Smart Home Gym Comparison

The newer home gyms are getting smart.  

Not so much in the way of making your workouts easier or doing it for you (wishful thinking), but smarter by way of tracking and engaging the user to help improve their performance.

Will this make older equipment obsolete?  

Of course not. Selectorized equipment and free weights will always be the mainstay for those who focus on strength training.

But apps have become readily available to use with whatever piece of equipment you choose to help maximize your efforts.  

Live, virtual classes are available with most of the connected gym equipment while on-demand  classes are readily available throughout.  The connected gyms that are mirror centric tend to provide more of a variety of exercises whereas those with dedicated equipment like bikes, treadmills, and rowers have limited focuses (Peloton being the only exception that we know of).

If you like the interaction and/or benefits of having streaming classes or coaches but also seek variety in your fitness, we have completed a smart home gym comparison for the top 7 connected gyms that will provide just that.

Mirror

There’s something to be said about exercising in front of a mirror.  Depending on your focus, it can bring out just enough vanity and confidence needed to continue working out and for others, it can provide the guidance needed to keep your form intact.

Couple that with a virtual instructor and you get the Mirror, a creative smart home gym that brings gym classes to your living room.

There are thousands of classes that range from meditation and yoga to strength training and cardio at a cost of $39 per month. Follow classes on demand or join a live class with friends and cheer each other on.

With its sleek design, the Mirror will complement any room or house and can be mounted (hardware included) or left leaning against the wall.  You just want to make sure an outlet is close by.  

Specs:

Weight: 70 lbs.
Dimensions: 52.6″ H, 21.1″ W, 1.7″ D
Frame: Carbon steel frame/Mineral bronze powder coated
Processor: Quad core processor
Sound: 2 x 10 watt high-fidelity stereo speakers/Embedded omnidirectional microphone
Camera: 5 megapixel front-facing camera

Cons

• Pricey
• Pay the monthly subscription or you end up with just an overpriced mirror.
• You can get similar workouts for free online.
• No touchscreen.
• No accessories included for some of the classes that require them.

Tempo

All “smart” home gyms have virtual trainers.

It’s a major selling point.

And most will monitor your stats, comparing and ranking them with other users from live or previous classes driving the competitiveness in its users. 

It gives you the extra kick in the rear you’ll need to continue.  

But Tempo has managed to set itself apart not only with its easel-like design with built-in storage but with its 3D infrared sensor. 

Situated at the bottom of the 42 inch touchscreen, the 3D sensor monitors your form and feeds your instructor a 3D model of yourself and will advise you of any necessary corrections you may need during your workout.  It’s a great and creative addition that takes the place of any camera/mic.  So, don’t expect to see your friends and classmates during the lessons.

These unique features along with the accessories may make this the first smart connected fitness machine that some may consider to be worth its price tag. 

The Tempo unit includes:

1. 25 lbs. Olympic size barbell
2. A pair of 7.5 lbs. Olympic size dumbbells
3. 75 lbs. of Olympic weights (10 lbs.x 4, 5 lbs. x 4, 2.5 lbs. x 4, 1.5 lbs. x 4)
4. Collars for the dumbbells and barbell
5. A small foam roller
6. Mat
7. A heart rate monitor

Classes are plentiful and vary.  They include – HIIT, strength training, cardio, mobility, and recovery.  There are plenty to choose from with new classes added frequently. 

Tempo does require a $39 monthly membership in order to take advantage of the classes.

Specs:

Weight: 100 lbs.
Dimensions: 72″ H, 26″ W, 16″ D
Frame: High Tensile Aluminum
Processor: 10th Gen i5 
Sound: 60w stereo speakers, Bluetooth enabled
Sensor: 3D infrared sensor

Cons

• For some, it may be the price.
• Some people have complained about having difficulty with the wifi connection. 
• The amount of weights are definitely not enough for an experienced lifter.

Tonal

If you enjoy using cables or selectorized equipment, then you’ll probably enjoy Tonal.

Like all smart gyms, you get on demand access to various fitness programs accessible through a 24 inch touchscreen.

And like Tempo, it’s centered around strength training.

But what really sets itself apart from its competitors is its unique design.

Two adjustable arms utilizing cables, allow the user to perform upper and lower body exercises while providing up to 100 lbs. of electromagnetic resistance.

Bluetooth interchangeable handles and bar allow the user to control the resistance with a touch of a button.

Tricep rope is also included for various strength training exercises although it doesn’t have the bluetooth capability.

One of the major selling features is its ability to spot users. The system is able to detect when a user is struggling and will automatically lower the resistance level.

The unit itself is compact with dimensions measuring: 21.5”W x 50.9”H x 5.25”D but somewhat heavy weighing approximately 150 lbs. Fortunately, delivery and installation are included as part of the package and the unit is wall mounted at your desired location.

Other accessories include a bench, mat, and roller. Don’t expect the bench to fold.., because it doesn’t.

Like all connected fitness equipment, there is a monthly fee. So, in order to access the programs and most of their features, you’ll have to cough up $49 per month. If you don’t pay, you essentially end up with an expensive cable machine with a simple tracking system.

Specs:

Weight: 150 lbs.
Dimensions: 50.9″ H, 21.5″ W, 5.25″ D
Frame: Plastic and Metal
Processor: MediaTek SoC
Sound: 15w stereo speakers
Wireless: Wifi, Bluetooth

Cons

• Very pricey @ $2995.
• There are no live classes. 
• Arms are made of metal and plastic. Understanding the issues with weight but for durability, metal would have been a better choice.
• Considering the mechanics, the warranty period seems uncomfortably short.

Peloton

I know.  Peloton doesn’t quite fit the mold set by the rest of the equipment mentioned but it does, however, give the user a ton of options.

Arguably, the most famous of the smart home gyms and the one that probably kicked off the smart gym craze, Peloton offers a variety of classes including strength training offered both live and on demand.

All of these exercises are accessible through the pivoting monitor on the bike but if you choose not to purchase it, you can still access everything through their downloadable app.

Peloton provides a variety of recorded and live classes that covers virtually everything – including strength training.

But of course all of this comes at a cost. $12.99 per month.

Specs (Bike)

Weight: 135 lbs.
Dimensions: 53″ H, 23″ W, 59″ L
Frame: Steel
Processor: 2.0GHz Mediatek MT8173 quad-core processor
Sound: 2×10 watt sound system
Wireless: Wifi, Bluetooth

Cons

• No equipment other than the bike if you decide to purchase.

Norditrack Vault

Norditrack gives you an opportunity to level up your fitness with their very own addition to the fitness mirror gym craze, the Vault.

It’s another type of fitness mirror that gives the user access to a variety of interactive workouts thanks to the popular iFit which comes pre-installed.

The 61.5 inch reflective mirror acts as a pivoting door for a vertical shelving unit where you can store all of your equipment.

A 32 inch HD touch screen hides behind the mirror but is controlled and viewable through the front.

There are two versions: the Complete and Standalone with the following differences:

1. There is a $1000 price difference between the two. 
2. One comes with equipment and the other without. 

You can always buy the equipment at a later time or from a different manufacturer.  You may even save some money and benefit from buying it somewhere else.  For example, Norditrack dumbbells cap at 30 lbs. But a pair of adjustable dumbbells usually come with more weight.  

Should you choose to purchase the Complete model, you’ll get the following in accessories:

1. Exercise Mat
2. 2 Kettlebells (20 lb. and 30 lb.)
3. 3 Resistance Bands (20 Lb., 30 Lb., 50 Lb.)
4. 3 Loop Bands (Light, Medium, Heavy)
5. Two Yoga Blocks
6. 17” x 17” Microfiber Cleaning Towel
7. 6 Sets of Dumbbells (5 lbs. to 30 lbs.)

Specs

Weight: 258 lbs. (with the box)
Dimensions: 72.65” H x 24.25” W x 14” D
Frame: Carbon Steel
Processor: MediaTek SoC
Sound: 15w stereo speakers
Wireless: Wifi, Bluetooth

Cons

• Very pricey @ $2999 (with accessories) or $1999 (without accessories).
• Heating issues with the monitor.
• Operating system issues.
• No camera.

ProForm Vue

Take the style and touch screen of Norditrack’s Vault and combine it with accessories and storage of the Tempo and you get the ProForm’s Vue.

With its 22 inch HD touchscreen and iFit connection, users can be coached through various fitness routines ‒ all while seeing themselves through the 24” x 60” reflective surface.

The cost of the Vue is the same as the Mirror but included within the cost are weight accessories:

1. A pair of 5 lb. dumbbells
2. 4 individual weight plates of 2.5 lbs. Each
3. 10 lb. barbell .

 Another distinctive feature with the Vue is the pivoting mirror which allows you to turn the unit to access the weights that are conveniently stored on the back.

Specs

Weight: 140 lbs.
Dimensions: 72.65” H, 24.25”” W, 14” D
Display: 22″ Smart HD Touchscreen Display
Frame: Steel
Sound: Dual 3” Speakers
Wireless: Bluetooth

Cons

• No camera.
• Small barbell which makes it difficult to add weight when needed.
• Not enough weights.

Echelon Reflect

Echelon gives you the option of not one but two of their own interactive fitness mirrors: the 40 inch Reflect and the 50 inch Reflect Touch.

Both will complement any room and with its zero-footprint design.  The dimensions for the Reflect Touch and the Regular Reflect measure 50” H x 20” W X 2” and 40” H x 20” W X 2” respectively, making them easily mountable on a wall.  

But if you lack the wall space, you also have the option to buy the Reflect Stand.  Or you may want to consider a 200-by-200mm VESA rolling TV/monitor stand to give the mirror some mobility. 

With a subscription fee of $11.99/month, you’ll have access to over 2000 on-demand and live workouts led by professional instructors ‒ all viewable through Reflect’s HD Touchscreen Display.

Aside from the weight and measurements, significant differences between the two models are:

1. Touchscreen – The touchscreen display which is only accessible on the 50” Reflect Touch.  Content on the 40” Reflect is only accessible through the Echelon Reflect App.  
2. Price – The Reflect Touch costs $1499.99 and the Reflect is $999.99.

Specs

Weight:  Reflect Touch – 52 lbs.; Reflect – 40 lbs.
Dimensions: Reflect Touch – 50” H x 20” W X 2”; Reflect – 40” H x 20” W X 2”
Frame: Carbon Steel
Processor: 1.8GHz quad-core CPU
Sound: Two 8-watt speakers
Wireless: Bluetooth

Cons

• The volume with some of the classes doesn’t seem to be consistent.
• Must pay a subscription or you get a pretty mirror.
• You need your own weights for some of the strength training classes.