Are you ready to make your home a place to work out? There have been a lot of changes in the world of home fitness since the days of dusty treadmills and heavy weight benches. We now have smart home gyms. These amazing machines are making a big difference. You can learn at home with personalized training, interactive classes, and data-based results.
There are a lot of options for working out these days, from AI-powered trainers to sleek workout mirrors and small all-in-one machines. We will look at the best candidates, compare their features, and answer all of your most important questions. These smart home gyms are the best and really do live up to the hype. They are worth every cent.
The Best Smart Home Gyms We Recommend
They are the best home gym equipment you can buy right now, and each one is made for a different kind of person and way of working out.
1. Tonal: The All-in-One Workout Machine with AI
People are right when they say that the Tonal home gym is like the “Peloton of strength training.” This system that goes on the wall is a real game-changer. With its two sleek, adjustable arms, it takes the place of a whole rack of weights.
What does the word “tonal” mean?
Tonal’s new digital weight system uses magnets and electricity to work. It can hold up to 200 pounds (100 pounds per arm), and it feels very smooth and steady. It is the best machine for doing all of your workouts at once.
Best for: People who love to lift weights, people who love data, and people who don’t have a lot of room on the floor.
Main Features:
- Digital Weight System: You can change the resistance in 1-pound steps.
- AI Personal Trainer: Tonal checks how strong you are and gives you the right weight for each exercise.
- Huge Library of Workouts: You can access thousands of guided workouts and multi-week programs led by professional coaches.
Pros:
- Very good at saving space.
- This exercise equipment for the whole body is very helpful.
- AI-powered personalization is the best.
- You don’t have to buy or keep extra weights.
Cons:
- A lot of money at first.
- It needs to be put up by a pro and on a strong wall.
- You have to pay a monthly fee to use important features.
Cost: The machine costs about $3,995, and you have to pay $59.95 a month to use it.
2. Tempo Studio: The Smart Gym with Real Weights
If you like the feel of regular free weights but want a smart system to help you, Tempo Studio is for you. This cabinet has a big screen and a full set of high-quality weights. It stands on its own.
What it is:
Tempo uses 3D sensors and infrared light to make a detailed model of your body. It keeps track of how many reps you do and tells you how to do them right as you go. It’s some of the best home exercise equipment for people who like to lift weights the old-fashioned way.
Best For: People who want to improve their form, people who like to lift real weights, and people who need a place to keep their gear.
Important Parts:
- 3D Form Tracking: Tempo’s sensors scan your body 30 times a second to check your form and make suggestions for how to improve it.
- Real Weights Included: The unit comes with a set of 75-pound dumbbells, a barbell, plates, and collars, all of which are neatly stored inside.
- Live and On-Demand Classes: There are a lot of classes to choose from, and they all feel like they’re interactive because of the leaderboards and live feedback.
- Personalized Programs: It recommends classes and weights for you based on your goals and how well you do.
Pros:
- A great way to learn how to lift better and get better at it.
- It comes with all the weights you need to get going.
- It’s smart and stylish to use the cabinet to store things.
- The freestanding design doesn’t need to be installed on walls.
Cons:
- Needs more floor space than Tonal.
- The weight that comes with it might not be enough for more experienced lifters (you can get more).
- Form tracking works best when you’re right in front of the unit.
Cost: $2,495 to join, then $39 a month to stay a member.
3. The Mirror: The Lululemon Studio’s Sleek Workout Mirror
The Lululemon Studio, which used to be called The Mirror, is the best home fitness machine if you care most about how it looks and the variety of classes it offers. When it’s off, it looks like a beautiful, full-length mirror. When it’s on, it lets you access thousands of workouts.
What It Is:
This is a mirror that you can use to stream a lot of different classes, such as yoga, dance, boxing, and cardio.
Key Features:
- Big Class Library: With a Lululemon Studio membership, you can take more than 10,000 classes in more than 60 different types.
- Elegant Design: It looks like a fancy mirror and doesn’t take up any space on the floor.
- Personal Training: You can pay extra to have one-on-one virtual training sessions for more attention.
- Community Focus: You can see your classmates, and there are leaderboards to keep you going.
Pros:
- The most fashionable and private option.
- You can choose from a lot of different workout classes.
- Good for families who want to get fit in different ways.
Cons:
- There are no weights or resistance.
- In private sessions, the only people who can give you feedback on your form are the camera and the trainer.
- To get a full-body strength workout, you need to buy your equipment.
Cost: The Mirror costs $995 to buy, and a membership costs $39 a month.
4. Peloton Guide: The Affordable Way to Start Learning AI
Peloton is a well-known brand in home fitness, and the Peloton Guide is their version of smart strength training. It isn’t just one machine; it’s a smart camera that can link up with your TV. This is the best way to work out at home if you don’t have a lot of money or already have a TV and weights.
What It Is:
The Guide’s camera watches you move, counts your reps, and makes sure you’re working out both sides of your body evenly. It uses Peloton’s great teachers and huge library of content.
Key Features:
- Movement Tracker: The AI camera makes sure you finish your reps and reach your goals.
- Self-Mode: You can see yourself on screen next to the teacher to see how your form compares.
Pros:
- The best choice for strength that costs the least.
- It works with the TV you already have, which saves space.
- It works great if you’re already using Peloton.
- It makes you want to use the weights you already have.
Cons:
- You need to bring your weights.
- Form feedback isn’t as detailed as Tempo or Tonal.
- For it to work well, you need to set up your TV correctly.
Cost: $195 for the device, and the Peloton App+ membership is $24 a month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section answers common questions about smart gyms and fitness equipment in general.
What do smart gym machines do?
What kind of equipment do you need for smart strength?
What do you mean by "intelligent weights"?
What is the best brand of workout gear? What is the best gym brand?
What is the Total Gym?
Can you do squats on the Tonal?
What is the best gym machine for getting rid of belly fat?
Do gym machines help you lose weight?
Are machines better than free weights at the gym?
Do gym machines need electricity?
Do workouts that don't use any equipment work?
What is the name of the EGYM machine?
Is it worth it to pay for AMP fitness?
How to Choose the Right Smart Home Gym for You
Choosing the right home gym that fits your needs can be hard. It’s a big commitment because it costs so much. Take some time to think about a few important things that will help you make the right choice. This easy-to-follow guide will help you make up your mind.
1. Set Your Main Fitness Goal
What do you want to do? Your main goal will help you choose the right machine.
- Getting Stronger: If your main goal is to lift heavy things and get stronger, you need a machine that is very hard to use. The Tonal home gym is the best choice. Its digital weight and AI coaching are designed to help you get stronger. If you like to lift weights without machines, Tempo Studio is also a great place to work out.
- Guided Classes and Motivation: Do you enjoy the energy of a fitness class? If you like variety, great music, and teachers who are fun to be around, Lululemon Studio and Peloton are good options. What they write about is their biggest strength. They make working out fun and exciting.
- Getting Fit and Toning: Almost any smart gym can help you get in shape, tone your muscles, and improve your health in general. The NordicTrack Fusion CST is a versatile all-in-one workout machine that might be a good choice for people who want to do a little bit of everything.
2. Look at how much room you have
Smart gyms need space, but not as much as regular gyms. Before you take out your credit card, get a tape measure.
- Zero Floor Space: If you live in a small apartment, a wall-mounted unit is the best choice because it takes up no floor space. The Tonal gym and Lululemon Studio are both great at making the most of small spaces. They stick to your wall, so your floor is completely clear.
- Dedicated Corner: Units that are separate from each other, such as the Tempo Studio, require their own designated area. You need enough room for the cabinet itself. You also need clear space in front of and on the sides of you to work out safely. A 6′ x 6′ space is a good rule of thumb.
- Using Your TV: The Peloton Guide doesn’t take up much room at all. But it all depends on how your TV is set up. There should be enough room in front of your TV for you to walk around without bumping into the coffee table.
3. Make a plan for your monthly and upfront costs
There are two costs for smart gyms: the cost of the equipment and the monthly fee.
- Initial Purchase: A Peloton Guide costs $195, but a Tonal with all the bells and whistles costs more than $4,000.
- Monthly Membership: You usually have to pay this fee. You can use the classes and AI features that make the gym “smart.” These cost between $24 and $60 a month. Make sure to include this monthly cost in your budget. It’s like having a gym membership that never ends.
4. Think about who will use it
Are you the only one who works out, or will your family join you?
You can make more than one profile for your family with most smart gym memberships, like Tonal, Tempo, and Peloton. This is very helpful. Your partner can make their plan for strength training. Your kids might enjoy the dance or yoga classes. This means that the best home gym equipment is a good buy for everyone in the family.
Other Smart Home Gyms That Are Worth a Look (Honorable Mentions)
A lot of people talk about the “big four,” but there are other brands that make great all-in-one gym equipment. Here are a few more to look at.
NordicTrack Vault
The Tempo Studio and the Lululemon Studio are direct competitors of the NordicTrack Vault. It has a big mirror that you can touch and is a sleek, free-standing cabinet.
What It Is: The Vault has a full set of high-quality dumbbells, kettlebells, and bands for resistance. Everything is neatly put away inside. The iFit platform has thousands of guided workouts.
Best For: People who want a complete weight set and the iFit ecosystem.
Key Difference: One big difference between the Vault and Tempo is that the Vault doesn’t have 3D sensors to help you fix your form. It tells you how you’re doing based on how you look next to the trainer. It has weights, so it’s like the Lululemon Studio.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
Bowflex is a well-known name in fitness equipment for the home. This is a great all-in-one workout machine that I want to mention, even though it’s not a “smart” gym in the sense that it’s connected.
What it is: The Power Rod resistance on this machine is well-known from Bowflex. It gives you smooth, low-impact tension that doesn’t hurt your joints. This one machine can do more than 70 different kinds of exercise. It works out your whole body very well.
Best For: People who want to work out at home without paying a monthly fee.
Key Difference: The main difference is that there is no AI, no screen, and no monthly fee. You stick to your workout or routine. This is the best home gym equipment for people who want to lift weights without using screens.
Deeper Dive: Find Out More About Your Questions
Let’s keep talking about some of the more specific things you might want to know.
If I cancel my subscription, what will happen to my smart gym?
This is a very important question. It depends on the brand.
- Tonal: If you stop being a member of Tonal, the machine will lose most of its “smart” features. You can still use the weights in “Basic Lift” mode. You won’t be able to use any of the classes, programs, AI weight changes, or dynamic weight modes, though. It basically becomes a working cable machine that costs a lot.
- Tempo: You can’t take any classes or programs if you don’t pay for a subscription. The machine won’t work the same way as a smart device. You still have a good set of weights, a barbell, and a place to keep them.
- Lululemon Studio: To watch anything on The Mirror, you need a subscription. It goes back to being a regular mirror.
- Peloton Guide: You can’t track your workouts or join classes with this device unless you have a current membership.
Can multiple people use one smart gym membership?
Yes. This is a big plus for families who want to buy. You can make more than one user profile on Tonal, Tempo, Peloton, and Lululemon Studio with just one monthly subscription. Everyone gets their suggestions, weight settings, and ways to keep track of their progress.
Do I need anything else besides the smart gym?
What you need will depend on your goals and the system.
- If you use Tonal, you might want a bench for exercises like the bench press. You might also need a mat to work out on the floor.
- The basic Tempo package has a lot of what you need. You might want to get heavier weight plates as you get stronger.
- You will need to buy your weights, bands, or any other equipment you want to use at Lululemon Studio.
- For Peloton Guide, you need to bring your dumbbells.
Final Thoughts: Is a Smart Home Gym Worth It?
A smart home gym is a big investment, but for a lot of people, the answer is a clear yes. The best home workout equipment is the one that you will use every time.
Smart gyms make working out fun, easy to keep track of, and very personal. Each of these gyms—Tonal with its AI-powered feedback, Tempo with its form correction, Mirror with its wide range of classes, or Peloton Guide with its low prices—offers a different way to reach your goals.
There is an all-in-one workout machine that is right for you. It’s ready to be the main part of your health journey, giving you smarter, more effective workouts for years to come. Whether you’re looking for the perfect workout gear to complement your home gym or seeking comprehensive fitness solutions, these smart home gyms represent the future of at-home fitness.