If you’re reading this, you are a pioneer. You want to make the world a better place for future generations. You know there are no magic bullets that will instantly change everything for the better. You understand that every little bit of progress is good, and you have to start somewhere.
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You also understand that making electricity through human power is not a money-maker all by itself. It’s a common sense way to introduce and educate people on all things Eco-Fitness, like healthy eating of less-processed food, to efficient use of facility resources, and building community through consistent exercise. If you have the choice between wasting energy and not wasting it, what would you choose?
Now you can start a Green Gym without having to re-invent a business model, or invent new technology. The equipment now exists and it’s affordable. The Green Microgym, established in , is known as the world leader in Eco-Fitness, and is the blueprint for the future of fitness.
Until late , although the technology to retrofit exercise equipment to send electricity back to the grid existed, it was not cost effective to do so. You would have to purchase regular equipment and then retrofit it. That’s what I had been doing since . It worked fine for me in my gym, but there was no way to scale up. But now, SportsArt Fitness has come out with a line of grid-tied, plug into the wall fitness equipment, priced competitively with other gym-quality exercise equipment. Their machines are priced on the high end of the gym equipment spectrum, but are not overpriced based on their quality or because they have grid-tied capability. The reasons they are able to do this: 1. They are large enough ($100 million+ annual sales) to be able to do large production runs of the equipment, and 2. They are simply taking out old electronics and putting in new electronics. The price of materials and components has not changed for them. They just had to design new equipment.
Better than Solar/Wind where you have to ADD ON or Find Property.
Although the power output for fitness equipment can’t be compared apples to apples with solar or wind due to the limitations of human power (and motivation), it’s important to remember this is exercise equipment, and there are already millions of exercise machines in use all over the world. Nothing needs to be done to get ready for this power source, except wait until the current equipment needs to be replaced. We don’t need to purchase land and build large structures to harness this energy. The gyms have already been built.
The only need for a professional electrician for installation of this equipment is if the building will need extra circuits to handle all of the new electricity being generated. For example, a spin class with 30 participants will be able to generate more than 3KW. But in most situations, the current commercial power setup in the buildings will be able to handle the added electricity.
SportsArt has the same warranty for this equipment as any of their other equipment, and there is at least one exercise equipment service company in every city that will be able to work on their machines, just like any other brand. If the parts need replacing, whether they are under warranty or not, it’s as simple as calling the local service company or SportsArt.
Current equipment turns human energy into heat, then has to be cooled by air conditioning. (1 watt of heat generated = 1 watt of cooling needed).
The most common objection to the viability of this equipment is that it doesn’t create THAT much electricity, so it’s a waste of time to even think about it. Hopefully, the above facts have covered that objection. But it is important to note that the current “self-powered” exercise equipment in use in most gyms around the world still has to do something with all of the extra energy being created by their users. The current solution is to put that energy into resistors that heat up inside the machines to dissipate the energy. In a home or small gym, this heat is negligible and wouldn’t make a noticeable change in the room. However, in larger gyms where dozens of machines are in use for most of the day, this extra heat adds up and must be cooled by the building’s cooling system. So, the user creates extra energy, and then the cooling system uses extra energy to keep the room from getting too hot. This essentially doubles the waste of energy from “self-powered” exercise equipment. However, grid-tied equipment sends that electricity right back to the building, creating no extra heat. So, instead of spending 100 watts of cooling energy for each machine, you are saving those 100 watts – a 200 watts net improvement.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
We’ve had our hands on more gym equipment than most people have ever even thought about, including smart home gym equipment and smart workout mirrors. Our team of fitness experts and product reviewers have hands-on tested more than 25 pieces of smart treadmills, bikes, and full-body workout machines over the past three years and graded each on the following criteria:
Good for: People who want to lift heavy weights without buying a ton of extra equipment
Best Overall Smart Home Gym Equipment GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.5 Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym 2-year limited warranty Free shipping 30-day return policy Equipment Type Wall-mounted functional trainer Weight Setings 5-250 lbs Accessories Handles, bar, rope, bench, foam roller, mat Warranty 2-year limited warranty Home Gym Owners This wall-mounted trainer doesn’t take up much space, and offers plenty of versatility Value Shoppers This is expensive, but if you have the space and budget, it’s a great machine Intermediate Lifters The max weight of 250 pounds will be plenty for beginner to intermediate lifters, though stronger users may need more resistance Pros AI features Smart home gym Versatile Small footprint Cons Expensive Requires an additional membership Dimensions 21.50″ W x 50.9″ H x 5.25” D Accessories Handles, bar, rope, bench, foam roller, mat Resistance Up to 250 poundsThe Tonal 2 is a complete smart home gym that offers versatility in a compact piece of equipment, but at a high price.
The Tonal 2 takes our top spot of smart home gym equipment because it’s designed to do it all. “It’s basically made to be an all-in-one home gym,” says GGR founder Coop Mitchell, who tested the original Tonal and also compared it side-by-side to the upgraded version. With the Tonal 2, several features have been added to push the all-in-one workout mirror further.
Okay, so, contrary to popular belief: Tonal isn’t actually a reflective mirror like the Echelon Reflect. But it has enough similarities and we love it enough that it took the top spot as best workout mirror in another smart home gym roundup.
Looking at the Tonal 2, there isn’t much aesthetically different between the two models; certain parts are powder-coated instead of chrome now. However, Tonal has made some notable upgrades in its construction and processing speeds. The cables used are more durable, which was a weak point in the previous version.
It also has stronger lock-pins and uses nylon pulleys instead of the aluminum pulleys of the original model. “Although aluminum pulleys are a smoother, more premium component, the nylon won’t wear the cables down as much,” Coop adds, “so this is a pretty smart move.” He rates the construction a 4.5 out of 5.
You can lift up to 250 pounds of digital resistance with the Tonal 2—125 pounds per arm— which is an improvement over the original Tonal’s max resistance of 200 pounds. The processor is faster in the updated Tonal 2, too, which creates a smoother experience by adjusting weights faster.
The biggest addition to Tonal’s programming, which Coop rates a 4.75 out of 5, is Aero: a cardio-based program that adjusts by intensity and mimics a ski-erg machine. There’s also AI-assisted coaching cues with a built-in camera as you go through your workout.
The downside? The Tonal 2 is not cheap. It costs about $4,300 for the machine alone, but you could probably catch it for less during holiday sales, like Black Friday or with a Tonal Coupon. The accessories bundle costs $495 extra and comes with a yoga mat, foam roller, smart handles, smart bar, rope, and a nice workout bench (which has been improved over the original model with a thicker pad).
Luckily, Tonal has partnered with Affirm to allow customers to pay over time. Also, if you’re looking to upgrade, you can trade in your classic Tonal for $1,000 off your Tonal 2. “I wouldn’t recommend upgrading from your original, though, unless you really need that extra resistance,” Coop suggests. He rates the value a 4 out of 5, since if you can afford it and its $60 monthly subscription (youch), it’s the only equipment you’ll really need.
Read our full Tonal review on the original model and our full in-depth Tonal vs Tempo comparison!
Good for: Those who want a studio-like experience in the comfort of their own home
Best Smart Treadmill GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.5 NordicTrack Commercial 10-year frame warranty 30-day return policy Financing available Foldable? Yes, with SpaceSaver design and EasyLift assist Value Our testers rated the value a 5 out of 5 due to the built-in programming and the amount of features and customizations you get Monitor 14″ tilt-and-pivot touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity Workout programming iFIT Indoor Trainers Turn off RunnersFlex cushioning to replicate the feeling of road running or keep it on to soften your landing Class Enthusiasts iFIT has a wide range of live and on-demand classes and uses automatic trainer control for hands-free speed/incline adjustment Space Savers SpaceSaver design and EasyLift assist technology help free up floor space Pros of the Nordic Track Commercial Treadmill with incline and decline training Run that feels similar to road running Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist) 3.5 CHP motor Cons of the Nordic Track Commercial Price is around $2,000 Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage Heavy and not the easiest to move Product dimensions 80” L x 38” W x 65” H Tread Belt Size 20″ W x 60″ L Speed 0-12 mph Motor 3.5 CHP DurX Commercial Plus MotorIf you’re looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial . It’s one of the few treadmills that has decline training capabilities and is compatible with iFIT, one of the best training programs.
To be honest, The NordicTrack Commercial is our top choice for smart treadmills because of its iFIT programming. The courses and instructions are top-notch, rivaling the cult-favorite Peloton app, and every iFIT machine comes with automatic trainer control, which allows your trainer to adjust the treadmill’s speed and incline/decline (this feature can be turned off).
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“The automatic iFIT adjustments were seamless with the video workouts,” says our expert product tester Lauren, who rates the programming a 5 out of 5.
To answer your question, yes you’ll need a monthly subscription for this treadmill. Technically you could use it without one, though you’d lose access to everything that makes this treadmill worthwhile.
You get a 14-inch touchscreen that displays your time, distance, calories, speed, and heart rate. Certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything, says it’s easy to use. “I’m pretty sure if you can read, you can easily find what you are looking for,” she says in our NordicTrack Commercial review.
The treadmill itself is also nice, with all three of our expert product testers rating its performance 4.5 or higher (Lindsay gave it a 5 out of 5). “The deck is well cushioned, with runners flex cushioning allowing you to soften impact on your joints or simulate road running,” she says. Speaking of simulating road running, you get incline and decline adjustments — most treadmills come with incline, though decline is something rarely found on similar cardio machines.
If you’ve used this treadmill before, just know that it was updated in so there may be some differences. We found that the speakers were better, the incline and decline adjustments were quicker, and the screen was much nicer at 14 inches, compared to the old 10-inch screen it used to have, earning it a 5 out of 5 for tech capabilities.
Also note that this treadmill is on the larger side, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for its footprint and portability. Although it can fold, you’ll still need a sizable space to have it in use.
Good for: People who want workouts adjusted based on their week-to-week progress
Best Virtual Personal Training Program GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.28 Shred App 7-day trial with an annual plan Customizable programming Military, first responder, and teacher discounts Compatible With iOS and Android Workout Types Strength, cardio, HIIT One on One Coaching No Free Trial Yes, 7 days (with an annual plan) Beginners The app is great for beginners looking for pre-made programs, plus they’ll customize programming based on your progress during workouts Limited Equipment You can customize these workouts and programs based entirely on how much or how little equipment you have in your space Variety Lovers There’s tons of various exercises and programs to follow for those who like a little bit of variety in their workouts Pros Customizable programs Good for home and commercial gyms Connects to AppleHealth Military, first responder, and teacher discounts Cons App can be glitchy Limited interactive features with the community Type of Training Cardio, strength, HIIT Price Per Month Free, $19.99/month or $119.99/year ($9.99/month) for the premium plan Trial Period 7 days Plans Available Free, monthly, annualThe Shred app is an AI-powered virtual trainer that can be used to customize workouts in your home or commercial gym.
There are a gazillion fitness apps and online workout programs out there. From the most basic apps that spit out some exercise names and call it a day, to the most advanced and comprehensive apps that give you valuable coaching cues and smart programming, there are options for everyone.
The Shred App uses AI-powered programs for users with many different fitness goals. After giving the app access to your smartphone’s camera, it’ll track and rate your performance using its AI algorithm, customizing the program based on your performance. It’s about as close to having a personal trainer as you can get without talking to someone one-on-one, making it a great pick for the best home gym with a personal trainer, as well.
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With plenty of instruction and workout variety, Shred is able to keep the price fairly low, too, only costing $19.99 a month, or $9.99 a month if billed annually. There’s also a free version available, earning it a 4 out of 5 for pricing.
Former GGR editorial member Anthony O’Reilly, CPT, CNC, tested out the Shred App and was impressed with many of its features. First off, it earns a 5 out of 5 for equipment demands. Anthony adds, “You can truly customize this based on what you have at your home gym—or what’s available at your commercial gym of choice.” There are even workouts and programs available for bodyweight movements.
It earns another 5-out-of-5 rating for its level of instruction. “It has whatever you’re looking for,” Anthony says. “If you’re not doing a trainer-led video, there are also tutorials that come with a step-by-step breakdown of each movement.” In addition to the AI coaching, there’s a ton of instruction for beginners and advanced gym-goers alike.
Interactive features are basic, with a community feed and the ability to chat with friends—but little else, earning it a 3 out of 5 here. Still for an inexpensive smart app that guides you through your programming, the Shred App is tough to beat.
You can read more in our in-depth Shred App review.
Good for: Novices or those who are new to strength training and/or smart gym equipment
Best Smart Gym Equipment for Beginners GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 3.2 SPEEDIANCE Gym Monster Home Gym 2-year warranty Free shipping Financing available Save up to $1,000 See Details Equipment Type Free-standing smart home gym Weight Setings Up to 100 kg (220 lbs) Accessories Smart handles, barbell, triceps rope, ski handles, bench, rowing bench, ankle straps, J-hooks Warranty 2 years Home Gym Owners This free-standing home gym itself doesn’t take up much space and is designed to fit through doorways easily Value Shoppers This smart home gym is half the cost of some premium smart home gyms and has similar functionality, making it a great value Intermediate Lifters The max weight of 220 pounds will be plenty for beginner to intermediate lifters, though stronger users may need more resistance Pros No subscription fee Can support strength training, cardio, and HIIT Weight increments of 1 kg (2.2 lbs) Foldable space-saving design Cons Maximum weight of 220 lbs (still enough for most people though) Resistance can catch during use Limited workout library Dimensions 4.1’ L x 2.3’ W x 6’ H (unfolded); 1.15’ L x 2.3’ W x 6’ H (folded) Accessories Smart handles, barbell, triceps rope, ski handles, bench, rowing bench, ankle straps, J-hooks Resistance Up to 220 lbsThe Speediance Gym Monster Home Gym is an expensive option for a smart and compact functional trainer.
Our experience with Speediance led us to this conclusion: This is a smart home gym designed for beginners. The resistance goes up to 110 pounds per arm, which might not sound like a lot but digital resistance is much more challenging than free weights or machines, so it’s perfect for people just starting their strength training journey. And yes, it’s quite pricey but you won’t find a more affordable smart gym setup that offers the same versatility and ease of use as the Speediance.
Since this is more geared toward beginners, the workout programming isn’t as comprehensive or thorough as something like Tonal or Peloton. That said, GGR Facility Manager Sam Presley was impressed with how the digital home gym’s weight shifted between settings.
“For instance, you can definitely feel a difference between having it in barbell mode versus chains,” Sam says. “It definitely feels like a chain simulation when lifting with it.”
The smart machine isn’t quite as durable as competitors like Tonal, earning a 3 out of 5 for its construction. For example, the pulleys hitch from time to time, but only slightly. Sam also mentioned when putting together the unit that “many pieces felt very white-label—basic in construction and design.” The main selling point is Speediance is much more compact than other Tonal competitors and doesn’t require a monthly subscription—a rarity when it comes to electronic home gym equipment.
Your setup depends on which package you purchase. All Speediance orders come with a platform, frame, and two pulleys. Other attachments include a weight bench, a rowing side rail, a small barbell, ankle straps, ski erg handles, smart handles, and a tricep rope. The multiple attachments along with the varying types of resistance earns the machine a 5 out of 5 on versatility.
Read our full Speediance review.
Good for: Anyone who wants a smart full-body workout machine that tracks your reps and sets
Best Overall Smart Home Gym Equipment GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.17 Beyond Power Voltra I 1-year warranty, extended warranties available Free shipping 14-day return policy Equipment Type Portable smart cable machine Weight Setings 5-200 lbs (eccentric and concentric) Accessories None in standard order, though bundle deals are available; requires a mounting kit Warranty 12-month warranty with extended warranties available for an extra fee Home Gym Owners This compact and portable trainer can be used anywhere you can install your mount Value Shoppers It’s not cheap, but it’s portable and extremely versatile Barbell Athletes One of the Voltra’s mounting kits is designed for use with a power rack, so if you regularly train with a barbell, you probably have access to a compatible rack Pros Portable Up to 200 pounds of resistance Real-time data tracking Can be brought through airport security Cons Expensive Only has a one-year warranty Dimensions 12.71” L x 5.49” W x 3.94” H Accessories Requires a mounting kit (not included) Resistance 5-200 lbs (eccentric and concentric)The Beyond Power Voltra I packs all the benefits of a cable machine into a portable design, though it comes with a high price tag.
Home gym equipment expert and Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell notes that our pick for the best smart cable machine, the Beyond Power Voltra I, is quick when making weight adjustments, and that alone puts it ahead of other smart gym devices that often lag. Beyond that, Coop says, it’s highly versatile, portable, easy to use, and tracks your reps and sets.
“I’m considering reworking my personal home gym now to simplify my space,” Coop says. “I would use a squat rack, barbell, plates, and the Voltra.” Yup, it’s that good. See why he says this in our Beyond Power Voltra review.
The compact machine attaches to a squat rack or other sturdy object — you have to buy a separately sold attachment — and creates up to 200 pounds of digital resistance that feels buttery smooth on just about every movement. There are some movements that require ingenuity to perform, such as bench presses or leg extensions, but Coop still gives it a 5 out of 5 for performance.
The Voltra I has three main modes:
It should be noted that you need a squat rack post to workout with the Voltra I, which is why Coop recommends it as part of a minimalistic home gym approach and not as something to replace your entire home gym with. That, and one unit costs more than $2,000.
Yes, that’s very expensive but it’s a very durable machine that comes with a cable stronger than we’ve seen on some traditional cable machines and a sturdy magnesium shell, earning it a 5 out of 5 for durability and construction. “The weight of the product is only 13 pounds and creates a resistance of 200 pounds,” Coop says. “That is crazy to consider that you can have that much resistance with this little of a footprint.”
Plus, there’s no monthly subscription fee or extra price for premium features. So while the upfront costs are a lot, that’s all you’ll pay.
Good for: Those who want the best smart bike with an elite community to keep you motivated
Best Smart Bike GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.3 Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike 5-year frame, 12 months screen, parts, electronics Adjustable seat and handlebars 30-day return policy Portability The bike is heavy but has built-in transport wheels Resistance Magnetic resistance Display 21.5″ HD touchscreen Value Our tester rated this 4 out of 5 for value due to the large screen, streaming classes, and price Streaming Classes Peloton offers some of the best streaming classes, with a massive library and live streaming classes Value Shoppers This bike isn’t cheap, but it’s packed with features and earns 4.5 out of 5 for value Home Gym Owners This compact bike is small enough to fit in most home gyms Pros of the Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike Access to thousands of classes, challenges, and a large variety of workout options Compact footprint Sleek design “Try before you buy” option Cons of the Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike Disappointing warranty Membership is required to use bike Expensive Footprint 59” L X 53” H X 23” W Max User Weight 297 lbs Monitor HD touchscreen Adjustability Adjustable seat and handlebarsEvery smart bike these days is compared to the Peloton Bike, and it’s still one of the best exercise bikes despite not being as big as it once was. Just as with other picks on this list, it’s not the bike that we like so much as its live and on-demand workout classes and community that made it famous to begin with.
The instructors are some of the most motivating coaches on the planet, many of whom have been credited in countless weight loss and fitness stories, and there’s still an undeniable rush every time your name is called out during class.
Peloton also gives you three ways to access its Peloton app:
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While Peloton’s on-demand and live workout classes gets a perfect, no notes 5 out of 5, the bike itself is a different story. As certified personal trainer and Garage Gym Reviews Editor Nicole Davis points out in her Peloton Bike review, the seat is not comfortable and it requires Delta-compatible cycling cleats, earning it a 4 out of 5 for its ergonomics.
The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, according to Nicole, who says, “It’s a smooth ride—smoother than other bikes I’ve used and tested. Plus, the magnetic resistance means each tiny turn of the knob will provide just a bit more for you to pedal against.” She also points out that the bike is lightweight and easy to move around your home gym or workout studio, rating the portability a 4.5 out of 5.
Good for: Anyone who wants a luxurious rowing experience and a highly connected machine
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Best Rowing Machine for Beginners GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.1 Aviron Strong Go Rower 10-year frame warranty 30-day trial Free shipping $200 savings/end of winter sale See Details Display None, use your own device Value We rated the value a 4.5 out of 5 due to its fun built-in workouts, high weight capacity, and solid construction Foldable? No Workout Programming Aviron gamified workouts Interactive Riders Aviron’s gamified workouts make you feel like you’re in an arcade video game Those Tight on Space Can be stored vertically so it takes up less room in your home gym Pros Quiet belt Vertical storage 507-lb. weight limit Gamified workouts Cons No built-in screen Bulky and not foldable Product Dimensions 84”L x 27”W x 48”H Weight Capacity 507 lbs Resistance Type Dual air and magnetic Warranty 10-year frame warranty, with optional lifetime warrantyThe Aviron Strong Go rower is a strong, durable rowing machine that offers dual air and magnetic resistance, which means you’ll have tons of adjustments and customizations. To use the Aviron app, you’ll need your own device but following along makes workouts more fun and engaging.
The Aviron Strong Go Rower is the modern rower, and it’s one of the best rowing machines out there. It might seem strange to pick a rower without a touchscreen, but it cuts on costs and just about everyone has a smartphone or iPad they can use for the Aviron app.
Speaking of the Aviron app, the $25 per month app gives you access to virtual workouts filmed around the world and a large number of video game-like classes. The on-demand and live workout classes are some of the most interactive and gamified experiences we’ve had with any piece of home gym equipment, earning a 5 out of 5 for programming and tech features both.
GGR founder and product tester Coop Mitchell adds, “Aviron’s gamified training is pretty special. If you’re looking for that gamified experience, then this is great value.” There are eight workout types to choose from:
Let’s get into the rower itself: Right off the bat, we’re big fans of the adjustable footrests, which allow you to change the width and height of where the footplate. We have a teammate with a size 15 shoe, and this machine fits him just as well as those of us with average-sized shoe.
Secondly, the seat is only 20 inches from the ground which makes it easier to get on or off the seat, and it’s easier to step over. It earns a 4 out of 5 for ergonomics.
There’s also the upright storage and durable aluminum frame. You can read more in our Aviron Strong Series Rower review, where we test the version of Aviron’s rower with a built-in display (for a higher price, though).
Good for: Anyone who wants a durable fitness tracker ring for workout and sleep metrics
Best Smart Fitness Tracker GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.2 Oura Ring 1-year warranty Financing available 30-day return policy Product Type Fitness tracker ring Workout Profiles 50+ Metrics Tracked Body temperature, calories burned, sleep, blood oxygen, resting heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate, respiratory rate, steps and daily movement Warranty 1-year warranty Sleep Trackers Although it can track activity and workouts, the Oura Ring shines when tracking sleep and recovery metrics Swimmers The Oura Ring is water-resistant up to 100 m, meaning it’ll last during your swimming workouts Egonomic Lovers This fitness tracker ring scored high in its fit and comfort, with some testers saying they hardly notice it throughout the day Pros Long battery life Fast-charging Multiple color options Quality sleep metrics Cons Comparably expensive Limited statistics without membership May develop scratches with daily wear Dimensions 7.9 mm wide and 2.55 mm thick Ring Sizes 6-13 Colors Available Silver, Black, Stealth, Gold, Rose Gold, Brushed Titanium Subscription Cost $5.99 per monthIf you are looking for a fitness tracker that is more subtle and sleek than a traditional wrist tracker, the Oura Ring is a great alternative option.
Our top pick for the best smart fitness tracker is also our pick for the best fitness tracker ring, the Oura Ring. As one of the first fitness tracker rings to gain popularity in the space, the Oura Ring has a reputation for being great at accurately tracking metrics and displaying them in an easy-to-read format, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for its tech capabilities.
It can measure metrics such as heart rate, sleep, body temperature, steps, breathing rate, and more. Using these metrics, it’ll provide different scores each day, a Sleep Score, an Activity Score and a Readiness Score. The Sleep Score estimates how well you slept and recovered, the Readiness Score displays how recovered you are from your last workout, and the Activity Score shows if you’re balancing training and rest well.
“The numbers are self-explanatory, but if you don’t understand a metric, you can click on it and the app provides you with a quick blurb on what it’s showing,” says GGR founder Coop, who tested out the Gen 3 version of the Oura Ring.
It also tracks over 50 workout profiles, but Oura is more well-known for tracking sleep and recovery. You can use it for it all, however, since the battery life will last about an entire week on a single charge, earning the battery a 5 out of 5.
It’s also a clean look, although it’s a bit on the bulky side for a ring, earning a 3.5 out of 5 for aesthetics. The updated Gen 4 comes in slightly thinner dimensions, so we’re excited to try that out when we get our hands—er, ring fingers—on it. That said, Coop says it feels comfortable in use. “I was surprised by how lightweight it is,” he adds. “Lots of the time I forget it’s even on.”
It does have a subscription fee to use the Oura app of $6 per month. While this is rare for fitness tracker rings, it’s still cheaper than subscription prices of many of the best fitness trackers.
Read our full Oura Ring review for more information.
Good for: Exercisers looking for variety and instructor feedback in their workouts
Best Smart Home Machine with Free Weights GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.6 Tempo Studio 3-year warranty on cabinet, barbells, & weights 30-day return policy Financing available Equipment Type Free-standing smart home gym using free weights Weights 2 dumbbell handles with 75 lbs of weight plates (more with a Plus or Pro bundle) Accessories Workout mat, 7.5-lb dumbbell handles (2), weight plates (amount varies by package), 25-lb barbell (Plus), folding bench (Plus), foam roller (Plus), heart rate monitor (Plus), squat rack (Pro), kettlebell handle (Pro) Warranty 3-year warranty on cabinet, barbells, collars, & weights; 12 months on display, accessories, labor, & installation Value Shoppers This smart home gym is priced competitively, and is also bought in monthly installments over a year, making it good value Free Weight Users This smart home gym uses motion sensors to track form and count reps, so you can use classic free weights while getting the benefit of smart gym tools Pros Big touchscreen Comes with free weights for resistance training Works with most fitness wearables Can create completely custom programs Cons Basic package doesn’t come with enough weight for people who lift heavy Touchscreen can lag Dimensions 2.2’ W x 1.4’ D x 6’ H Accessories Workout mat, 7.5-lb dumbbell handles (2), weight plates (amount varies by package), 25-lb barbell (Plus), folding bench (Plus), foam roller (Plus), heart rate monitor (Plus), squat rack (Pro), kettlebell handle (Pro) Resistance Uses free weights, up to 75 lbs with the Basic packageTempo Studio is a great all-in-one smart home gym. It would be a great fit for anyone who likes to do a little bit of everything—strength training, full body workouts, HIIT, cardio, and restorative exercise.
While the landscape of home gym fitness is changing with the growth of smart home gym machines and equipment, sometimes you just need some good ole free weights to move around and get your workout on. With the Tempo Studio, you can do both, as this workout mirror is unique in incorporating free weights into its design.
You can choose from three bundles, with each upgrade providing more equipment. The Starter bundle gets you the Studio, 75 pounds of change plates, loadable dumbbell handles, and a workout mat. The Plus bundle includes a bench, barbell, and more weights; while the Pro bundle adds a folding squat rack and kettlebell handle. The versatility depends on the equipment you have, but there’s still tons to do, earning it a 4 out of 5 here.
You can use your equipment through a variety of trainer-led workouts provided on the workout mirror—a 100-pound A-frame stand—and motion sensors capture your movement to provide feedback, coaching cues, weight recommendations, and rep counts. “The tech isn’t up to par with having a live, in-person trainer, but it’s still pretty dang cool,” says Amanda Capritto, certified person trainer and expert product tester. She gives the smart features a 4 out of 5.
Since it’s 100 pounds before storing weights, the 6-foot-tall mirror isn’t the most portable unit, although it doesn’t have to be wall-mounted like Tonal. The Tempo Studio also is purchased over 12 monthly payments; afterward, you own the equipment and pay $39 a month as a subscription cost.
It may not be ideal for powerlifters looking to go real heavy, but for people who like the feel of a fitness studio with free weights in their home, this is a great choice. You can read more in our Tempo Studio review.
Good for: Those who are on the go or have limited home gym space
Best Portable Smart Gym Equipment GGR Score: We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. 4.2 MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine 2-year limited warranty 0% financing available 30-day return policy Equipment Type Portable smart cable machine Weight Setings Up to 300 lbs Accessories Depends on the package you order Warranty 2-year limited warranty Those On The Move This compact and portable trainer can be used anywhere and is easy to pack in your car Space Savers This portable home gym weighs only 10 lbs and has a small footprint even while in use, making it great for small spaces Serious Lifters With a maximum resistance of 300 lbs, even lifters who go heavy can get a good workout with this machine Pros Portable Lightweight Small footprint Up to 300 lbs resistance Cons Pricey for a small piece of equipment Sub-par accessories Compatible app is not streamlined Dimensions 16″ L x 10″ W x 4″ H Accessories Depends on the package you order Resistance Up to 300 lbsThe MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine is a lightweight and portable full body machine, which offers up to 300 pounds of resistance. This makes it an extremely versatile piece of portable equipment with a small footprint.
We’ve used the MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine on the beach and in parking lots, and it performs as well on the road as it did in our testing headquarters, earning it a 5 out of 5 in portability. The best part is you don’t have to attach it to anything to use, though there is a door mounting bracket if you want to use it for upper-body movements, and it weighs under 10 pounds while producing up to 300 pounds of resistance.
“At first, the cables weren’t quite as smooth as I would have liked, but they simply needed a break-in period,” Coop notes, giving it a 4 out of 5 for workout performance. He took one point off because you’re only getting concentric resistance, so you’re not working your muscles as hard as you could be if there was eccentric resistance as well.
Additionally, if you’re not using the MaxPRO bench it might be hard to do a bench press or shoulder press. You’d have to find something to weigh down the machine that also allows you to be in the right position for the pressing movement. Still, there’s dozens of movements you could do just from a standing or sitting position.
There is an app where certified personal trainers guide you through strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and track your reps and sets, though Coop found the app to be a bit clunky and said there were times it didn’t connect to the machine. “The idea is good, but the execution could be improved,” says Coop.
On the bright side, the app isn’t required for you to use the machine and you still get a lot of cool features with the free version (the premium version is $19.99 per month and gives you access to more personalized workout data and additional classes).
You have to keep it charged, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on packing it in your travel bag. Check out our MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Home Gym review for more on this compact smart home gym.
At the end of the day, we have to say that home gyms are worth it—depending on who’s asking. Do you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to make it to a gym or a personal training session? Smart home gyms offer convenience and accountability. Are you someone who enjoys lifting free weights? Then smart home gyms aren’t worth it.
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At the end of the day, smart home gyms are meant for people who need a quick workout at home and a way to track their progress. They’re also a good choice for people who are low on space.
After all of our Garage Gym Reviews product testers spent some hands-on time with various smart home gym equipment, we compiled a shortlist of contenders for this guide. We chose one product that we believe is the best in each category—rowers, treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, programming, fitness trackers, workout mirrors, and all-in-one home gyms—based on a number of criteria, including:
Many of these machines, because of the technology included with them, can be quite pricey. We tried to find the best smart home gym equipment that wasn’t outrageously expensive.
With very few exceptions, smart home gym equipment is going to require a monthly subscription for you to take full advantage of the product. We wanted to find ones that were reasonable and were either equal to or less than what you’d pay for a monthly gym membership.
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As always, we wanted to find gym equipment that could be financed to make the asking price a little more bearable.
We wanted the workout experience on these machines to be fun and engaging, as well as effective for your fitness goals.
What type of smart features do these machines have? We looked at artificial intelligence, built-in workouts, automatic tension control, and many other features.
It’s cool if a treadmill or exercise bike has a built-in screen, but we didn’t want something that looked like it was running on Windows 97.
We looked at whether the machines offered BlueTooth and/or WiFi connectivity.
How big were the machines, and could they be moved easily? This is a question we ask of all home gym equipment.
Is there professional assembly options, and how easy was it to get the smart technology setup so you could start using it?
Selecting smart home gym equipment for your gym will have a lot to do with three factors unique to you: your budget, your space, and your training preferences.
Budget will be top-of-mind for most people looking for smart home gym equipment. This stuff is expensive, and if you want to build out an entire smart home gym, you should be prepared to pay top-dollar.
Luckily, most of our top picks for the best smart home gym equipment, if not all of them, have financing options available. Many fitness companies partner with Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, and other pay-over-time services that don’t affect your credit. Some brands use traditional personal loan servicing to offer to finance. Be sure to read the fine print thoroughly if you finance your smart home gym purchases.
Second to budget, space will largely dictate your smart home gym buys. If you have a ton of space and a ton of money, you can build an entire smart home gym with our top picks from every category. If you only have a small amount of space for a home gym, your best bet is to go with Tonal or Tempo, which both pack a lot of variety and versatility into a relatively small package of compact workout equipment.
Your preferred training style and fitness goals should influence your final choice. If you’ve never rowed before and have little to no interest in rowing, for instance, breeze right on by the Hydrow or CITYROW Go Max Rower and pick something better suited to your wants and needs.
For those who like to do a little bit of everything, I recommend purchasing smart home gym equipment that uses interactive fitness programming not limited to the hardware you buy. For example, iFit powers the workouts on the ProForm Pro treadmill, but iFit also has strength workouts, yoga flows, high-intensity interval training, and other types of workout classes you can do.
It makes sense that you should look for smart features in something labeled as smart home gym equipment. Some features to look out for include:
Don’t forget to look for the basics, too:
Related: Take a look at our CLMBR review
Check to see what type of coverage the manufacturer offers on all parts of the machine, including the screen if it has one. Unless you’re a tech expert, it’s going to be hard to fix or replace a lot of the equipment on smart home gym equipment so you’ll want to make sure you’re covered if anything happens.
Listen, we’re fans of the good old-fashioned clang and bang weights we all grew up with and there will always be a place for that type of equipment. But the world is changing, which means fitness should change with it. Smart home gyms can be a great way for many people to achieve their strength training or fitness goals.
Make as many SkyNet jokes as you want, but AI can help people who may not have access to a personal trainer learn how to work with proper form on things like lifting and running.
Between the built-in workouts and AI personal trainers, smart home gym equipment offers a great amount of convenience for those who may be tight on time.
Smart home gyms allow you to access dozen, if not hundreds of workouts that may not have been accessible through free weights. This can help shake up your fitness routine and address any weaknesses in your strength or physique.
Answering some commonly asked questions about smart home gym equipment:
Smart home gym equipment is any type of home fitness equipment with an element of technology or connectivity. There’s no hard-and-fast definition, but in general, smart home gym equipment is the type that will connect to your various devices (, fitness tracker, etc) and has artificial intelligence features such as coaching, form feedback, rep counting, or intensity adjustment.
This totally depends on who you ask. I think smart home gym equipment is growing in popularity for a reason: People like their stuff to be connected, and the versatility these products bring to small spaces is unbeatable. I also think every home gym in the future will have some sort of smart equipment. Some people will never want smart gym equipment and will always prefer to use traditional weights and machines.
For sure. If anything, you can get a better workout with a smart home gym because it can tell you if you need to lift more or less weight, speed up or slow down, or increase or decrease the intensity. Some smart home gyms even correct your technique in real-time, which is the best way to improve your workouts.
I don’t think there’s necessarily one smart home gym that’s the best for most people. Instead, I like to look at what equipment is the best in each category: treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, rowers, and resistance training devices.
Our pick for the most effective smart home gym equipment goes to Tonal — it targets multiple muscle groups, has adaptive AI technology, and is space-friendly. Yes, it’s quite expensive but we argue it will pay for itself when you factor in things like travel and the cost of a gym membership.
if ($author['socials'][$media] && $value != '') : ?> endif; ?> if ($author['socials'][$media] && $value != '') : ?> endif; ?> if ($author['socials'][$media] && $value != '') : ?> endif; ?>Our ProForm Performance 600i Treadmill review takes a look at this now-discontinued machine and offers alternatives. Read more
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