Over the past decade, the pursuit of physical fitness has increasingly gained momentum. Nevertheless, many individuals struggle to adhere to traditional gym routines, with a significant number opting for the convenience of home gyms instead. This shift in preference has consequently led to a surge in the production of gym equipment specifically designed for compact living spaces.
Among the innovative offerings in this market are smart home gym solutions, with industry leaders such as Tonal and Tempo at the forefront. This article delves into the range of products they offer and the specific exercises they target.
Tonal vs. Tempo: Origins
What sparked the inception of these groundbreaking smart home gym brands? Let’s explore their backgrounds.
Tonal
Tempo
Country of origin: United States of America
Country of origin: United States of America
Year founded: 2015
Year founded: 2015
Founder: Aly Orady
Founders: Moawia Eldeeb and Josh Augustin
Brief history: Aly Orady faced challenges with his weight during his childhood, which led him to join gyms in an effort to lose weight. However, much like many gym-goers, he often found it difficult to maintain a consistent workout schedule.
Determined to transform the way individuals can access effective workouts from home, Orady launched Tonal in 2015, serving initially as its CEO until transitioning to CTO in 2023. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the development of smart gym equipment that also emphasized essential bodyweight exercises, successfully securing patents and investment from prominent figures and firms such as Mayfield, Sapphire Ventures, and Shasta.
Today, Tonal boasts a workforce of over 300 employees and features more than 40 locations where potential customers can experience product demonstrations.
Brief history: The narrative surrounding Tempo is a testament to the idea of turning adversity into opportunity. At just 12 years old, Moawia’s family lost their home to a fire, forcing them into a homeless shelter. In an effort to forge a better path, Moawia became involved with a local YMCA, where he received complimentary coaching in exchange for his commitment to education.
Through these formative experiences, he recognized the many benefits of exercise. Fast forward to 2015, and he, along with Josh Augustin, established Tempo—a cutting-edge AI-enhanced home gym designed to assist individuals in maintaining their fitness.
Currently, Tempo provides a variety of workout programs, including Tempo Core and Tempo Move, and has cultivated a dedicated following on social media platforms.
Main features: Tonal presents itself as a smart home gym that harnesses AI technology for training purposes. The brand emphasizes electronic weight resistance, enabling users to access a wide variety of bodyweight exercises through its intelligent equipment. Customers purchase their machines and subscribe to a membership model that provides access to personalized one-on-one training sessions.
Main features: Tempo adopts a similar strategy to Tonal, utilizing AI to create individualized training regimens accessible via its specialized hardware. However, unlike Tonal, Tempo offers a choice between three distinct products: Tempo Core, Tempo Move, and Tempo Studio.
Reputation: Notably, Tonal has garnered considerable respect within the smart fitness equipment sector, supported by prestigious Silicon Valley venture capitalists and high-profile personalities like Steph Curry. Despite its premium pricing, users often find that the value justifies the expense.
Reputation: In parallel, Tempo has also established an excellent reputation, bolstered by the insights of scientists, physiologists, and trainers that have earned the trust of numerous fitness aficionados.
Focus: Tonal emphasizes resistance training aimed at enhancing mobility, strength, and more. Additionally, it encompasses other fitness modalities such as yoga, cardio, and meditation.
Focus: Similarly, Tempo places a strong emphasis on resistance weight training, providing an extensive array of full-body exercises designed to enhance strength and mobility.
Tonal vs. Tempo: Equipment Overview
Both Tonal and Tempo concentrate on developing smart home gym apparatus for strength resistance training. Each brand offers users easy-to-install, ready-to-use smart products. However, Tempo presents a broader selection of equipment. Let’s examine how each product aligns with your unique fitness needs.
Tonal
Tempo
Product: Tonal Home Gym Machine
Product: Tempo Core, Tempo Move, Tempo Studio
Tonal provides an AI-driven home gym machine that enhances strength and flexibility through resistance training. Users can engage in a diverse range of exercises from upper body workouts to full-body routines. The standout feature is its ability to tailor training programs based on individual fitness levels, allowing users to track their progress through a dedicated app. Moreover, personal trainer consultations are available directly through the machine.
In line with Tempo, Tonal offers professional installation, enabling users to commence their workouts within hours. A significant advantage of Tonal is its 30-day at-home trial, allowing individuals to assess its effectiveness in achieving their fitness goals. Should it not meet expectations, a refund is available upon return. Additionally, if users opt to retain the equipment, they benefit from a two-year limited warranty. Tonal also allows potential users to experience its offerings through virtual demos online or visit one of its over 40 store locations for in-person trials. For optimal results, a monthly membership subscription is required.
The Tempo smart home gym machine provides greater flexibility and accommodates various budgets.
For those seeking an award-winning device, Tempo is a standout choice, having earned accolades such as Best Inventions of 2022, Best Wellness Design, and Best Home Gym. Here’s a closer look at each product within the Tempo range:
Tempo Core: Priced at $800, the Tempo Core is the most economical option among its offerings. Users simply need an iPhone to get started; once docked, they gain access to a multitude of exercise choices.
The Tempo Core includes color-coded smart weights that are intelligently tracked by AI sensors to adjust the weight as needed. These weights comprise both barbells and dumbbells. Interestingly, the Tempo Core even charges your iPhone during workouts, and users can select from light and dark finishes to suit their aesthetic preferences. Additionally, there are three equipment packages available: Pro, Plus, and Starter, making it an ideal selection for beginners.
Tempo Move: Serving as