If you find yourself living in a compact one-room apartment or in a bustling urban area where space is at a premium, your selection of workout equipment might be constrained. Even in larger apartments, you may prefer to keep your living area uncluttered. In such scenarios, Tonal and Mirror are two workout machines that come to mind. Unlike bulky treadmills or exercise bikes, these devices are only slightly larger than a standard TV and are typically mounted on the wall, making them ideal for space-conscious individuals.
While both machines share a similar aesthetic and wall-mounted design, they serve distinct purposes and cater to different fitness objectives. The Mirror focuses on streaming both live and recorded workout classes, while Tonal operates as a cable machine boasting a digital weight system. When choosing between these two fitness tools, your primary consideration should be your preferred workout style. Tonal is geared towards strength training, whereas Mirror emphasizes group fitness and cardiovascular workouts.
Tonal vs. Mirror: A Comparison of Specifications
Specifications
Tonal
Mirror
Screen Size
24 inches
43 inches
Weight
150 lbs
70 lbs
Price
$3,495
$1,495
Monthly Subscription Fee
$49
$39
Dimensions
50.9 x 21.5 x 5.25 inches
52.6 x 21.1 x 1.7 inches
Delivery Time
7-10 business days
7-14 business days
Installation Requirements
Professional installation available for an additional fee depending on location
No professional installation required; however, a fee of $250 applies if preferred.
Exploring the Tonal Wall Workout Machine
Tonal features adjustable arms equipped with cables that utilize electromagnetic resistance. With this innovative mirror machine, you can perform over 100 exercises, including bicep curls, lat pulldowns, and deadlifts, by attaching the appropriate accessories and handles. Each arm provides up to 100 lbs of resistance, and the touchscreen interface enables easy navigation through a wealth of workout sessions while also allowing you to monitor your progress in real-time. You can participate in live classes or choose from a library of recorded sessions.
This smart gym equipment is fitted with approximately 17 built-in sensors that automatically assess your form and offer constructive feedback for improvement. As you continue to use Tonal, it accumulates data about your movements, balance, strength, and flexibility, thereby tailoring its suggestions to help you reach your fitness aspirations. While it doesn't replace a personal trainer, it provides substantial guidance akin to what a trainer would offer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tonal
Advantages
Disadvantages
The monthly subscription encompasses unlimited household profiles, allowing each user to track their statistics and preferences
Smart accessories must be purchased separately, leading to additional costs
Extensive weight recommendations for recorded workouts, live classes, and tailored programs.
The machine is relatively high-priced, nearly double that of the Mirror
Effective tracking of motion range, repetitions, volume, power, sets, tension time, and other metrics to assess progress over time.
Requires considerable wall space for hanging (7ft by 7ft)
Numerous smart accessories available to broaden the range of activities that can be performed with the machine.
Heavier than some competing models
A Closer Look at the Mirror Wall Workout Machine
Image Source: Mirror
Owned by Lululemon, the Mirror is designed with an emphasis on cardiovascular fitness and endurance, complemented by a focus on mobility. With a membership subscription, users can access a wide array of high-intensity workouts, such as Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, HIIT, bodyweight exercises, and meditation. In contrast to Tonal, which prioritizes strength training, the Mirror is lighter, weighing in at just over 70 pounds.
However, a notable drawback is that it does not include any weights or smart dumbbells; these must be purchased separately according to your specific needs. The additional weights typically range from one to 30 pounds to effectively pair with the ankle weights provided with the machine.
Similar to Tonal, the smart accessories associated with the Mirror can track your workout progress via sensors. Nonetheless, since the maximum weight per arm is 35 lbs, it does not offer the same level of electromagnetic resistance as Tonal. However, Mirror boasts an impressive library with over 10,000 classes, with new content added daily.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mirror
Advantages
Disadvantages
The design is sleek, minimalistic, and can be set up without professional help
Many accessories are sold separately, resulting in higher overall costs.
The extensive library features over 10,000 classes, with a growing selection
Lacks a touchscreen feature
The option to engage with a live trainer for personalized guidance is available.
The mandatory one-year subscription can be costly
Can accommodate multiple users (up to six) sharing a single Mirror device
Key Differences Between Tonal and Mirror Wall Workout Machines
The design of Tonal is tailored for strength training, which is why it incorporates two integrated resistance arms. With these arms, users can engage in at least 200 different exercises, with resistance levels reaching up to 200 pounds. Therefore, Tonal is an excellent choice for anyone passionate about weight lifting and multifaceted machines.
In contrast, the Mirror lacks built-in resistance, although it does allow for the addition of purchased resistance options. Its structure is more suited for individuals focused on cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, it supports synchronization with a Bluetooth-enabled wearable heart rate monitor, providing access to online coaching for personalized workout sessions as needed.
