Get Fitter With the Best Smart Home Gyms, as Tested and Recommended by a Fitness Expert

Why we like it: The NordicTrack X24 is one of NordicTrack’s newest treadmills, and it offers a max 40% incline. This high incline lets you enjoy a variety of workouts, including hiking. If you want to walk or run at a decline, it also has a minus 6% max option.

NordicTrack's trademark SmartAdjust feature automatically adjusts your incline and speed. This function activates during an iFIT workout since the speed and incline are adjusted automatically based on the instructor’s cues. Considering the commercial size of this treadmill, you can enjoy it whether you walk, run or jog.

The 24-inch touchscreen is big enough that you can view an iFIT class (through NordicTrack’s workout app) clearly or your favorite Netflix show, as long as you have the iFIT Pro membership ($40 per month). If you’re an iFIT member, you also have access to iFIT’s AI Coach, which functions as a personal assistant and schedules your workouts.  

Who it’s best for: This treadmill is best for the serious runner or those who enjoy hiking. The steep 40% incline and other treadmill features are beneficial whether you’re training for a race with various inclines or you enjoy a challenge when walking. You can also connect to third-party streaming apps, such as Netflix and Prime Video, to keep you entertained during your workout.

Who shouldn't get it: This treadmill is large because it's commercial-sized. Therefore, if you opt to buy it, make sure you have plenty of room to keep it. I had just enough space to test it in my home, but I would still recommend making sure you have more than enough space around it. This is important if you plan to do the iFIT classes and need to pivot the screen for your floor workouts.

I didn't love the design on the speed and incline buttons because they’re flush with the treadmill and sometimes required me to press them multiple times to adjust these features. This isn’t helpful when you’re sweaty mid-workout and trying to adjust your speed quickly. 

Why we like it: The Cross Training Bike Plus is the newest version of the Peloton Bike. Peloton made some upgrades, such as an extra-cushioned seat and an HD touchscreen that now rotates 360 degrees, so you can work out from anywhere on the floor. The 23.8-inch full HD touchscreen also includes a camera, which gives you access to Peloton’s AI-powered feature, Peloton IQ. 

Peloton IQ is Peloton's personal trainer experience during strength training sessions, counting reps, identifying the weights you’re lifting and checking your exercise form. The camera captures your body in frame during your workout, allowing you to use this feature.

Who it’s best for: The Cross Training Peloton Bike Plus is best for new Peloton fans who enjoy cycling and group fitness classes. If you like the idea of having an AI coach, you’ll like the Peloton IQ feature. Plus, having the bike makes it multi-functional for other workouts besides cycling.

Who should not get it: If you already own the original version of the Peloton Bike or Bike Plus, you won’t get a trade-in deal for the upgraded version. That means you’ll spend $2,695 to upgrade a bike you already own just to get the camera function. I also thought Peloton IQ could use some improvements. Until some changes are made, it may not be worth replacing your old bike for a new one.

If you purchase the Cross Training Peloton Bike, you can still take advantage of some of the Peloton IQ features without the camera. The all-access membership also went up in price (originally $45, now $50) -- regardless of whether you own one of the new machines.

What we like about it: The Tonal 2 is the second version of Tonal, a strength training smart home gym that became popular in the fitness community, along with endorsements by athletes such as LeBron James and Serena Williams. It resembles a cable machine combined with a touchscreen TV and is intended to replace your dumbbells, barbells and weight plates while saving space in your home. It has 13 sensors to track your form and technique, while the smart handles and bar accessories (an optional, additional $495) have a gyroscope motion sensor that keeps track of your reps. 

The latest version of Tonal also includes a smart view, which allows you to view yourself as you do your workout and has an Aero feature, which allows you to use it for cardio or HIIT classes. Tonal 2 uses up to 250 pounds of total resistance and calibrates your weights for different exercises based on your initial fitness assessment. Before you start a workout, Tonal can also tell which muscle groups are fatigued on the day of your workout and make sure to work around them. 

Tonal offers thousands of on-demand and live workouts for beginners to advanced athletes. It even has five dynamic weight modes that make your workout harder and function like a personal trainer. If you don't want to take a class, you can use the Tonal on its own and customize your own workout while still receiving the same feedback you would in class. You can also connect your Amazon Music or Apple Music account and listen to your own music during your workout.  

Who it’s best for: Tonal 2 is best for the serious weightlifter or someone who is into strength training, but wants more guidance during their workouts. They’ll appreciate the 250 pounds of total resistance and especially being able to view themselves as they do their workout. It is a big investment at $4,295, so it’s best for the exerciser who plans on being committed to using it. 

Who should avoid it: I would avoid buying the Tonal 2 if you know you aren’t going to be consistent with your strength training workouts. I also wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have the space for it or the budget. The original Tonal was cheaper, and I didn’t find the upgrades to be worth the big price jump this time around. It also requires 7 feet of wall space and floor space. If the next iteration has more unique features and functions, then I might say the price point is worth it.