This AI-Powered, All-In-One Smart Gym Is Our Top Pick For Effective Home Workouts (2024)

Tonal is the optimal home workout experience for strength training, hands down. The machine itself doesn't require a ton of space, it adjusts resistance in real-time, and its personalized features are the next-best thing to a personal trainer, making it our top pick for the best smart home gym of 2024.

Think of Tonal as a high-end, wall-mounted, all-in-one gym that looks sleek, doesn't occupy floor space, and provides resistance via electromagnets (sounds high-tech, right?). The resistance mechanism—which emphasizes resistance in the eccentric portion of each move—is truly where this thing stands out. Strength training on this machine feels entirely different compared to training with free weights, or even other cable machines, because the eccentric resistance forces your muscles to work harder as they lengthen, maximizing strength gains and muscle growth. This focus on the eccentric phase not only challenges your muscles in a unique way but also helps build muscle, making it a top choice for anyone serious about taking their strength gains to the next level.

The machine's digital weight system is something you won’t find in other smart home gyms. Upon using the machine for the first time, users get started with a strength assessment that customizes workouts (weight, reps, and sets, too!), and the smart accessories track your reps and form as you progress. Tonal also features an extensive library of over 1,000 guided workouts, covering everything from strength training to yoga and HIIT.

It’s priced just south of $4,000, plus tax, with the option to pay in installments of $84 a month for 48 months. While the base package includes the essentials, there’s an additional $495 smart accessories bundle that can add to your workout options with tools like smart handles and a smart bar, which connect via Bluetooth. Keep in mind, you’ll also need to build into your budget installation, shipping, and a $60 per month membership, which is required for the first year to access Tonal’s full features.

Tonal's installation requirements might be a headache, especially if you live in an older building with thick walls. You'll need a 7-by-7-foot area with at least 7-foot, 10-inch ceilings for full extension of the cables, and it must be mounted on wood or metal walls. Unfortunately, you can’t save money by installing it yourself—Tonal’s professional team handles that, and if you ever move, you’ll have to pay extra for relocation.

Between the machine's elevated seat and entertainment features on Aviron's platform, this is one of the most comfortable and fun-to-use cardio machines to ever exist. I genuinely look forward to sitting on this rower on days when I need a little external motivation to get through my zone 2 workouts. Its gamified workouts make rowing engaging, and the foldable design means it won’t take up too much space when not in use.

"[This machine] is designed for comfort, allowing a full range of motion through each stroke, which is key for when it comes to rowing working 85% of your muscles," says John Steventon, Aviron Coach and indoor rowing gold medalist. "The resistance starts low enough for anyone to use without feeling too heavy—but crank it up to Level 16, and that’s where the Strong Go really lives up to its name."

Speediance stands out for its blend of portability and versatility—most home resistance training setups are either portable or versatile, not both. Priced just south of $3,000, it offers up to 220 pounds of digital resistance (good for novice and intermediate lifters) and a weight bench that can be used with or without the full system, making it a solid option for a comprehensive workout at home.

The Gym Pal’s platform is compact and foldable, meaning you can use it in different rooms with ease, but it’s bigger in practice than it seems online. While the main unit can be easily tucked away when not in use, the weight bench and various accessories require extra storage space and time to setup/breakdown. If you plan to stow the whole thing away after every workout, be ready for some serious Tetris efforts.

Also, be gentle with the outer shell—it’s made of plastic and more prone to cracks and scratches than metal home gym options such as Tonal or the Fusion CST Studio. Overall, it’s a great fit for those seeking a versatile all-in-one home workout station, as long as you're prepared to keep most components set up and ready to go.

Tempo Studio is a standout for its AI-driven weight recommendations and form corrections, making it a good choice for those who want to ensure they're performing exercises correctly. "It offers form corrections, which is crucial for beginners," says Corrine Carnation, CPT, is a personal and group trainer at Equinox and the creator of the Better You, Better Living strength program. "Who wants to do a bunch of exercises with bad form, get hurt, and end up hating the whole thing? Not me, and I sure wouldn’t want that for my clients."

Its aesthetic and compact design won't be an eye sore in your living space, either. It's low-profile, inconspicuous, and all the accessories can be neatly contained within the unit's cabinet. While you might need to pull in your own additional accessories (such as other weights or resistance bands) to follow along with some workouts, Carnation considers that a bonus, as it keeps your routines varied.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is ideal for those who want a full-body workout that blends strength training and cardio and aren't limited by tight space constraints. Though it requires ample space and a membership to use in its entirety, it’s a versatile option for those looking to get the most out of resistance training without free weights.

The machine offers 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance through cables and pulleys. It comes with a 10-inch tablet to stream workouts, which is essential to fully utilize the machine—it's not worth purchasing if you don't plan to continue paying for the membership, period.

I found this resistance machine smooth and easy to use, and appreciate the full range of motion the long cables facilitate. While it’s great for HIIT and light to moderate resistance training, it's not ideal for those focused on heavy lifting and muscle gain.

The Peloton Bike is a staple in the smart fitness world for a reason. With Peloton, you get top-notch instruction and a world-class digital experience. "Sometimes, all you need is a little encouragement to remind you that you’re strong and capable," says Carnation. "That's what you can expect from Peloton trainers every time."

The immersive classes and strong community support make it more than just a bike—it's a complete home fitness experience. Just be sure you have space to set up a mat and move freely around the machine if you plan to do follow along with strength, yoga, and stretching classes off the bike. While it's a hefty upfront investment and commitment to a monthly membership thereafter, the variety of classes and motivational instructors keep us coming back for more.

The Reform RX Pilates Reformer is a top-tier option with smart features that elevate your home pilates practice. The platform offers customizable and pre-programmed workouts, while the smart spine (the thing the carriage slides on) with time-of-flight tracking delivers valuable performance metrics. The absence of traditional springs (it features single-touch buttons instead) optimizes safety and makes it easy to adjust resistance, too.

Getting set up on the machine for the first time, an intro questionnaire tailors your workout experience, giving curated access to a library of 300 classes. If you're looking for a reformer that offers meaningful metrics and supports advanced programming to help hone your pilates practice from home, the Reform RX is a go-to option.

Are smart home gyms suitable for beginners?

Working out at home can be intimidating at best—dangerous, at worst—when you don't know what you're doing. We get that.

Smart home gyms are a great option for beginners who want the option of exercising at home without totally missing out on the guidance and form corrections acquired in in-person fitness settings, says Carnation. For beginners, it's especially important to shop for a smart home gyms that offer form corrections and personalized workout plans that start at a beginner level. Tonal or Tempo are two top recommendations for newbies.

Do I need to buy a membership?

Most smart home gyms require users opt into an ongoing membership (usually monthly, sometimes yearly memberships are offered at a lower rate) to access the full scope of features, such as live and on-demand workouts, pre-programmed training plans, personalized training plans, and more. In addition to the upfront costs associated with a smart home gym, be sure to factor ongoing membership costs into your budget when making a decision and comparing prices. Membership prices vary widely, but expect to pay at least $30/month for most of the options ranked on this list.

Can I use a smart home gym without the internet?

Whether or not you've opted into an ongoing membership associated with a smart home gym, most machines also require reliable, consistent internet connection for full access to classes, programs, updates, and other features (such as connecting with other users). If connectivity is a concern, be sure to closely evaluate the product specs for each option you're considering to understand what offline capabilities are available.

Meet the experts

• Corrine Carnation, CPT, is a personal and group trainer at Equinox and the creator of the Better You, Better Living program.
• John Steventon, is an Aviron Coach, indoor rowing gold medalist and world record-holder.

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