In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increasing number of individuals are opting for home or private workouts instead of utilizing public gym facilities. Particularly in 2023, Smart Home Gyms have surged in popularity, thanks to advancements in technology that have made these options more accessible to a wider audience. However, while technology has indeed transformed the gym landscape, this is merely the beginning, with more innovations on the horizon.
Home gym equipment can be classified into various categories, each featuring different manufacturers. If your budget allows, acquiring the top-tier equipment across all categories is ideal. However, if that’s not feasible, consider investing in a selection of the ten leading gadgets to enhance your home gym. Alternatively, if you're limited to purchasing just one item, aim for the overall best smart home equipment available.
Before I dive into my curated list, it’s crucial to explain what smart home gym equipment entails, its advantages, and some key factors to contemplate before making a purchase.
What is Smart Home Gym Equipment?
Smart home gym equipment comprises fitness devices that are technologically advanced to offer users an authentic in-studio experience while exercising at home. These devices leverage sophisticated technologies—like adaptive resistance, motion sensor capture, artificial intelligence, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi or cellular internet connectivity—to link users with real-time instruction and virtual trainers, no matter where they are located. Many of these machines feature form guidance, strength assessments, touchscreen interfaces, cable weights, and a range of other specialized functionalities.
Benefits of Smart Home Gym Equipment
While the most affordable smart home gym gadgets can still set you back several hundred dollars, the numerous benefits they provide make them worthwhile investments. Here are some compelling reasons to consider smart gym devices:
Convenience: With these devices situated in your home, you can tailor your workout schedule to fit your personal routine, allowing you to exercise at your convenience.
Long-term Savings: Although the initial investment may seem steep, when you tally up the costs of monthly gym memberships over the years, purchasing smart gym equipment can save you a significant amount of money.
Modern Technology: Smart home gym equipment integrates cutting-edge technology that simplifies the process of getting fit. These devices can track your workout history, evaluate your progress, and connect you to exclusive classes and instructors.
Motivation: The features of smart devices can help you overcome the monotony often associated with traditional gyms. Their proximity, unique classes, and interactive options may encourage you to exercise more consistently compared to having to leave home for workouts.
With these advantages in mind, let’s explore some of the top smart home gym equipment you can consider in 2023. As previously indicated, the equipment will be categorized, and I will highlight the best options in each category.
Best Smart Home Gym Equipment for You
Best Workout Mirror: Tonal
Price: $3,995 (excluding subscription fees)
For those with limited space or a desire to maintain an aesthetic interior, a workout mirror might be the ideal solution. These large-screen devices allow you to stream live fitness classes when connected to the internet and following a subscription. Among the various brands available, Tonal stands out for its features and customer ratings. This mirror can be mounted on the wall or placed on the gym floor. Although The Mirror is a competitor, Tonal offers at least 1,000 live classes for a monthly subscription fee of $59.95, which also includes access for unlimited family and friends. Its digital weight systems are particularly appealing to bodybuilders.
Best All-in-One: Tempo Studio
Price: $1,695
Investing in an all-in-one machine is an excellent way to maximize your home workout space while also saving money. While it does require sufficient space for both setup and exercise, it caters to those who seek a variety of workout sessions and may want to forgo their current gym membership. Tempo Studio offers fitness classes that range from yoga and weightlifting to boot camps and high-intensity training. The basic package includes five sets of weight plates, weight collars, and two dumbbells, all with precise fittings to maintain a tidy workout area. A monthly membership fee of $39 allows up to six family or friends' profiles.
Best Smart Rower: Hydrow
Price: $2,495
Bring the experience of rowing on water into your home with the Hydrow rower. Its 22-inch rotating screen and front-facing speakers create an immersive workout environment that simulates rowing in a large body of water. You can choose from two great options based on your rowing needs and budget. While Peloton also offers excellent rowers, Hydrow stands out for its unique features and experience.
Best Smart Bike: NordicTrack S22i
Price: $1,999
When it comes to smart bikes, the NordicTrack S22i and Peloton are often compared. However, based on build quality, user feedback, and pricing, the NordicTrack S22i has a slight edge. With its impressive 22-inch smart screen, incline and decline capabilities of 20% to -10%, and elite-level instructors guiding you through your ride, it offers a workout experience that feels like the real thing. Keep in mind that, like most smart home gym devices, access to all live classes requires a subscription fee.
Best Smart Treadmill: ProForm 9000
Price: $2,299
Treadmills are a staple in any gym, and ProForm has distinguished itself as a leader in this space according to independent reviews and product features. This treadmill comes with the added benefit of Vue 800 fitness mirror, which alone retails for $800. It features countless studio classes and offers outdoor workout options through its iFit instructors. To fully utilize this treadmill's capabilities, a monthly subscription fee of $39 is necessary, though the first 30 days are complimentary with credit card registration.
Best Smart Elliptical: NordicTrack 14.9
Price: $1,799
This unique elliptical allows you to experience walking and running in one machine, making it an efficient way to reach your fitness goals. The NordicTrack 14.9 stands out with its 14-inch HD touchscreen, 20% incline, trainer-led iFit sessions, and auto-adjusting features. Moreover, it stores comprehensive workout records to recommend exercises tailored to your goals. Delivery within the U.S. is free, and the iFit training app offers a 30-day free trial before monthly fees commence.
Best Smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 8
Price: $449
While it may seem unconventional for a smartwatch to feature on this list, monitoring your heart rate and ensuring you stay
