Smart fitness mirrors are the newest high tech wellness gadgets on the scene. On top of being futuristic enough to be featured in a Philip K. Dick novel, they actually offer some really cool features to take your home workouts to the next level.
Tonal is one of the innovators of the smart mirror world, and their mirror isn’t just a mirror with a video screen. Nah, it’s a whole gym (including your very own AI personal trainer, to boot) in one sleek, high tech package.
Intrigued? Us too. So let us tell you (Ton)allllll about this workout device and what it can do.
Pros
- It can totally replace your home strength training setup and up to 200 pounds (lbs.) (91 kg) of weights.
- It uses sensors to automatically provide form and speed corrections.
- It adjusts weight based on your fitness level and capabilities (even in the middle of a lift).
- It comes with tons of on-demand classes with a Tonal subscription.
- It’s frickin’ fancy.
Cons
- You have to buy the Smart Accessory bundle to get the best experience.
- Professional installation is required and will cost extra.
- Use of the Tonal requires a monthly subscription.
What do you get with your Tonal purchase?
The Tonal device itself is a large wall-mounted mirror/touch screen display with two GIANT ROBOT ARMS (really).
These arms can slide up and down the length of the Tonal device to accommodate a variety of upper-body, lower-body, and core exercises. You can also attach different accessories to these arms to simulate dumbbells, kettlebells, ropes, and barbells — so it really can replace your home gym.
Plus, the Tonal has 17 different sensors to detect your form, technique, and speed, and it offers immediate feedback to help you self-correct and get the most out of every move.
Even better, the Tonal’s arms can each deliver up to 100 lbs. (45 kg) of resistance, so the device can be used for lifts of up to 200 lbs. (91 kg).
The Tonal adjusts the weight automatically based on your initial fitness assessment on the device and how you’re progressing — it can even adjust the weight throughout the lift to help maximize the impact of each lift or to ease up if it senses you’re struggling.
And all this data it collects about your workouts is stored so the Tonal can track your progress and offer personalized guidance and the perfect amount of resistance for each and every future workout.
Let’s just hope these things never become sentient or we’ll all be bowing down to our Tonal overlords.
To get full use of your Tonal, you need to buy the Smart Accessory bundle, which contains handles, a bar, and a rope made to use with the Tonal device as well as a bench, a roller, and a workout mat. Alternatively, you’ll need to buy T-locks (available on Tonal’s website) and carabiners to attach your own accessories.
Without the Smart Accessories, the Tonal comes with a set of basic handles. However, the Smart Accessories let you switch the resistance on and off with the touch of a button, making it easier (and safer) to change position between moves or to take a break.
The specs: Tonal product details
Here are all the deets on the Tonal that you’ll need to know before you click “buy.”
The Tonal device itself is wall-mounted and measures 51 inches (in.) ( (130 cm) tall and 22 in. (56 cm) wide. It weighs 100 lbs. (45 kg). For a Tonal workout, you’ll need a 7 foot (ft) by 7 foot (213 cm by 213 cm) space and ceiling clearance of at least 7 ft 10 in. (239 cm).
If the studs in your walls are farther than 16 in. (41 cm) apart but no more than 24 in. (61 cm) apart, the Tonal will need to be installed using Tonal’s wide mount bars.
You’ll need to set up your Tonal close to a wall outlet as well, and you’ll need decent Wi-Fi to stream workouts.
In addition, it’s a good idea to buy the Smart Accessory bundle, which contains:
- smart handles
- smart bar
- smart rope
- bench
- mat
- roller
The Smart Accessories connect to the Tonal via Bluetooth and provide some additional functionality and safety by allowing you to quickly turn the resistance on or off by pressing a button.
You operate the Tonal using the built-in touch-screen display, which measures 24 in. diagonally and is centered on the upper portion of the Tonal device.
Buyer’s guide: Price, financing, and warranty options
The Tonal itself costs $2,995, but it’s a really good idea to go ahead and buy the $495 Smart Accessory bundle, too, so you can use your Tonal to its full potential from day one. Alternatively, you’ll need to buy T-locks ($19.99 for a 4-pack) from the Tonal website and attach your own accessories using carabiners.
A major downside is that you can’t buy the Smart Accessories individually, so if you want them, you’re gonna have to pay the full $495 — even if you already have a mat, bench, and roller.
Tonal membership costs another $49 per month, and upon purchase you agree to a 12-month membership commitment.
Professional installation (which is required unless you want to void your warranty) is another $250.
So, for the machine, accessories, and installation, you’re looking at a total price of $3,740 (plus taxes on that) and a recurring monthly payment of $49 for the Tonal membership.
If you qualify for financing through Affirm, you can pay as little as $149 per month with no interest for 36 months — and this payment includes the machine and accessories, installation, and membership fee. From what we’ve read online, though, it’s pretty rare to get 0 percent interest on 36 months and much easier to get 0 percent on a 12-, 18-, or 24-month payment plan.
You can get a full refund if you decide to return the machine within 30 days of installation. Tonal also offers warranty coverage of 3 years for parts, 1 year for labor, and 1 year for accessories.
Note: As of this writing, it’s taking an average of 10 to 12 weeks after placing an order for the Tonal to be delivered and installed.
Time to sweat: Exercise programs/classes
A Tonal membership comes with TONS of on-demand classes, including:
- strength training
- yoga
- barre
- Pilates
- meditation
- kickboxing
- dance cardio
- pre- + postnatal
- triathlon
- family fun
- high intensity
- recovery
- mobility
- quick fit
- bootcamp
- Theragun (a percussion massager brand that Tonal partners with)
Tonal offers several guided workouts that automatically adjust your weight and provide form feedback, or you can improv it in Free Lift mode. You can also create your own workouts from a library of more than 170 moves.
The brand also offers in-person partner workouts, so you and your roomie or partner can work out together, and virtual group workouts for you and all your Tonal friends.
Is Tonal right for you?
So, is it right for you? You and your Tonal will be BFFs if it fits your:
- Budget. Let’s be real here: The Tonal is PRICEY. To be fair, the price is justified because it’s a pretty one-of-a-kind device with some seriously advanced tech, but still — don’t buy if it’s gonna jeopardize your finances.
- Space. If you don’t have a 7 ft by 7 ft (213 cm by 213 cm) space against a wall with an outlet, then you’ll need to pass on the Tonal. And if you do have the space but you’re renting, you may wanna talk with your landlord before having it professionally mounted on the wall.
- Workout style. I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T, do you know what that means? The Tonal is for you if you’re an introverted exerciser. The brand is starting to offer live classes, but most of the content is still on-demand. If you thrive in a group setting or love going to the gym for the social aspect, the Tonal might not be the best fit for you.
- Tech obsession. Are you an early adopter living in the year 3008 with the Black Eyed Peas? Or a self-avowed biohacker who loves DATA? You. Need. A. Tonal.
Verdict? The Tonal is (rightfully) really expensive, but if you wanna get swole like a Jetson, it’s *tonally* worth it.
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