AI-Powered Smart Strength Training Equipment Revolutionizes Home Workouts for 2025

Tonal and Beyond: The Best Smart Strength Training Equipment for 2025

At the most basic level, smart strength training equipment offers greater convenience, interactivity, and guidance than, say, a basic set of dumbbells. These machines connect to the internet, and most have a screen on which you can stream workouts (though more affordable options rely on your TV or phone for that functionality). Many offer large on-demand libraries of guided classes with knowledgeable instructors, as well as customized workouts and programs based on your goals and fitness level. If you're interested in getting into a weight lifting routine but you're not sure where to start, the Tonal, or its main competitor, the Tempo Studio, can guide you. The Tonal uses artificial intelligence to set the weights for you in each mode, track your reps and progress in real time, and adapt its recommendations as you get stronger so you always face a challenge. The Tempo Studio works similarly, using a combination of 3D sensors and AI to suggest the appropriate weight to load onto your barbell or dumbbells for each move, count your reps, and offer real-time feedback about your form to keep you honest and safe. Some smart strength training machines even feature live classes with fun social features, like the ability to virtually cheer other users on, so you feel like you're not working out alone. Tempo, for example, adds a bit of friendly competition to its workouts with in-class leaderboards that rank participants based on the total volume you lift and the reps you complete. How Much Do Smart Strength Training Machines Cost? The most feature-rich smart strength training machines cost thousands for just the hardware, and you can generally expect to pay around $39 to $49 per month for a class membership. That puts them out of reach for many people, but more affordable options are available. Smart workout mirrors typically cost at least $1,000, plus monthly class membership fees. They lack the advanced AI-powered virtual personal training features of the Tonal and Tempo, but they still offer a wide range of classes like strength training and yoga. All you need to follow along with the strength workouts are a few sets of dumbbells. On the more affordable end, several smart strength-training products in the sub-$500 range have hit the market, including the Peloton Guide and the Tempo Move. Smart strength training machines have their benefits, but you don't need to spend a bundle to get jacked. If you want to start incorporating weight lifting into your routine without making a significant investment, an inexpensive workout app might suit your needs. Most of these apps, including Apple Fitness+ and Openfit, offer strength training workouts you can follow when you're at the gym or just at home. Openfit even lets you turn on your camera during live workouts, so the trainer can see you and offer form corrections in real time. Electromagnetic Resistance vs. Traditional Weights From a training perspective, there's one major difference between the Tonal and Tempo machines: The Tonal uses electromagnetic technology to simulate weights with resistance, while Tempo machines use free weights. Both systems have their pros and cons. I'm partial to old-school free weights, but there's no denying the appeal of Tonal's convenient, space-saving design. Each of the Tonal's arms offers up to 100 pounds of resistance, for a total of 200 pounds. The system supports more than 170 upper and lower body moves, like barbell glute bridge, goblet squat, inline chop, and standing incline press. Some of the moves on the Tonal are a bit awkward, though, and the cords can occasionally rub your arms. With the base Tempo Studio package, you get 90 pounds of weights, including two 7.5-pound dumbbells and 75 pounds of weight plates (four 1.25-pound red plates, four 2.5-pound yellow plates, four 5-pound gray plates, and four 10-pound blue plates), as well as clips to secure the plates to your dumbbells. Tempo also sells 25-pound weight plates that work with the system if you want to do some heavy lifting, but they cost extra. You must use Tempo's color-coded weights for the system to track your movements. The more affordable Tempo Move comes with 50 pounds of weights. Most other smart strength training systems, including the NordicTrack Vault and the Peloton Guide, work with any brand of weights. If you already have a weight rack at home, or even just some dumbbells that are collecting dust, these products can help inspire you to use your existing equipment. The Vitruvian V-Form Trainer offers a similar electromagnetic resistance system to Tonal but generates up to 440 pounds. We haven't yet tested the latest version, called the Vitruvian Trainer+, but the first-generation model fell short of this list because its resistance adjustments often felt hectic and jerky, a problem I've never encountered with the Tonal. Can Smart Strength Training Machines Correct Your Form? Whether you're working out with smart gym equipment or just straight weights, form is important. Improper form when you handle heavy weights can result in injury. That's where AI-powered form feedback comes into play. Products with form feedback, including Tonal and Tempo, can help reduce your risk of injury when you train alone. The Tempo Studio, for example, uses a 3D sensor to track 25 of your joints to compare where they are in relation with each other; it can then determine which exercise you're doing and whether you're doing it correctly. When you do a bicep curl, for instance, your wrist point moves as you lift the weight up toward your shoulders, but your elbow point should stay in place. If the system notices your elbow point moving, it offers feedback on the screen. I do squats all the time, so I know that my knees aren't supposed to go past my toes at any point. But I still find myself making that mistake when I start getting fatigued during a challenging workout, and Tempo calls me out for it. If you're doing something wrong, it flashes a message on the screen telling you how to correct your form. It also informs you when you correct the mistake. In the future, I hope form feedback becomes a standard feature on connected strength training products. Regardless, when you strength train alone, you must use the utmost caution to avoid injury. Be sure to adequately warm up beforehand, don't be too proud to do the suggested modifications, and strive for proper form over speed. Remember that you're working out without the supervision of a trainer, so listen to your body and if something feels wrong, back off. With that in mind, you can't go wrong with any of the smart strength training options we've selected here. And for connected workouts beyond strength training, check out the top smart fitness equipment we've tested overall, including everything from treadmills and bikes to rowing machines.

These Pieces of High-End Fitness Equipment Are Better Than Anything at the Gym

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. It's almost 2025 -- why are we still going to the gym? It's time consuming, expensive, and chances are, you're going to have to wait to use your favorite machine because it's being hogged by a wannabe bodybuilder -- no thanks. That's why we think it's time for everyone to invest in a home gym and luckily, setting up a workout space in your house isn't as hard (or as space-consuming) as it once was. This is largely thanks to the best high-end fitness equipment we've ever had access to. But what is "high-end fitness equipment" anyway? Essentially, we're talking about luxury, all-in-one workout stations that can fit in most houses or apartments. This could take the form of a rowing machine, a connected stationary bike, or a connected treadmill. The best high-end fitness equipment also delivers access to coaching and personal training, replacing costly fitness studios. Whether you're looking to improve your cardio, learn yoga, build muscle, or all of the above, read on. We've rounded up some of the best pieces of high-end fitness equipment around, including strength training devices, bikes, and rowing machines. They're ideal for advancing your fitness goals at home, and they just might permanently replace your previous routine. One of the biggest standouts of amp is the gamified elements that allow you to partake in unique fitness challenges. You can compete against yourself, family members, or friends, which furthers your accountability and increases motivation. Of course, this sleek and thoughtful device is a mark above the rest, thanks to its AI components. It is able to measure every movement you make and can create a custom workout routine based on this in seconds. Amp is the workout device of the future, is great for anyone who doesn't want their home gym to take up their entire house, and right now, you can reserve it for only $99.00. It's a streamlined piece of workout gear, but the technology is where Tempo really shines. The device uses a built-in sensor to detect and automatically adjust body positioning to ensure the best -- and safest -- possible workout, plus your weight recommendations are customized based on your fitness level and stats (I.e. height). Tap through a few questions on the screen after each workout and the Tempo algorithm will automatically adjust settings for your next workout based on how difficult or easy you found the activities to be. Advanced tech and included gear aside, the Tempo is a top-of-the-line fitness studio experience with popular tunes blasting through the built-in stereo speakers, and fun and engaging classes. Unlike some programs, where we lose interest or doze off after the first few moves, Tempo's instructors kept us motivated and entertained -- so much so that we found ourselves doing multiple classes a day. What we like: it's not all high-octane classes either; we liked Tempo's variety of stretching, cool down and recovery classes too, which can be completed in as little as five minutes. To kick off your workouts, you'll need an Ergatta membership. From there, you can easily move through everything from interval challenges to racing workouts that let you compete with other Ergatta users. (However, you won't have trainers leading live rowing classes with this machine.) To start, sit on the seat, secure the foot straps, grab the rowing handles and push off from your feet. While the brand says the unit can accommodate a person as tall as 6'8'' and up to 500 pounds, you can still move it to a corner if you're short on space in your house or an apartment using its built-in wheels. When you need to store it, you can fold the screen down and move the Ergatta upright against a wall. The Ergatta also comes with a five-year warranty. Echelon upgrades the typical rower machine with a connected system, giving you access to classes taught by professional trainers. This screen can also be swiveled around and used for a huge variety of non-rowing workouts including strength-training, bodyweight cardio, yoga and more. At 22 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches, this compact unit from the brand behind the popular bundle systems takes virtual workouts to the next level without taking up your limited space. The cabinet works as a storage system for weights and accessories, including space for dumbbells and weight plates. The Move features 3D Tempo Vision tracking (meaning a 3D view of you) to help check your form during workouts and to help give you real-time feedback so you can get the most out of every set. The Move will even recommend which weights to use depending on the routine. The Tempo Move is proof that the best high-end fitness equipment doesn't mean that you have to buy heavy, oversized gear. With a compact shape that stylishly blends in with the other pieces in your home, it's a do-it-all fitness essential that delivers great workouts at an equally great value. Everyone has different requirements and preferences when it comes to breaking a sweat. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while choosing the best luxury fitness equipment for your home workout. Activities: Before making any purchases, take note of your favorite workouts and exercise activities. Do you like long, grueling cardio workouts or quick weight training sessions? Or maybe you're looking to try out new activities such as boxing or yoga? Be sure to look over what's possible with any piece of fitness equipment to make sure it can help you reach your goals. Muscle Groups: When building a minimal home gym, it's important to check off as many muscle groups as possible with the proper gear. Ideally, you'll want a piece of gear (or a training device) that can hit your legs, abs, chest, arms and back while improving cardio. Space: Unless you have a mansion with a dedicated home gym room, space will probably be a major concern when shopping for fitness equipment. Figure out a room in your home where you can workout, and measure it before buying any new gear. Connectivity: The best high-end fitness gear should have some sort of connection to a training program. Even if you're already a certified athlete, access to training programs will improve your performance and help motivate you to keep exercising.

Forget Going to the Gym, Now You Can Strength Train at Home With This New AI-Powered Device

These Pieces of High-End Fitness Equipment Are Better Than Anything at the Gym If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Let's be honest with each other: going to the gym is a lot of work. There's the travel time (and if you live somewhere like NYC, there's the added task of schlepping your heavy fitness bag from avenue to avenue), expensive membership fees, and the possibility of your favorite machine being hogged by some wannabe bodybuilder. Overall, it just isn't a fun time. And we get it; your options are limited. Sure, there are virtual classes you can take online, stationary bikes you can buy, and even all-in-one smart machines that promise a full-body workout. But, more often than not, we find that with virtual classes comes a lack of motivation, with stationary bikes comes a need for more space, and with all-in-one smart machines, focusing on a targeted area can seem like an impossible challenge. So, just what are you supposed to do? That's where amp comes in. Launching in early 2025, amp is a smart, AI-powered exercise device that allows you to work out every muscle group in your body through hundreds of possible rotations. Sleek, easy to navigate, and designed to bolt into your wall with the use of screws and brackets (although the brand does recommend you have at least 6 x 7 feet of floor space for ample movement), it's the strength training device of the future. Through the use of a small dial, amp allows you to control the power of every movement. With a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds and a minimum of 5 pounds, you can choose between different resistance modes (Fixed, Band, and Eccentric) and alter the intensity of each workout. Sound simple enough? One of this device's biggest standouts is the connected digital app that gives you access to your own personal trainer (they have an extensive movement library, with the likes of Terry Crews, Rachel Joy, and Larry Wheels leading the way), allows you to track your progress, and helps you develop a plan to reach your goals. Amp's AI capabilities can also sense when you need a little R&R (and will drop the weight strength accordingly) and determine when you need to be challenged (and will jack up the weight strength accordingly). This helps create a custom workout experience that is tailored specifically to you. Besides amp's specific capabilities, there are also numerous benefits to adding strength training to your daily routine. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury and help build muscle to better your balance." Right now, you can reserve amp for only $99.00. Once it's officially released in early 2025, your remaining balance for this powerful device will be less than $1,700 -- it's basically a steal. With your purchase, you not only get the Ankle Straps, Dual Handle, Single Handle, Rope, and T-Bar, but you also get unlimited access to world-class workouts curated by top trainers, goal tracking, and innovative AI technology that will adjust the intensity of your workouts based on your performance. Plus, for $23 per month, you get the amp app (that comes with five seats to train and compete with your entire household), which tracks, logs, and remembers everything -- it's like having a personal trainer in your pocket that never takes the day off. Oh yeah, and then there's the free cost of delivery, white glove installation services, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren't satisfied with your order. Since the average American spends $5,321 on wellness per year, according to Global Wellness Institute's 2024 Report, that's one hell of a deal. From its thoughtful, compact design to its total-body experience, here are a few of our favorite parts about amp. You know it, I know it, we all know it -- at-home exercise equipment is an over-saturated market. There are hundreds of devices out there, all claiming to be the best, so how do you decide which ones are actually worth the investment? Well, we're here to say that amp is deserving of every penny. Not only is this compact device one of the smoothest and most stylish options out there, but through the use of smart insights, it gives you a fully customized workout and continuously adapts to your needs. Amp is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the best aspects of your normal gym routine (upper body, core, and lower body workouts) with state-of-the-art technology and premium engineering. It lets you connect to a community, compete with your friends, and ultimately work towards and achieve your goals.