Working out at home has become the norm for millions of people. Whether it's a quick desk detox, a yoga flow, or even a full-blown HIIT class, the ease and convenience of a W(out)FH session isn't going anywhere.
While YouTube, Nike, and several other brands offer fitness videos and tutorials, those looking for an interactive, more intense class structure may need to look elsewhere.
To find the perfect at-home workout solution for you, we’ve decided to score three of the most popular home gyms in the following areas: space required, genre and class offerings, quality, and price.
Here's what we found out about The Mirror, Tonal, and Tempo:
Key Similarities:
- All have trainer-led workouts
- All offer live classes & group workouts so you can connect with others
- All have finance options
- All have at-home delivery and setup
- All have different genres of workout classes: boxing, cardio, yoga, etc.
- All provide real-time, personal stats
- All offer 30-day refunds
Key Differences:
- The Mirror works as both a home gym and a mirror when not in use
- Tonal has adjustable arms, Tempo and comes with weights
- The Mirror has optional weights for purchase
- The Mirror's classes range from 5 - 60 minutes
- Tonal requires 7′ x 7′ floor space, 7' unobstructed wall space, and a ceiling height of at least 7'10", Tempo requires standing: 3'2'' x 1'4'' during workout: 6'x10, and The Mirror simply requires enough room for you to stand in front of the mirror
- Tempo is $2,485, Tonal is $2,745 without smart accessories (+$495), and The Mirror is $1,495
The Mirror Overview
The Mirror from Lululemon works double duty as both a sleek mirror that can fit anywhere and a nearly invisible home gym that can be hung from anywhere.
Not only is The Mirror using advanced tracking technology to get to know you and provide feedback, but you're also able to watch yourself and the instructors at the same time so you can adjust and follow perfectly.
Their Membership Plan is only $39.95 a month and allows 6 household members to have individual profiles and access to all classes. The Mirror offers tens of thousands of live and on-demand classes per week from fitness instructors that are at the top of their game. They have over 50 genres of workouts, so whether you're into kickboxing, dancing, or Tai Chi, there's something for everyone.
While other home gyms are bulky and need equipment, The Mirror is neither. Using only 2' of wall space, Mirror workouts need minimal space but still offer maximum benefits. The Mirror itself can either be hung up or stand on its own with legs.
The Mirror's pricing begins at $1,495, and they're slated to launch their connected weight sets later this year that can be purchased in a package along with other Lululemon products such as their famous yoga mat and a foam roller.
Tonal Overview
Tonal's at-home gym follows a similar structure to The Mirror, but must be hung up on the wall. While The Mirror has no bells or whistles to seamlessly blend into your home, Tonal only functions as an at-home gym.
It comes with adjustable arms that you can raise and lower for a full-body workout using their revolutionized dynamic weight. While the arms give you access to more movements with resistance, you can also add accessories like bars, handles, or rope for $495.
Tonal gives you access to thousands of their AI-powered live and on-demand classes. The AI workouts target you specifically through their resistance bands, so it will adjust to your movement and provide the perfect amount of weight just for you.
Tonal starts at $2,745, with the smart accessories sold separately at $495.
Tempo Overview
Much like Tonal and The Mirror, Tempo offers countless interactive live and on-demand classes. Tempo Studio resembles a free-standing cabinet with a screen on top where you follow along with the workouts, and storage on the bottom where you can store your weights, mats, and any other fitness supplies needed.
Tempo uses their 3D Tempo Vision™ to learn more about your goals and your current body insights so they can tailor personalized workouts meant to help you make progress and achieve your goals quicker.
When you purchase Tempo Studio Starter (4 pieces) it also comes with a workout mat, two 7.5 lb dumbbells, 4 collars, and 75 lbs of weight plates.
Tempo Studio starts at $1,995 with the option to upgrade to the Plus Package (9 pieces) for $2,745, or the Pro Package (13 pieces) for $3,495.
Verdict
There really wasn’t much of a contest here between these three home-gym options. Out of all the different trainers that we tried between the three home-gyms, Mirror’s trainers kept us motivated and gave us a well-rounded workout. For the price, quality, depth of content, and elegant design, The Mirroreasily takes the cake.
The Mirror comes in at almost $1,000 less than other at-home gyms but packs a way harder punch. You need less space, don’t have the eyesore that other clunky at-home gyms require, and can interact with your friends and family in over 50 genres of workouts.
The ability to compete and have real-time insights into your body and those working out with you is something that pushes us harder and harder every time.
We don’t know what we love more about The Mirror - the way it makes our house look or the way it gives us that full-body burn whether we’re doing barre, a yoga flow, or even just having some family fun.