix tops out at standard definition, and a factory reset could wipe away the makeover. Modifying motorized equipment also carries safety and warranty concerns. Still, the creator has published the project on GitHub for those willing to take the risk.

But beyond the risks, there’s something wonderfully satisfying about watching AI help someone take back control of a device they already own. NordicTrack sold them the treadmill. Claude helped make the screen truly theirs. And judging by the reactions, this owner might have just inspired a few more people to give their exercise equipment the same treatment.