At the most basic level, smart strength training equipment offers greater convenience, interactivity, and guidance than, say, a basic set of dumbbells. These machines connect to the internet, and most have a screen on which you can stream workouts (though more affordable options rely on your TV or phone for that functionality).
Many offer large on-demand libraries of guided classes with knowledgeable instructors, as well as customized workouts and programs based on your goals and fitness level. If you're interested in getting into a weight lifting routine but you're not sure where to start, the Tonal, or its main competitor, the Tempo Studio, can guide you.
The Tonal uses artificial intelligence to set the weights for you in each mode, track your reps and progress in real time, and adapt its recommendations as you get stronger so you always face a challenge. The Tempo Studio works similarly, using a combination of 3D sensors and AI to suggest the appropriate weight to load onto your barbell or dumbbells for each move, count your reps, and offer real-time feedback about your form to keep you honest and safe.
Some smart strength training machines even feature live classes with fun social features, like the ability to virtually cheer other users on, so you feel like you're not working out alone. Tempo, for example, adds a bit of friendly competition to its workouts with in-class leaderboards that rank participants based on the total volume you lift and the reps you complete.
How Much Do Smart Strength Training Machines Cost?
The most feature-rich smart strength training machines cost thousands for just the hardware, and you can generally expect to pay around $39 to $49 per month for a class membership. That puts them out of reach for many people, but more affordable options are available.
Smart workout mirrors typically cost at least $1,000, plus monthly class membership fees. They lack the advanced AI-powered virtual personal training features of the Tonal and Tempo, but they still offer a wide range of classes like strength training and yoga. All you need to follow along with the strength workouts are a few sets of dumbbells.
On the more affordable end, several smart strength-training products in the sub-$500 range have hit the market, including the Peloton Guide and the Tempo Move.
Smart strength training machines have their benefits, but you don't need to spend a bundle to get jacked. If you want to start incorporating weight lifting into your routine without making a significant investment, an inexpensive workout app might suit your needs. Most of these apps, including Apple Fitness+ and Openfit, offer strength training workouts you can follow when you're at the gym or just at home. Openfit even lets you turn on your camera during live workouts, so the trainer can see you and offer form corrections in real time.
Electromagnetic Resistance vs. Traditional Weights
From a training perspective, there's one major difference between the Tonal and Tempo machines: The Tonal uses electromagnetic technology to simulate weights with resistance, while Tempo machines use free weights. Both systems have their pros and cons. I'm partial to old-school free weights, but there's no denying the appeal of Tonal's convenient, space-saving design.
Each of the Tonal's arms offers up to 100 pounds of resistance, for a total of 200 pounds. The system supports more than 170 upper and lower body moves, like barbell glute bridge, goblet squat, inline chop, and standing incline press. Some of the moves on the Tonal are a bit awkward, though, and the cords can occasionally rub your arms.
With the base Tempo Studio package, you get 90 pounds of weights, including two 7.5-pound dumbbells and 75 pounds of weight plates (four 1.25-pound red plates, four 2.5-pound yellow plates, four 5-pound gray plates, and four 10-pound blue plates), as well as clips to secure the plates to your dumbbells. Tempo also sells 25-pound weight plates that work with the system if you want to do some heavy lifting, but they cost extra. You must use Tempo's color-coded weights for the system to track your movements. The more affordable Tempo Move comes with 50 pounds of weights.
Most other smart strength training systems, including the NordicTrack Vault and the Peloton Guide, work with any brand of weights. If you already have a weight rack at home, or even just some dumbbells that are collecting dust, these products can help inspire you to use your existing equipment.
The Vitruvian V-Form Trainer offers a similar electromagnetic resistance system to Tonal but generates up to 440 pounds. We haven't yet tested the latest version, called the Vitruvian Trainer+, but the first-generation model fell short of this list because its resistance adjustments often felt hectic and jerky, a problem I've never encountered with the Tonal.
Can Smart Strength Training Machines Correct Your Form?
Whether you're working out with smart gym equipment or just straight weights, form is important. Improper form when you handle heavy weights can result in injury. That's where AI-powered form feedback comes into play.
Products with form feedback, including Tonal and Tempo, can help reduce your risk of injury when you train alone. The Tempo Studio, for example, uses a 3D sensor to track 25 of your joints to compare where they are in relation with each other; it can then determine which exercise you're doing and whether you're doing it correctly. When you do a bicep curl, for instance, your wrist point moves as you lift the weight up toward your shoulders, but your elbow point should stay in place. If the system notices your elbow point moving, it offers feedback on the screen.
I do squats all the time, so I know that my knees aren't supposed to go past my toes at any point. But I still find myself making that mistake when I start getting fatigued during a challenging workout, and Tempo calls me out for it. If you're doing something wrong, it flashes a message on the screen telling you how to correct your form. It also informs you when you correct the mistake.
In the future, I hope form feedback becomes a standard feature on connected strength training products. Regardless, when you strength train alone, you must use the utmost caution to avoid injury. Be sure to adequately warm up beforehand, don't be too proud to do the suggested modifications, and strive for proper form over speed. Remember that you're working out without the supervision of a trainer, so listen to your body and if something feels wrong, back off.
With that in mind, you can't go wrong with any of the smart strength training options we've selected here. And for connected workouts beyond strength training, check out the top smart fitness equipment we've tested overall, including everything from treadmills and bikes to rowing machines.
