Tonal is an innovative wall-mounted home gym system that utilizes smart technology and adjustable electromagnetic resistance to customize strength training workouts. This intelligent equipment aims to provide a comprehensive fitness experience without requiring trips to the gym.
But does this high-tech strength training machine live up to its promises? This detailed Tonal review will provide an objective assessment.
Overview of Tonal Home Gym
The Tonal gym consists of a slim wall-mounted unit with adjustable arms, digital weights, touchscreen display and integrated smart features. Key details include:
- Electromagnetic resistance up to 200 lbs
- 24 inch HD touchscreen display
- Wireless integration with smart TVs
- Pre-programmed strength training workouts
- Form tracking with video guidance
- Progress reports and custom programs
The system aims to offer a complete strength training solution tailored to each user‘s fitness level and goals. I‘ll analyze the key features and capabilities below.
Tonal Membership: What‘s Included and Alternatives
Purchasing the Tonal gym hardware requires a 12-month Tonal membership, which auto-renews monthly thereafter. Let‘s break down what‘s included:
Membership Benefits
- Hundreds of on-demand strength, HIIT and yoga workouts
- New classes added regularly
- Customized workout programs
- Form tracking and correction
- Progress reports and stats
- Access for unlimited household users
Without the membership, the machine offers manual resistance adjustments and software updates only.
Membership Cost
The Tonal membership costs $49 per month after completing 12 monthly payments of $59 with purchase. This provides unlimited household access.
Considering the average gym membership runs $30-60 per month for one person, the Tonal membership provides strong value, especially for multi-user homes.
Alternatives to Save Money
If looking to save on membership fees after the first year, consider downloading standalone apps like Nike Training Club or Alo Moves for a library of workouts to stream on your TV.
The downside is losing out on Tonal‘s customized training features, detailed progress tracking and form feedback. But for those strictly looking to maximize value, third-party apps can supplement a limited Tonal-only experience.
Customer Reviews of Tonal Gym
With any major fitness purchase, it‘s wise to consult impartial customer reviews. Here‘s what Tonal owners on various platforms had to say:
Tonal Website Reviews
An impressive 91 out of 105 customers rated Tonal 5/5 stars on their website. Multiple reviews praise the personalized training, easy installation, quiet operation and space efficiency. One user said:
"It takes up no space. I can work out how I want, when I want. From creating custom workouts to individual workouts to weeks-long programs, it‘s all there."
Negative Tonal reviews on their site primarily critique long shipping times and delivery delays.
Reddit Reviews
Redditors shared mostly positive experiences with noticeable strength increases, but noted some workouts get repetitive:
"I’ve just completed my first 4-week program and started up another. My strength score has gone up nearly 15% in ~6 weeks and I can see and feel a difference."
"The content gets a little stale if you’re a part of the programs…That makes some of the instructors’ little anecdotes a bit annoying after a while."
Third-Party Review Highlights
On third-party sites like Product Hunt, reviewers praised the accessibility of the programs and coaching quality. But some felt the machine itself was overpriced.
One user said: “[There‘s a] coach for everybody” while another remarked: “Super convenient but SO expensive.”
So while Tonal earns rave reviews for its interactive platform, the price tag understandably deters some buyers.
Is Investing in the Tonal Gym Worth It?
At nearly $3,000 prior to taxes and installation, Tonal represents a major investment. But upon weighing the pros and cons, the high-tech equipment stands as a worthwhile splurge for certain audiences.
Best Suited For
The Tonal system uniquely caters to:
- Fitness enthusiasts with strength training goals
- Individuals who value personalized guidance
- Those with limited time to exercise
- People without easy gym access
- Households with multiple users
Considering a single Tonal membership can replace multiple gym memberships, households stand to gain significant value.
Drawbacks
Before purchasing, also weigh the following limitations:
- Steep upfront cost
- Ongoing membership fees
- Substantial installation space required
- Must commit to 12-month membership
- Relies heavily on tech with room for glitches
Additionally, Tonal focuses solely on strength training. So athletes requiring running machines or other cardio equipment may need to supplement elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
For devoted strength trainers with the upfront budget, Tonal presents industry-leading tech not easily replicated elsewhere. Between the sophisticated custom programs, form feedback and expert integration, Tonal mimics much of an in-person training experience.
If the price causes hesitation, consider financing options or evaluating more budget conscious alternatives below.
Financing Makes Tonal More Affordable
While the $3,000+ Tonal cost deters some buyers, keep in mind affordable financing provides another option. Payment plans through Affirm break costs down as follows:
- 12 months: $400 / month
- 18 months: $265 / month
- 24 months: $200 / month
- 36 months: $150 / month
When divided across 12-36 months, Tonal becomes accessible to more buyers. Costs further diminish when factoring in the included unlimited household membership.
For context, paying $200 per month across two users equals $100 each – on par with most gym memberships but with far more convenience and personalization.
So before abandoning Tonal solely based on sticker shock, crunch financing numbers for a clearer picture.
Best Alternatives to Tonal
While Tonal stands as an industry leader, more affordable and specialized alternatives exist too. Top options include:
Peloton Guide
Peloton now offers a $295 strength training camera providing personalized feedback without equipment. For Peloton bike owners, it complements existing cardio workout capabilities.
NordicTrack Vault
This complete home gym starts at $999 with financing options available. It includes integrated storage, interactive trainers and classes.
Tempo Studio
Like Tonal, Tempo uses 3D sensors and AI technology to provide personalized strength workouts with form feedback. Packages start at $1,995.
Mirror
This $1,445 (financing available) interactive gym streams unlimited fitness classes through a lean floor mirror design.
While Tonal rivals or exceeds these options regarding tech capabilities, all represent more affordable alternatives to consider.
Ways to Save on Tonal
While Tonal rarely offers discounts, buying at the right time could score you:
1. Special financing offers
Occasionally Tonal provides limited-time financing promos, like 0% APR across 24 months.
2. Referral credits
Referring friends to purchase Tonal may unlock $100 credits to save on accessories or membership fees.
3. Buying holiday sales
While not guaranteed, shopping holidays like Black Friday could yield a rare Tonal sale.
4. Used Tonal discounts
Consider joining Tonal buy/sell Facebook groups to purchase pre-owned models at steep discounts. Just know used systems require paying $250 for Tonal to inspect and certify pre-owned machines before use.
How to Purchase Tonal
Ready to invest in this comprehensive home gym system? Here‘s how to buy Tonal in 4 simple steps:
- Visit Tonal.com and select your preferred purchasing option – one-time payment or financing
- Provide billing/shipping details
- Schedule your delivery and installation date
- Set up your Tonal account to begin customizing workouts
From order to installation, expect the entire Tonal process to take 4-10 weeks depending on inventory and delivery backlogs.
Frequently Asked Tonal Questions
Here I‘ll tackle some commonly asked Tonal gym questions:
Does Tonal require a membership?
Yes, Tonal requires a 12-month membership upon purchase. After 12 months, it converts to $49/month but can be canceled anytime.
What happens if I cancel my membership?
Without the membership, you retain manual access to weight adjustments and software updates. But personalized features become disabled.
Can I return Tonal?
Yes, Tonal offers 30-day returns from installation date. You must contact Tonal Support to start a return.
How much space does Tonal need?
Tonal requires 7‘10" minimum ceiling height. Width-wise it needs 7‘ end-to-end, including 3.5‘ clearance on each side.
Can I buy a used Tonal?
Yes, but used Tonal machines require a $250 technician inspection/certification fee before use.
Reach out to custom[email protected] with any other Tonal questions!
The Final Takeaway
I hope this comprehensive Tonal review provided an honest, well-rounded perspective. While the price tag proves restrictive for some, smart financing options make this innovative home gym technology accessible to more households.
For devoted strength fitness enthusiasts, especially those lacking gym access, Tonal‘s customized programs prove difficult to replicate elsewhere. Considering the unlimited household membership and deep tech integration, I firmly stand by Tonal as a smart long-term investment for the right audience.
Just ensure your training goals align with Tonal‘s strength focus rather than running or swimming. And as with any major fitness purchase, consult your doctor before adopting any new strenuous regimens.
Here‘s to reaching your peak fitness potential in 2024! Whether that means investing in Tonal now or researching competitors, the most important step is taking action to prioritize your health.
