The Case For Green Fitness Equipment:

If you're reading this, you are a pioneer. You want to make the world a better place for future generations. You know there are no magic bullets that will instantly change everything for the better. You understand that every little bit of progress is good, and you have to start somewhere.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

You also understand that making electricity through human power is not a money-maker all by itself. It's a common sense way to introduce and educate people on all things Eco-Fitness, like healthy eating of less-processed food, to efficient use of facility resources, and building community through consistent exercise. If you have the choice between wasting energy and not wasting it, what would you choose?

Now you can start a Green Gym without having to re-invent a business model, or invent new technology.  The equipment now exists and it's affordable.  The Green Microgym, established in , is known as the world leader in Eco-Fitness, and is the blueprint for the future of fitness.

The Cost to Produce and Purchase the Equipment is the Same

Until late , although the technology to retrofit exercise equipment to send electricity back to the grid existed, it was not cost effective to do so. You would have to purchase regular equipment and then retrofit it.  That's what I had been doing since . It worked fine for me in my gym, but there was no way to scale up.  But now, SportsArt Fitness has come out with a line of grid-tied, plug into the wall fitness equipment, priced competitively with other gym-quality exercise equipment.  Their machines are priced on the high end of the gym equipment spectrum, but are not overpriced based on their quality or because they have grid-tied capability.  The reasons they are able to do this: 1. They are large enough ($100 million+ annual sales) to be able to do large production runs of the equipment, and 2. They are simply taking out old electronics and putting in new electronics.  The price of materials and components has not changed for them.  They just had to design new equipment.

Better than Solar/Wind where you have to ADD ON or Find Property.

Although the power output for fitness equipment can't be compared apples to apples with solar or wind due to the limitations of human power (and motivation), it's important to remember this is exercise equipment, and there are already millions of exercise machines in use all over the world. Nothing needs to be done to get ready for this power source, except wait until the current equipment needs to be replaced.  We don't need to purchase land and build large structures to harness this energy.  The gyms have already been built.

There are No Installation Costs (this equipment is plug and play)

The only need for a professional electrician for installation of this equipment is if the building will need extra circuits to handle all of the new electricity being generated. For example, a spin class with 30 participants will be able to generate more than 3KW.  But in most situations, the current commercial power setup in the buildings will be able to handle the added electricity.

The Equipment is UL Compliant and Comes With a Warranty

SportsArt has the same warranty for this equipment as any of their other equipment, and there is at least one exercise equipment service company in every city that will be able to work on their machines, just like any other brand. If the parts need replacing, whether they are under warranty or not, it's as simple as calling the local service company or SportsArt.

Each Watt Created Saves 1 Watt of Cooling, Essentially Doubling Efficiency

Current equipment turns human energy into heat, then has to be cooled by air conditioning. (1 watt of heat generated = 1 watt of cooling needed).

The most common objection to the viability of this equipment is that it doesn't create THAT much electricity, so it's a waste of time to even think about it. Hopefully, the above facts have covered that objection.  But it is important to note that the current 'self-powered' exercise equipment in use in most gyms around the world still has to do something with all of the extra energy being created by their users.  The current solution is to put that energy into resistors that heat up inside the machines to dissipate the energy.  In a home or small gym, this heat is negligible and wouldn't make a noticeable change in the room.  However, in larger gyms where dozens of machines are in use for most of the day, this extra heat adds up and must be cooled by the building's cooling system.  So, the user creates extra energy, and then the cooling system uses extra energy to keep the room from getting too hot.  This essentially doubles the waste of energy from 'self-powered' exercise equipment.  However, grid-tied equipment sends that electricity right back to the building, creating no extra heat.  So, instead of spending 100 watts of cooling energy for each machine, you are saving those 100 watts ' a 200 watts net improvement.

Guide to the Best Smart Home Gym Equipment ()

Home gyms are changing. Rusty old equipment in a garage is no longer the norm, although we totally still love that vibe. Smart home gym equipment has played a huge role in the shifting landscape of the home gym, as people are realizing it's pretty dang cool to stream live workout classes from a high-tech device that tracks your reps and other stats. 

Instead of going to the gym, work out in the comfort, safety, and privacy of your own home. We've put all of the most popular smart exercise equipment to the test, from treadmills and bikes to rowing machines.

We've had our hands on more gym equipment than most people have ever even thought about, including smart home gym equipment and smart workout mirrors. Our team of fitness experts and product reviewers have hands-on tested more than 25 pieces of smart treadmills, bikes, and full-body workout machines over the past three years and graded each on the following criteria:

• Versatility: Can it be used for multiple workout types and be used by people of all fitness levels?
• Ease of setup: Technology can be frustrating, so we looked for equipment with user-friendly interfaces and installation.
• Monthly subscription: Is the monthly subscription cost worth it? Can you use the equipment without a subscription?
• Space: Could it fit in most people's home gym?

We believe every home gym will have an element of intelligence in the future, and that's why we're bringing you this guide to the best smart home gym equipment. 

Top Rated Smart Home Gym Equipment

• Best Overall Smart Home Gym Equipment: Beyond Power Voltra I
• Best Smart Cable Machine: Vitruvian Trainer +
• Best Smart Home Mirror Gym: Tonal
• Best Smart Gym Equipment for Beginners: Speediance
• Best Smart Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial
• Best Smart Rower: Aviron Strong Go Rower
• Best Portable Smart Gym Equipment: MaxPro SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine
• Best All-in-One Smart Home Gym: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio
• Best Virtual Personal Training Program: Future
• Best Smart Bike: Peloton Bike

Best Overall Smart Home Gym Equipment: Beyond Power Voltra I

Good for: Anyone who wants a smart full-body workout machine that tracks your reps and sets

Best Overall

Beyond Power Voltra I

Product Highlights

• Portable cable trainer
• Up to 200 pounds of resistance
• Easy to attach and detach
• Data tracking

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Portable
• Up to 200 pounds of resistance
• Can be brought through airport security
• Real-time data tracking

Cons

• Expensive
• Only has a one-year warranty

Bottom Line

The Beyond Power Voltra I packs all the benefits of a cable machine into a portable design, though it comes with a high price tag.

Home gym equipment expert and Garage Gym Reviews founder Cooper Mitchell notes the Beyond Power Voltra I is quick when making weight adjustments, and that alone puts it ahead of other smart gym devices that often lag. Beyond that, Coop says, it's highly versatile, portable, easy to use, and tracks your reps and sets.

'I'm considering reworking my personal home gym now to simplify my space,' Coop says. 'I would use a squat rack, barbell, plates, and the Voltra.' Yup, it's that good. See why he says this in our Beyond Power Voltra review.

The machine attaches to a squat rack or other sturdy object ' you have to buy a separately sold attachment ' and creates up to 200 pounds of digital resistance that feels buttery smooth on just about every movement. There are some movements that require ingenuity to perform, such as bench presses or leg extensions, but Coop still gives it a 5 out of 5 for performance.

The Voltra I has three main modes:

• Weight training: Similar to a cable machine, though you can adjust the eccentric and concentric phase of your movements.
• Resistance band: The machine adds weight the further the cable moves from the machine, similar to how a resistance band feels when stretched.
• Damper mode: Produces light resistance as you run, sprint, or jump from the point of origin. 'Think of a parachute on your body, the harder and amount of force you put against it, the heavier the resistance will be,' Coop says.

It should be noted that you need a squat rack post to workout with the Voltra I, which is why Coop recommends it as part of a minimalistic home gym approach and not as something to replace your entire home gym with. That, and one unit costs more than $2,000.

Yes, that's very expensive but it's a very durable machine that comes with a cable stronger than we've seen on some traditional cable machines and a sturdy magnesium shell. 'The weight of the product is only 13 pounds and creates a resistance of 200 pounds,' Coop says. 'That is crazy to consider that you can have that much resistance with this little of a footprint.'

Plus, there's no monthly subscription fee or extra price for premium features. So while the upfront costs are a lot, that's all you'll pay.

Best Smart Cable Machine: Vitruvian Trainer +

Good for: Those who want to take an interactive home gym on-the-go with them

Vitruvian

Vitruvian Form Trainer+

Product Highlights

• Adaptive weight system that produces weight from 0 to 440 pounds
• Advertised as working similarly to a rack without having to change plates or store any of the weight
• The technology will do it all for you
• However, different from a squat rack, you are able to do over 200 different exercises that target all parts of your body
• All Access Membership costs $39 per month.
• Without the Trainer All Access Membership, you are still able to work exercises and create your own workouts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Full functionality of the machine is available without a subscription (i.e. access to all workout modes)
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 1-year all-access app membership for in-depth data tracking included with purchase (at the time of publish)
• Free shipping
• Provides up to 440 pounds of resistance
• Small and compact
• Relatively easy to move and store
• Workouts led by certified instructors
• Adaptive weight changes as you work out 
• Community challenges and leaderboard
• Tracks several workout metrics 
• Can easily view progress
• Safe and controlled way to exercise
• Provides exercise technique tutorials
• 1 membership allows unlimited profiles
• Lifetime membership available
• Financing available via Affirm 
• Can create your own workouts or follow classes

Cons

• Expensive, as all smart gyms are, with prices starting around $2,900
• Subscription required for in-depth data tracking after trial period ($39/month)
• Accessory kits sold separately
• No hour-long workout classes yet (sessions go up to 43 minutes)
• Can be overwhelming to create your own workouts in the app at first, according to our product tester 
• Buyers are responsible for return shipping if sending the item back

Bottom Line

The Vitruvian Trainer+ is a smart home gym with a fantastic value proposition. For most people, it can replace an entire traditional home gym set up while taking up minimal space and providing and opportunity for in-depth data tracking and coaching.

The Vitruvian Trainer+ is an AI home gym that we love for its portability, adjustability, durability, and versatility. Home gym equipment expert Cooper Mitchell could tell just by touching it that this was a well-built machine that should last many years, with the added bonus of having an app that works as a personal trainer who can adjust the weights for you.

The travel-friendly platform uses an adaptive weight system to create resistance up to 440 pounds, though if the weight becomes too challenging at any time the machine will change it for you. That's a big reason why we chose the Vitruvian over other smart cable machines, and another is that the cables are incredibly smooth every time you use them.

We would've liked to see a feature that allows users to pick their own weights, but the AI technology hasn't let us down yet.

Let's go back to the 440 pounds of resistance'that's a lot of weight for a smart home gym. Digital resistance challenges your muscles more than traditional weights because it requires you to use more stabilizer muscles, so 440 pounds is going to feel more like 540 if you try to deadlift it.

There are a number of attachments available, though you could do dozens of exercise with just the cable and handles to increase your portability if you needed to take this on the road.

Read our full Vitruvian Trainer review.

Best Smart Home Mirror Gym: Tonal

Good for: People who want to lift heavy weights without buying a ton of equipment. 

Tonal Smart Home Gym

Tonal Smart Home Gym

Product Highlights

• AI gets to know you and makes weight adjustments for you
• Up to 200 pounds in digital resistance
• All-in-one gym that takes up minimal space
• Access to on-demand and live classes
• 30-day trial period

Pros & Cons

Pros

• AI gets to know you and makes weight adjustments for you
• Lift up to 200 pounds in digital resistance (much different from free weights)
• All-in-one gym that takes up minimal space
• AI assesses your form and gives real-time cuing
• Access to on-demand and live classes
• 30-day trial period

Cons

• High initial price tag
• Accessories cost extra and are pretty crucial to your workouts
• 12-month initial subscription required (and an additional cost)
• 200 pounds in resistance might not be enough for heavy lifters

Bottom Line

A complete smart home gym that offers versatility in a compact piece of equipment, but at a high price.

Okay, so, contrary to popular belief: Tonal isn't actually a mirror-like the MIRROR or Echelon Reflect. But it has enough similarities and we love it enough that it took the 'best fitness mirror' space in this smart home gym roundup. 

RELATED: Best Workout Mirrors

You can lift up to 200 pounds of resistance with Tonal, which is impressive considering it's entirely virtual weight. I'm no techie, so I can't say I'm exactly sure how the pulley system on the inside of the hardware works. What I do know is that Tonal is a totally badass piece of workout equipment that is great for all fitness levels. 

The downside? Tonal is not cheap. It costs about $4,000 for the machine alone, but could probably catch it for less during holiday sales, like Black Friday or with a Tonal Coupon. The accessories bundle costs $495 extra and comes with a yoga mat, foam roller, smart handles, smart bar, rope, and a nice workout bench. Luckily, Tonal has partnered with Affirm to allow customers to pay over time. 

Tonal offers white-glove delivery, so all you have to do is order and then sit back while the professional installers mount Tonal on the wall of your choosing. 

Amanda, one of our Garage Gym Reviews writers, also tested the Tonal, and her favorite thing about it is the initial strength assessment. Not only does this quick assessment give you an opportunity to fumble around and learn how to use the bilateral resistance arms, but it sets Tonal up to automatically adjust the weight for different exercises and rep schemes. The more you use Tonal, the smarter it gets and the better your recommendations become.

This is part of what makes it our pick for best smart home gym with personal trainer, as well.

Like just about every product in this guide, Tonal requires a monthly subscription to work. For $59.95/month on top of the purchase price (youch), you get access to the smart AI features and library of workouts and programs. 

I truly believe that this one fitness machine can fully replace your fitness studio or gym membership forever'as long as your preferred method of fitness is weight lifting. 

Read my full Tonal review and our full in-depth Tonal vs. Tempo comparison!

Best Smart Gym Equipment for Beginners: Speediance

Good for: Novices or those who are new to strength training and/or smart gym equipment

Speediance

SPEEDIANCE Gym Monster Home Gym

Product Highlights

• All-in-one smart home gym 
• Digital resistance 
• Space saving design 
• Full body training

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-in-one piece of fitness equipment
• No subscription fee to access workouts (!)
• Can support strength training, cardio, and HIIT
• Weight increments of 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
• Frame folds to save space when not in use
• Guided instruction is good for beginners
• Can target all muscle groups with it
• Foldable space-saving design
• Ready to use out of the box
• Versatile design can be: rower, ski machine, and squat rack

Cons

• Limited user reviews
• Maximum weight of 220 lbs (still enough for most people though)
• Resistance mechanism glitches/catches during use
• Limited workout library compared to other options
• Reviews report trouble contacting customer service
• Accessories are extra and crucial to the versatility of the machine

Bottom Line

The Speediance Gym Monster Home Gym is an expensive option for a smart and compact functional trainer.

Our experience with Speediance led us to this conclusion: This is a smart home gym designed for beginners. The resistance goes up to 110 pounds per arm, which might not sound like a lot but digital resistance is much more challenging than free weights or machines, so it's perfect for people just starting their strength training journey. And yes, it's quite pricey but you won't find a more affordable smart gym setup that offers the same versatility and ease of use as the Speediance.

Since this is more geared toward beginners, the workout programming isn't as comprehensive or thorough as something like Tonal or Peloton. That said, GGR Facility Manager Sam Presley was impressed with how the digital home gym's weight shifted between settings.

'For instance, you can definitely feel a difference between having it in barbell mode versus chains,' Sam says. 'It definitely feels like a chain simulation when lifting with it.'

The pulleys hitch from time to time, but only slightly. The main selling point is Speediance is much more compact than other Tonal competitors and doesn't require a monthly subscription'a rarity when it comes to electronic home gym equipment.

Your setup depends on which package you purchase. All Speediance orders come with a platform, frame, and two pulleys. Other attachments include a weight bench, a rowing side rail, a small barbell, ankle straps, ski erg handles, smart handles, and a tricep rope.

Read our full Speediance review.

Best Smart Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial

Good for: Those who want a studio-like experience in the comfort of their own home

Best Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial

Product Highlights

• Spacious running deck
• Compatible with iFIT
• 14-inch touchscreen
• Incline and decline training
• Financing available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT
• 3.5 CHP motor
• Free trial of iFIT subscription with purchase
• Treadmill with incline and decline training
• Foldable to save space (EasyLift Assist)
• Run that feels similar to road running
• Financing options available through NordicTrack
• Generous speed range
• Wide running deck
• Cooling fan

Cons

• Big footprint
• Heavy and not the easiest to move
• Price is around $2,000
• Warranty is voided if the treadmill is used/stored in a garage

Bottom Line

If you're looking to add a workhorse of a treadmill to your home gym, we recommend the NordicTrack Commercial .

To be honest, The NordicTrack Commercial is our top choice for smart treadmills because of its iFIT programming. The courses and instructions are top-notch, rivaling the cult-favorite Peloton app, and every iFIT machine comes with automatic trainer control, which allows your trainer to adjust the treadmill's speed and incline/decline (this feature can be turned off).

RELATED: Best Treadmills

'The automatic iFIT adjustments were seamless with the video workouts,' says our expert product tester Lauren.

To answer your question, yes you'll need a monthly subscription for this treadmill. Technically you could use it without one, though you'd lose access to everything that makes this treadmill worthwhile.

You get a 14-inch touchscreen that displays your time, distance, calories, speed, and heart rate. Certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything, says it's easy to use. 'I'm pretty sure if you can read, you can easily find what you are looking for,' she says in our NordicTrack Commercial review.

The treadmill itself is also nice, with all three of our expert product testers rating it 4.5 or higher (Lindsay gave it a 5 out of 5). 'The deck is well cushioned, with runners flex cushioning allowing you to soften impact on your joints or simulate road running,' she says. Speaking of simulating road running, you get incline and decline adjustments ' most treadmills come with incline, though decline is something rarely found on similar cardio machines.

If you've used this treadmill before, just know that it was updated in so there may be some differences. We found that the speakers were better, the incline and decline adjustments were quicker, and the screen was much nicer at 14 inches, compared to the old 10-inch screen it used to have.

Best Smart Rower: Aviron Strong Go Rower

Good for: Anyone who wants a luxurious rowing experience and a highly connected machine. 

Best Smart Rower

Aviron Strong Go Rower

Product Highlights

• Dual air and magnetic resistance
• Use your own device to stream app
• Games, coached classes, scenic workouts
• Aluminum construction
• Upright storage capability

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quiet belt
• Vertical storage
• 507-lb weight capacity
• 30-day risk free trial

Cons

• Bulky, not foldable
• No built-in screen

Bottom Line

The Aviron Strong Go rower is a strong, durable rowing machine that offers dual air and magnetic resistance, which means you'll have tons of adjustments and customizations. To use the Aviron app, you'll need your own device but following along makes workouts more fun and engaging.

The Aviron Strong Go Rower is the modern rower, and it's one of the best rowing machines out there. It might seem strange to pick a rower without a touchscreen, but it cuts on costs and just about everyone has a smartphone or iPad they can use for the Aviron app.

Speaking of the Aviron app, the $25 per month app gives you access to virtual workouts filmed around the world and a large number of video game-like classes. The on-demand and live workout classes are some of the most interactive and gamified experiences we've had with any piece of home gym equipment.

Powrloo supply professional and honest service.

There are eight workout types to choose from:

• Individual or team games
• Coached workouts
• Power Play, guided and community games
• Scenic rowing
• Live competition
• Guided programs (on and off rower)
• Pros vs Joes (racing against professional athletes)
• Streaming

Let's get into the rower itself: Right off the bat, we're big fans of the adjustable footrests, which allow you to change the width and height of where the footplate. We have a teammate with a size 15 shoe, and this machine fits him just as well as those of us with average-sized shoe.

Secondly, the seat is only 20 inches from the ground which makes it easier to get on or off the seat, and it's easier to step over.

There's also the upright storage and durable aluminum frame.

Best Portable Smart Gym Equipment: MaxPro SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine

Good for: Those who are on the go or have limited home gym space.

Best Portable

MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine

Product Highlights

• All-in-one machine that works different muscle groups
• Lightweight at 9 lbs
• Small footprint at 16' L x 10' W x 4' H
• Produces resistance up to 300 lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Small footprint
• Produces resistance up to 300 lbs

Cons

• Pricey for a small piece of equipment
• Sub-par accessories
• Compatible app is not streamlined

Bottom Line

The MaxPRO SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine is a lightweight and portable full body machine, which offers up to 300 pounds of resistance. This makes it an extremely versatile piece of portable equipment with a small footprint.

We've used the MaxPro SmartConnect Portable Cable Machine on the beach and in parking lots, and it performs as well on the road as it did in our testing headquarters. The best part is you don't have to attach it to anything to use, though there is a door mounting bracket if you want to use it for upper-body movements, and it weighs under 10 pounds while producing up to 300 pounds of resistance.

'At first, the cables weren't quite as smooth as I would have liked, but they simply needed a break-in period,' Coop notes, giving it a 4 out of 5 for workout performance. He took one point off because you're only getting concentric resistance, so you're not working your muscles as hard as you could be if there was eccentric resistance as well.

Additionally, if you're not using the MaxPro bench it might be hard to do a bench press or shoulder press. You'd have to find something to weigh down the machine that also allows you to be in the right position for the pressing movement. Still, there's dozens of movements you could do just from a standing or sitting position.

There is an app where certified personal trainers guide you through strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and track your reps and sets, though Coop found the app to be a bit clunky and said there were times it didn't connect to the machine.

On the bright side, the app isn't required for you to use the machine and you still get a lot of cool features with the free version (the premium version is $19.99 per month and gives you access to more personalized workout data and additional classes).

You have to keep it charged, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on packing it in your travel bag.

Best All-in-One Smart Home Gym: NordicTrack Fusion CST

Good for: People who want a machine that can give a full-body workout and monitor your form

Best All in One

NordicTrack Fusion CST

Product Highlights

• Fusion CST base
• Device stand
• Two ankle straps
• Two squat pulleys
• Six cable ends
• Bluetooth chest strap
• 10-inch tablet display
• Attached flywheel

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compatible with iFIT programming
• 10-Year Frame Warranty
• Quiet magnetic resistance
• Device holder

Cons

• Heavy at 378 lbs
• Customer service could be better
• 100 lbs of max resistance might not be enough for everyone

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a functional trainer with interactive programming, the NordicTrack Fusion CST might be a good option for you.

The NordicTrack Fusion CST is the way to go if you want good quality exercise equipment, virtual personal training, and a full-body workout all in one purchase. This is like your standard cable machine, except it comes with a mirror in the middle that can help you monitor your form as you perform various movements.

There's a small ledge where you can place a smartphone or iPad to follow iFIT workouts. You'll still get automatic trainer control, which allows the virtual trainer to adjust the weight for you during your workout. We haven't tried this machine out for ourselves, yet, though we've read multiple positive customer reviews and we know NordicTrack is a trustworthy brand.

RELATED: Dumbbells vs Kettlebells

You get 20 levels of magnetic resistance that range between 10 to 100 pounds, and the cables can travel up to 95 inches for optimal range of motion.

Best Virtual Personal Training Program: Future 

Good for: People who want accountability from a trainer and an app that integrates with Apple products. 

Future

Future

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredible user interface; very well designed and intuitive
• Choose your own coach based on your personal preferences and goals
• Lots of variety in your workouts

Cons

• $199 per month membership cost
• No real-time coaching from your trainer

Bottom Line

Although it costs about $200 a month, Future features a user-friendly interface, customizable programming, and excellent support from your personal coach.

There are a gazillion fitness apps and online workout programs out there. From the most basic apps that spit out some exercise names and call it a day, to the most advanced and comprehensive apps that give you face-to-face time with a certified trainer, there are options for everyone. 

Future is a fan-favorite among the Garage Gym Reviews team, and it falls somewhere in the middle as far as accountability goes: You get matched with a trainer who writes your virtual workouts based on your fitness level, goals, equipment, and other factors. You can message your trainer at any time, but there are no live face-to-face video sessions (other than the initial FaceTime call to discuss goals and strategy). 

RELATED: Best Personal Training App

Future works with an Apple Watch and some Android-compatible fitness trackers, and if you don't have one, they'll send you one for a $199 deposit that you get refunded for when you're done with the program. If you want to keep the watch, you pay the difference between the deposit and the cost Future paid to buy the watch.

Because of the integration with Apple Watch and iPhone, the tracking feels seamless and intuitive. The user interface is simple, navigable, and enjoyable to use. It feels like a high-end experience. 

Future is expensive at $199 for a month membership. Although it is certainly cheaper than hiring a live personal trainer, it is way more expensive than, say, a Peloton monthly membership of $14 per month or even the beloved iFit membership of $39 per month. You have to decide if the extra accountability of a live person is worth the extra cash.

However, Future does recognize that fitness is personal and offers a 30-day risk-free trial period. If you decide Future isn't for you, you can easily cancel with no fees or penalties. You can also always switch coaches if you need a different style of coaching to succeed. 

Read my full Future review.

Best Smart Bike: Peloton Bike

Good for: Those who want the best smart bike with an elite community to keep you motivated

Best Smart Bike

Peloton Indoor Exercise Bike

Product Highlights

• 21.5' touchscreen for immersive training
• Live classes and on-demand cycling sessions
• Leaderboard-style competition
• Adjustable screen, seat, and handlebars
• 5-megapixel front-facing camera
• Bluetooth connectivity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Immersive experience
• Access to thousands of classes, challenges, and a large variety of workout options
• Compact footprint
• Sleek design
• Financing options
• 'Try before you buy' option

Cons

• Disappointing warranty
• Membership is required to use bike
• Expensive
• Shipping is not included

Bottom Line

One of the more expensive options for virtual biking, the Peloton Bike is designed to be an all-in-one fitness solution on a high-quality cardio machine. You're paying not only for the bike, but the unique training experience it makes accessible from the comfort of your home.

Every smart bike these days is compared to the Peloton Bike, and it's still one of the best exercise bikes despite not being as big as it once was. Just as with other picks on this list, it's not the bike that we like so much as its live and on-demand workout classes and community that made it famous to begin with.

The instructors are some of the most motivating coaches on the planet, many of whom have been credited in countless weight loss and fitness stories, and there's still an undeniable rush every time your name is called out during class.

Peloton also gives you three ways to access its Peloton app:

• Free: Limited classes
• Peloton App One: Three monthly cardio equipment classes and unlimited strength classes, plus programs and challenges. $12.99 per month, with a seven-day free trial.
• Peloton App+: Unlimited cardio equipment and strength workout classes, programs and challenges, plus exclusive classes. $24 per month, with a seven-day free trial.

RELATED: Peloton Alternatives

While Peloton's on-demand and live workout classes gets a perfect, no notes 5 out of 5, the bike itself is a different story. As certified personal trainer and Garage Gym Reviews Editor Nicole Davis points out in her Peloton Bike review, the seat is not comfortable and it requires Delta-compatible cycling cleats.

The magnetic resistance is smooth and quiet, according to Nicole, who also points out that the bike is lightweight and easy to move around your home gym or workout studio.

Are Smart Home Gym Worth It?

At the end of the day, we have to say that home gyms are worth it'depending on who's asking. Do you have a busy schedule and don't have time to make it to a gym or a personal training session? Smart home gyms offer convenience and accountability. Are you someone who enjoys lifting free weights? Then smart home gyms aren't worth it.

RELATED: Best Elliptical Machine

At the end of the day, smart home gyms are meant for people who need a quick workout at home and a way to track their progress. They're also a good choice for people who are low on space.

How We Chose the Best Smart Home Gym Equipment 

After all of our Garage Gym Reviews product testers spent some hands-on time with various smart home gym equipment, we compiled a shortlist of contenders for this guide. We chose one product that we believe is the best in each category'rowers, treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, programming, fitness trackers, workout mirrors, and all-in-one home gyms'based on a number of criteria, including: 

Price

Many of these machines, because of the technology included with them, can be quite pricey. We tried to find the best smart home gym equipment that wasn't outrageously expensive.

Monthly subscriptions

With very few exceptions, smart home gym equipment is going to require a monthly subscription for you to take full advantage of the product. We wanted to find ones that were reasonable and were either equal to or less than what you'd pay for a monthly gym membership.

RELATED: Best Fitness Trackers

Financing options

As always, we wanted to find gym equipment that could be financed to make the asking price a little more bearable.

Workout experience 

We wanted the workout experience on these machines to be fun and engaging, as well as effective for your fitness goals.

Smart features 

What type of smart features do these machines have? We looked at artificial intelligence, built-in workouts, automatic tension control, and many other features.

Audio and visual quality 

It's cool if a treadmill or exercise bike has a built-in screen, but we didn't want something that looked like it was running on Windows 97.

Connectivity and device compatibility 

We looked at whether the machines offered BlueTooth and/or WiFi connectivity.

Space, footprint, and portability

How big were the machines, and could they be moved easily? This is a question we ask of all home gym equipment.

Delivery and setup experience

Is there professional assembly options, and how easy was it to get the smart technology setup so you could start using it?

How to Choose the Best Smart Home Gym Equipment for You

Selecting smart home gym equipment for your gym will have a lot to do with three factors unique to you: your budget, your space, and your training preferences.

Budget

Budget will be top-of-mind for most people looking for smart home gym equipment. This stuff is expensive, and if you want to build out an entire smart home gym, you should be prepared to pay top-dollar. 

Luckily, most of our top picks for the best smart home gym equipment, if not all of them, have financing options available. Many fitness companies partner with Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay, and other pay-over-time services that don't affect your credit. Some brands use traditional personal loan servicing to offer to finance. Be sure to read the fine print thoroughly if you finance your smart home gym purchases. 

Space

Second to budget, space will largely dictate your smart home gym buys. If you have a ton of space and a ton of money, you can build an entire smart home gym with our top picks from every category. If you only have a small amount of space for a home gym, your best bet is to go with Tonal or Tempo, which both pack a lot of variety and versatility into a relatively small package of compact workout equipment.

Training Style  

Your preferred training style and fitness goals should influence your final choice. If you've never rowed before and have little to no interest in rowing, for instance, breeze right on by the Hydrow or CITYROW Go Max Rower and pick something better suited to your wants and needs. 

For those who like to do a little bit of everything, I recommend purchasing smart home gym equipment that uses interactive fitness programming not limited to the hardware you buy. For example, iFit powers the workouts on the ProForm Pro treadmill, but iFit also has strength workouts, yoga flows, high-intensity interval training, and other types of workout classes you can do. 

Smart Features

It makes sense that you should look for smart features in something labeled as smart home gym equipment. Some features to look out for include: 

• Interactive programming 
• Live and on-demand classes
• Real-time feedback on exercise technique
• Artificial intelligence programming 
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity 
• Device compatibility 

Don't forget to look for the basics, too: 

• Display and/or touchscreen
• Speakers/audio 
• Cameras

Related: Take a look at our CLMBR review

Warranty

Check to see what type of coverage the manufacturer offers on all parts of the machine, including the screen if it has one. Unless you're a tech expert, it's going to be hard to fix or replace a lot of the equipment on smart home gym equipment so you'll want to make sure you're covered if anything happens.

Benefits of A Smart Home Gym

Listen, we're fans of the good old-fashioned clang and bang weights we all grew up with and there will always be a place for that type of equipment. But the world is changing, which means fitness should change with it. Smart home gyms can be a great way for many people to achieve their strength training or fitness goals.

Artificial intelligence

Make as many SkyNet jokes as you want, but AI can help people who may not have access to a personal trainer learn how to work with proper form on things like lifting and running.

Convenience

Between the built-in workouts and AI personal trainers, smart home gym equipment offers a great amount of convenience for those who may be tight on time.

Versatility

Smart home gyms allow you to access dozen, if not hundreds of workouts that may not have been accessible through free weights. This can help shake up your fitness routine and address any weaknesses in your strength or physique.

Smart Home Gym Equipment FAQs

Answering some commonly asked questions about smart home gym equipment: 

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