A Review of the Top Workout Mirrors Available

09 June 2023 1174
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If you’d peered into a crystal ball thirty years ago, you might have seen zero-gravity workout classes, marathons on the moon, and magical mirrors that broadcasted your favorite fitness trainers into the living room. While the former two are still a work in progress (get on it, NASA), those magic workout mirrors have arrived in homes across the world. 

Not totally sure what a workout mirror actually means? We’ll explain. Remember the era of Jane Fonda teaching millions to dance via VHS? Fitness mirrors are the 21st-century version of that. While these devices blend effortlessly into the background of your home, once you turn them on, you have hundreds — yes, really — of fitness classes at your fingertips. Whatever way you love to move (think: HIIT, yoga, strength training, and more) you can conjure an instructor onto the screen to teach you. While every fitness mirror offers on-demand classes for your at-home workouts, many also feature live classes and personal training, so there are plenty of opportunities to work out your way. 

The workout mirror market is a crowded (pricey!) place, so we decided to take some of the guesswork out of your decision. We ordered and installed each mirror so we could see the whole setup process food ourselves and tried them out three-plus times a week for four weeks total. Then we rated them on ease of setup, how good they looked in our homes, and—of course—the value of the classes themselves. Below, read our honest reviews of seven fitness mirrors.

There’s so much to love about the Tempo Studio, starting with how easy it was to set up and use our pick for best workout mirror overall. Setup took mere minutes, and there's no complicated hardware to install. We’re obsessed with how effortlessly the Tempo Studio camouflages into any space, and the storage cabinet under the mirror comes pre-loaded with plenty of weights. As far as classes and workout options go, you can choose personalized workout plans based on your goals, join live workouts, and join challenges, all of which we tested and enjoyed during our trial. This smart mirror also offers real-time feedback on squatting form, curling form, and more using a camera inside of the mirror. You can stream your own music, and there are plenty of classes to choose from (we did, however, find the search and filter function a little lacking). 

Unfortunately, real-time feedback hasn’t hit every workout modality on the device just yet. It’s mostly available for HIIT and strength training classes, but not yoga or barre at the time of publishing this piece. One editor noted that because her barre class didn’t have the feature just yet so she wasn’t always sure if her form was on point. The weight bench ($295) and heavier plates (prices vary) are also sold separately, so be prepared to add those on. 

Dimensions: 72” H x  26” W x 16' D | Subscription: $39 per month | Accessories Included: Tempo Studio, 5 mm workout mat, 2 x 7.5lb dumbbell, 4x weight collars, 75lbs of weights  | Music Options: Play your own music | Class Options: on-demand and live classes, personal training

We loved the sheer variety of classes offered by this device. There are 10,000 classes built-in across 60 fitness modalities and plenty of live classes, too. Plus, these instructors are bonafide experts from some of the hottest names in group fitness, thanks to a partnership with boutique studios like Barry’s, Y7, and Rumble Boxing. The Lululemon Mirror is also, well, a vibe. It looks great in any room and disappears into the background when not in use. It also functions as a regular old mirror for an after-class selfie. 

On the downside, the basic Lululemon Mirror doesn’t come with any accessories, and even the Mirror Pro ($1,253) only comes with one pair of studio weights (you get to choose from a range of 1lb to 35lb dumbbells), resistance bands, a yoga mat, a foam roller, a sweat towel, and a yoga block. So anyone who’s a strength training lover may have to purchase more weights to get an effective workout. 

Dimensions: 56” H x 22.4“ W x 1.4” D | Subscription: $39 | Accessories Included: base model comes with just the mirror; a combination of dumbbells, resistance bands, and other accessories in plus, pro, and family models | Music Options: pop, rock, dance, hip hop, or your own music | Class Options: on-demand and live classes, personal training

The personal training offered by this mirror is absolutely amazing and left us blown away. Our editor had a fantastic time with four or more one-on-one sessions per week. The instructor also took the time to ask her about her fitness level, goals, and current schedule and habits, spending 15 to 20 minutes on this initial consultation. The Forme Studio experience is luxurious from the workouts themselves to its clean and modern aesthetic. Plus, it offers on-demand workouts for the ultimate flexibility.

But, there is one downside: anyone who likes to have complete control over their workout music needs to know that you won't be able to play your own tunes with this device. You'll have to stick with the pre-programmed playlists.

Dimensions: 68" H x 26.3" W x 2.2" D | Subscription: $49 for the first month, $149 per month after that | Accessories Included: only the mirror; add the barre attachment for $295 | Music Options: popular music | Class Options: personal training, on-demand classes

NordicTrack includes everything you need - every dumbbell and kettlebell is inside of the mirror and ready for action. Our editors loved how simple it was to select a workout and start exercising. Although the device offers every type of class from Pilates to recovery, its strength training sessions really stand out thanks to all the equipment it packs into the device. However, beginners may benefit from having a mirror that gives real-time feedback, which NordicTrack doesn't offer yet.

Dimensions: 72.65" H x 32" W x 22" D | Subscription: $39 per month | Accessories Included: "standalone" model, mirror only; "complete", mirror, dumbbells, kettlebells, yoga blocks, resistance bands | Music Options: popular music | Class Options: yoga, Pilates, strength training, bootcamp, and more

The ease of use with Tonal is a major plus. After purchasing the Smart Accessories (an extra $500 at checkout), it's simple to select a class and begin your workout. Tonal offers a wide variety of metrics to track your weights and progress, making it easy to have a well-rounded fitness routine. Our Shape commerce editor, Kristen Geil, says, "Using the Tonal is just a premium experience. I love that the machine tracks my movements and form to automatically add weight when I'm ready to move to the next level. It takes all the guesswork out of strength training." She also praises the Bluetooth-enabled accessories, which allow you to turn weight on and off at the press of a button. This makes getting in and out of lifting position much easier and safer.

However, it's important to note that this device is not worth the price without the extra "Smart Accessories," which brings Tonal's price tag to over $4,500 (plus the $60 per month subscription). Also, while setup was smooth for our editors, it's still a major installation in your home, making it difficult to move around.

Dimensions: 50.9" H x 21.5" W x 5.25" D | Subscription: $60 per month | Included: the mirror; addons: barbell, rope, bench, roller, handles, workout mat | Music Options: stream your own music | Class Options: on-demand classes, live classes

If you're a beginner, the ProForm Vue fitness mirror is the perfect choice. Their "Reflective Training" classes focus on proper form and easy-to-follow instructions, making it easy to move, lift, and sweat safely. This set of classes is accessible to all levels and offers simple yet effective workouts. You can easily see your reflection and the instructor's at the same time, allowing you to compare and adjust your form as needed.

ProForm Vue is an exceptional workout mirror that comes equipped with iFit technology. It provides access to countless instructors catering to various levels of fitness. Additionally, ProForm Vue includes all the required weights to kickstart a fitness journey that lasts. After finishing a workout, users can conveniently stow the weights away. It's noteworthy that our editors found it easy to install, taking less than 30 minutes to set up.

However, there are some downsides worth considering. The content isn't unique to ProForm Vue and can be streamed on any device with an iFit subscription. The device itself is bulky and less sleek when compared to other mirrors on this list.

The Echelon Reflect has similar features to Lululemon Mirror and ProForm Vue. However, we found the workout classes to be comparatively easy and lacking in variety. Its instability on the stand was also concerning, even though it can be mounted on the wall. Nevertheless, we were ultimately disappointed with its stability, needing to hold onto the mirror while pressing the screen to keep it in place.

Our team tested these workout mirrors three times a week for four weeks, following a range of exercise programs from barre classes to dance cardio to strength training, evaluating metrics, ease of installation, and workout class quality.

Anthony Vennare, co-founder of Fitt Insider and Fitt Capital, defines workout mirrors as devices that provide high-quality follow-along content, ideal for individuals who don't have the time or opportunity to visit a fitness studio regularly. They offer access to world-class trainers, making it possible to work out with expert guidance in the comfort of your home.

Installation of workout mirrors varies. Mounting them on walls or leaving them freestanding is possible. Some like Tonal require professional installation. Careful consideration is necessary when attempting self-installation as these mirrors can weigh over 70 pounds.

Monthly subscription fees to access the classes offer significant savings when compared to the cost of boutique studio classes. The subscription fees for the workout mirrors tested range from $39 to $60, significantly less than what traditional workout studios offer for a single class. However, it can be frustrating for users to have to pay a monthly subscription for a product that already costs over $1000.

Dimensions of ProForm Vue are 72.65" H x 24.25" W x 14" D. The subscription fee is $39, with accessories such as a mirror, two 10lb. barbells, four 5lb. dumbbell bars, and two 2.5 lb. weight plates included. Popular music and on-demand and live classes are available. The Echelon Reflect costs $999+ and comes with only the mirror, with additional accessories and subscriptions. It measures 50" H x 20" W x 2" D.

Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Shape, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal, and others. Anthony Vennare is the co-founder of Fitt Insider and Fitt Capital. As a lifelong athlete, strength coach, and former United States Marine, Anthony now works at the intersection of technology, venture capital, and health/fitness. An experienced operator and exited founder, he leads the firm’s investment strategy, working closely with startups at the earliest stages.

 


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