iFIT: your trainer is on the line.(treadmills - ratings)(Icon Fitness software workouts)(Cover Story)(Evaluation)

For more motivation, or more entertainment, than a conventional programmed workout can offer, you might consider iFIT, from Icon Fitness, maker of most low- and mid-priced treadmills, including the Reebok, Image, HealthRider, ProForm, and NordicTrackbrands. IFIT is a trio of computerized training routines available through www.ifit.com. The first two routines listed below work only with an Icon treadmill; the third works with any treadmill.

* Routine 1 You connect the treadmill to a CD player or VCR and play a special CD or video that controls speed and incline through a speaker output jack. (Lest you envision a treadmill run amok, note that you can overrule the speed control and can stop anytime.) The CD plays a music mix that speeds up as you do. The video shows scenes you've chosen. Videos and CDs cost about $10 each.

* Routine 2 You follow free web-site-based workouts (they change daily) that control speed and incline through your computer.

* Routine 3 You buy an interactive 45-minute workout during which a real trainer coaches you in real time via computer and web camera. We paid $50 for the workout; it now costs $30.

Our testers found the first two options enjoyable and easy to use (although they thought that the novelty of the web-site-based workouts might wear off). The interactive workout was also fun, one of our engineers said when he tried it (without revealing where he works). However, it may not be a good value.

First, you establish an account with Icon Fitness. You choose one of several trainers based at the company's headquarters in Utah. Icon provides their photographs online, as well as specialties ...