Also, if Tonal goes out of business, your 4k piece of equipment and all its features goes out with it. Iron and steel aren't dependent on anything after you've purchased it.
Odd take on it, but if you were to use a RNG like in for instance the original doom and have it run for the program you are doing, you could have an analog program installed into it if tonal went under. Just gotta figure out how to access it and mod it out.
Not only if they go out of business. but also if in 5 years from now they decide your product is a legacy product and they just don't feel like supporting it anymore, it becomes a paper weight.
A note on "longevity". If you need to move to another location using a commerecial carrier, they charge about $2.00 or more per pound to ship. In our case, the "smart" gym would have been doable. We had to sell or give away all of the dumb gym stuff. Way too expensive to ship.
This is one of the best GGR videos. I am happy with my dumb home gym, but it’s good to see the strong points of the smart gyms described clearly and without hype.
True, though I’ve seen some now that just have a dial and button vs a giant screen. Plus I record reps on my phone anyway, so something like Vitruvian that has no screen but uses an app to set up wouldn’t feel that much like a screen experience. You wouldn’t be looking at it while you’re actually working out.
@@ShawnFumo Yeah, you are right, I also wear wireless headphones and play music on my phone. Rest time between sets are important for strength and muscle gain, but I usually fold laundry then anyway.
@@christopherdouglas4375 I live in a 850 sq ft duplex and I put my squat rack in the smallest room. I control the weights on the eccentric to not annoy my neighbors, and that gives me a better workout too..
I'd be all over a motor actuated functional trainer like tonal but with a simpler interface, no subscription, no programs etc. Just various awesome resistance settings in a compact form factor
Maybe companies like Rogue can build something like that and offer optional personal training subscriptions, but still have the product fully functional with onboard software without ongoing subscriptions.
Vitruvian’s device is pricy but the basic functions work without a subscription. I’m not sure about Speediance but I also see some on Amazon that have physical controls on the device (though don’t go quite as heavy).
People with money buy what cost alot ,thinking that it will make working out easier while getting big. I've used my dumbbells with chains and hung them on my bar because I didn't have enough plates to reach a certain weight. It's amazing what you can use to build muscle without spending a fortune.
This is a good point and I’ve stuck Olympic plates on my spin lock DBs because I ran out of standard plates. Still, I gotta say it is getting old constantly loading and unloading plates. I don’t have a lot of space or a ton of time, so I’ll probably end up getting quick adjustable DBs at the least, but probably will spring for a Vitruvian instead. Yes is pretty expensive but if I can stick it and the bench under the bed, get 440lbs of resistance, be able to change weight basically instantly, and be able to mess with the eccentric-only mode, I think that’ll end up being worth it for me. Especially since it functions without a subscription (even if they’d rather you didn’t lol).
One advantage I’ve found with my #dumbhomegym is that I also enjoy working ON it. I like getting the new piece of equipment, setting it up and optimizing the space the get the most out of it. Even just decorating my gym is super enjoyable and keeps me in a really happy mindset to make sure I go back day after day 🤙
You're insane. I buy a new piece of gear and it sits in the box for weeks, sometimes months, because I don't want to go through the hassle of putting it together.
15:39 "We want to see people move more". That is a great vision for the channel and your company, stick with that and you will achieve great things! On topic: Smart vs Dumb. I say go with the option that will get YOU moving more, that is all that matters.
I think the main factor is cost of entry. You can get jacked at a very low starting point with free weights. The smartgyms are cool but as you pointed out the entry is much, much higher.
I have been watching a few of your video clips. I have been lifting for 40 plus years, have coached track, bodybuilding, have competed in bodybuilding, have a degree in kinesiology, all this, not to toot my horn, but to qualify myself to expertly comment on the gist of all your clips…. Kudos to you. You are a professional you tuber, commentator, observer, with very thorough observation of your subject matter. In an age of Uber consumerism, BS information, pressure selling, I SALUTE you, and THANK you for a job well done. Please, CARRY ON…. Mr. Cynikal
Been a gym rat all my life.. since i was 14.. im now 44... when tonal came out i thought it was a joke for people who didnt know how to work out... i put up decent weight in the gym.. 365lbs bench, 450 deadlift, etc... long story short.. tried a tonal, was blown away, bought one, cancelled gym membership.. havent been in the gym or touched a free weight in over 1 year now... longest i had gone to not touching a free weight before was 1 week ... tonal is incredible.. the constant tension, eccentric mode, chains mode... it provides incredible pumps.... and ive been maintaining my physique and strength .... i was wrong about tonal... unless youve tried it and experienced it.... one cant really understand what it is
More and more companies will come out with smart stuff, so prices will get better. Just like how you can get a €150 smart phone these days that does the same as a €1000 one
I shopped smart and got my rack, spotters, 2 barbells, 400lbs of plates, bench, powerblocks, curl bar, gymnastics rings, and a used C2 rower for less than the price of a peloton bike+ (and way less than a tonal). I am set for life, until I need more plates because of gains, and have already come out ahead after canceling the gym membership a few years ago. No subscription fees either. That's what works for me and I know that might not work for others but it really feels like a cheat code. Plus friends can come and work out too (and I can always turn on the game that I want to watch).
@@musicman7297 everyone has different preferences for cardio. My wife and I like having a stationary bike to keep up the cardio during the winter. We’re also working with a single car garage and only half of that space too. We got the myxbike for the gym. It’s great. It’s the cardio we like to mainly do besides running.
@@musicman7297 the whole smart gym is dumb because if you're serious youre gonna realize buying regular iron is the superior option but if you're not serious youre better off just running, swimming, jump roping, hiking etc. in combination with pushups, pullups, dips, planks, etc. and you'll still get good results.
@@Tee468 Planks are way over rated. I'm 62 and have been working out with freeweights most of my life ,but I neglected my abs for years and I kept eating ice cream, cake, pies and sweets. 8 months ago I said enough. I stopped eating the garbage and I tried planks ,even after getting to 5 minute planks I still could barely do a situp so i started on.. Landmine abs and after that different ways to do leg raises and situps. I lost 35 pounds and got my 6 pack back that I haven't seen in years. I also had chest fat which is gone . I look better at 170 than I did at 155 when I was I real good shape. I have worked out on my concrete patio in Central Florida year around with just a bench, squat rack and a few sets of solid dumbbells and plates. And a cable attached to my patio cover. Most items I got from Craigslist and someone moved and left 280 pounds of plates and a bar laying next to the road with the rest of their garbage.
I guess smart gyms have a place, but for serious lifters, you just can’t replace cold steel and the clanging of metal plates, in my opinion. Think of all those milestones… 2 and 3 plate bench, 3,4 and 5 plate squat, 4 and 5 plate deadlifts. Imagine someone asking you what you bench and you have to reply level 6.5. No tech can ever replace that feeling of loading the plates onto a chalk-ridden bar and smashing a new PR.
I mean I do agree that that is a good experience, but you’re overreaching a bit with the “level 6.5” lol. You’d just say how much weight your PR was. While it wouldn’t be as visceral, going from 100lbs to 200lbs to 300lbs would still feel like a milestone.
One of the most significant omissions in the comparison presented is the cost, or opportunity cost, of the extra space required for a traditional gym. At the current cost of real estate or rental, space is a significant component of calculation.
Would love to see a video on options for low ceiling home gyms! I am working on building out my own and have been scouring UA-cam for resources and suggestions.
@@victorshaffer5633 gotcha, check out The Chicken - Home Gym here on YT, he is a little quirky but has a bunch of videos on equipment and creative ways he performs exercises in his low ceiling basement.
Not all home gym users are powerlifters. If you're not a powerlifter, you don't need a 7 foot barbell or a rack; a smart home gym user can build a fine dumb home gym with just a pair of adjustable dumbbells and a 6 by 4 foot jigsaw foam mat. I mean, really, if someone is trying to decide between either a smart gym or a dumb gym, they're probably not looking to get into powerlifting as there is no smart gym setup for that. So my suggestion of dumbbells and a 4 by 6 mat would be a better comparison if space is a constraint in designing a home gym and someone is trying to decide between a smart and a dumb home gym.
Smart is for sure the future, but I think further into the future. Decently good now, but won't dominate the market for a while. I think there will be subscription-free smart home gyms in the future as well, that have all the features you really need.
As a Tonal owner I'm a big smart gym fan. I've had traditional gym equipment since I was a kid. I was looking at Tonal for something easy to use with my wife that didn't require changing plates. I can't believe how much time it saves with us doing a partner workout in the morning and getting on with our day. Nothing has fit in to our schedule this well. It's almost to good. We can't stop using it to give ourselves a rest. Luckily it has recovery mode to give us a break or we do Yoga. The flexibly is great as well depending on how each of us is feeling we can adjust the intensity of the entire routine or just individual exercises or swap out movements quickly if one person wants to do something else. Dumb equipment may last forever but if you can't fit it in to your life it's pretty useless. I was going to cancel my subscription after the first year but discovered that my insurance pays $20 per month per person for working out so it's a no brainer to keep all of the nice features with the subscription. My wife's wellness program also paid $1k for the price of the machine. Hopefully with competition the price of smart home gyms comes down also if there's more competition maybe they'll offer lower subscription prices if you opt out of the programs. We make our own programs because watching someone else just wastes more time. Speediance looks like a cheaper Tonal knockoff that doesn't require mounting which may be good for people in apartments or don't want to mount something on their walls. www.speediance.com/
Until this video I did not even think in terms of a "dumb home gym." I think in terms of moving weight, start to finish of each session. Putting weight on a bar is moving, taking the weight off is moving, walking back and forth to adjust weight up and down is moving- friction. Moving real weight means breathing correctly, maintaining correct posture, timing sets and reps, setting a schedule and sticking to it. Using your own brain to devise your personal program. In short, I rely on myself and not some electronic algorithm. With iron weights I see what I can lift. I hesitate to believe the accuracy of an electronic screen display.
You left out upgradability, which I think is important. You can always buy a couple more iron plates, but most smart gyms don't go very heavy and there's no way to make them grow with you.
If you have 2 hours and plenty room get iron. If you a 45 min and limited room get tonal. I have have both and always go to tonal , sorry!! Great gains and so smooth no herky jerky cables
I have a 'dumb' home gym, but recently I jumped on the VBT bandwagon and bought a Vitruve device (formerly Speed4lifts). I use it every session on my main compound movements and its really helped. It connects to my iPad and controls when I start and stop sets, assesses my readiness to train, automatically starts rest periods and tells me when to start sets too, plus more. So I guess as Coop suggested, a hybrid approach may be the way forward - it is for me!
Lol lame. Nothing beats the feeling and the stimulus of grinding out of a suer fucking heavy squat and collapsing on the ground after the set with shaking legs
I should probably add that, while it can do everything I mentioned, I don't use all the features every session. The only one I always use is the training readiness. The other features I'll only use if it works for my goals at the time.
Just bought an eccentric Kbox a few months ago. Expensive sure but we’ll worth it for me and my wife. I also supplement it with some adjustable dumbbells and a small rack and bar/bench.
Like you said, each person has their own goals and will likely gravitate towards smart or dumb based on what they are trying to achieve. As for me, I prefer to buy nice, not twice. And the thought of paying for a monthly subscription negates one of the biggest benefits of having a home gym, which is to save money over time without an ongoing monthly membership. I also understand the ultra convenience of a smart gym at home. If money truly isn't an issue and you are strapped for time, the smart gym set-up is likely a winner for you.
There is also the 3rd option/ultra minimalist version of the dumb gym. Get a set of adjustable dumbbells (powerblocks in my case) or resistance bands. You can store them under a bed when not in use and can do basically everything on them. I had just this alone for the first 2 years I trained.
I know smart gyms are here to stay and for the weekend warrior they are probably the way to go....but man o man, give me a DUMB gym and let me RUN WILD!
I am sure it works for some, but half the fun of a classic home gym is you own it for life. A subscription basis for expensive plastic? $10 PF Gym subscription with way more equipment options would be my second choice instead.
I live in WNY and lost power for a whole week during a "freak" October storm several years ago. I didn't miss any of my workouts. In terms of timing, I consider the time it takes to swap out plates as my break between sets. The dumb gym is nice in that you can buy more and more "toys" over time(38 years worth for me) where as you need a boatload of money up front in order to get in the gym space. I started building my home gym at age 14. The average 14 year old back in '84 wouldn't have had 4 grand to start lifting/working out.
I would like to see reviews on multi station systems like the insprefitess M3 that I own. I love mine along with a good bench, dumbells, kettlebells... that is all I need. It wasn't cheap but I don't have a monthly subscription, I don't have to wait my turn to use anything and the system is real solid... lifetime warranty.
As a CS student who loves tech but also loves fitness and physical health, I honestly feel like no matter how much space you have, "dumb" gym equipment will always win at the end of the day, for a few reasons. First of all, just because something CAN be "smart" doesn't mean it's smart to make it "smart". Second, with a "smart" gym, you're looking at i) heavy up front costs, and ii) a high potential for huge costs down the road, because let's be frank about this, will you REALLY love that "smart" gym setup in five, ten, or even twenty years? Third, it's going break or be defective in some way or another. Just look at that thing. It's mounted on the wall. It has a billion moving pieces. It has to be installed PERFECTLY by people working for the company (probably because there's a lot of stuff that CAN break, which opens up the company to lawsuits). In conclusion, if you're able to swing it, getting started with a squat rack, a barbell, some plates, and maybe some attachments to allow you to do stuff like pull-ups will get you very far. If you either can't swing that, or if you don't have enough space, you'll probably be better off just signing up at any gym with free weights.
this is a great video. you should make a video on the best quality home gym you can get with the best equipment for the best cost, like your ideal gym. or a review on your own personal gym and all the equipment you have
Yes! More of that please, this is what you do best and I believe why most of us are watching your channel: home/garage gym reviews, not some Buttery Bullshit. I respect their style, but personally, I mostly find them annoying, and they do not really fit what you stand for. But thanks for THIS video, that was great and entertaining!
Personally I always enjoy investing in nice things that will serve me for the future, whereas I strongly dislike paying tons of money on services. It gives me a feeling of security to know that even when I would go from a well paid job to minimum-wage (however unlikely that may be), my life would still pretty much be the same, as I have already bought all the stuff I need.
@9:00 I somewhat disagree about resale and smart gym especially after you brought up peloton. I've seen many peloton bikes on market place asking less than $1,000 that were no more than couple years old some months old... I've also seen them as little as $500 in the Northeast/ New York area. Depends on the smart tech... It can depreciate much more than some of the dumb home equipment which long-term holds its value. You also don't have to worry about a business going under or a monthly membership increasing in price... it would suck to buy a piece of smart home gym tech for thousands that will not be supported or becomes cost prohibited because of any increase cost to use. I can't say anything for other smart home equipment depreciating after purchase but peloton bikes seem to have taken a huge hit on resale value upfront.
I got a deal from a company in the UK called Mirafit. They sorted me out with a power rack, barbell, 100kg of bumper plated and adjustable bench for around £700. For the price and my fitness needs, it is a great deal.
Space issues aside, less things that can break is always better. After my experience with Nuobells breaking after two months of light use I'll be dumb gym from here on out.
I live in Singapore, come 2028 when my home is finally ready it will be tiny and I can't migrate my current bench and equipment over, probably leaning to smart home gym.
Simply on functionality, cable barbell systems are not safer at heavier loads and inferior in the movement patterns then simple free weights. I’ve used cable barbell systems when traveling either for business or pleasure and the latch gave out on one side while trying to do squats with a cable barbell system. In contrast with a traditional barbell with collared weights and properly set safeties it far safer and the weight will not suddenly let go mid-set.
The best thing about smart gyms is that you can easily lug it to your new house if you decide to move. Have fun shipping your heavy weights if you move. I bet most people will be using these 10 years from now since people move so much nowadays.
"safer way to lift", I'm not entirely sure trusting software with your life over gravity is a good idea. What happens in the rare circumstance where the software of the device bugs out and doesn't reduce the weight? Now you're stuck under a bar and cable with 0 way to get out.
My "dumb" gym is my happy place. I am not a fan of continually paying to use something I already purchased. In my opinion for my goals a smart gym will never live up to my gym.
I wish I had the space for a rack- our free space has low ceilings. But I want to lift at home! I'm fighting the urge to buy one of these smart gyms- the Speediance's free lifetime membership and the option to buy the Vitruvian's lifetime membership are really attractive to me for some reason
These smart home gym videos always feel oddly biased towards smart gyms. The downsides of the smart gym is downplayed and it feels like the downsides of a dumb gym are played up. The biggest con of a smart gym to me is the high barrier to entry. you can have a very flexible home gym for a few hundred bucks, but you cant start with a smart gym unless you have like $5k and you still want to be effectively paying a gym membership. in addition, if you have the money to drop on a smart gym, sorry, but you dont have a space issue. then, if you do have a smart gym, another major issue is that there are dozens of things that could go wrong making your gym unusable. I could agree that smart tech is the future of gym equipment, but i dont think this generation of tech is it.
My main hangup with a "dumb" gym is the cost to heat/cool and insulate the garage, followed by the desire to park in it, limiting gym space. My main hangup with a smart gym is the subscription cost, followed by support issues
For us living in terraced housing stock in the uk smart gym is the smarter choice. the missus doesnt allow me to get one of those multi functional rack trainer things. :( - hence why i went with vitruvian.
I think your friction comment is off the mark. There is physical benefit in loading and unloading plates, , moving the bar and the bench, etc. And there is something very conducive to immersing oneself in a workout in the sensory side of setting up the equipment. Moving and loading the plates, setting up the pins on the rack, placing the bench just right in the rack, moving the heavy DBs into position to the knees and then up to the start of the press. On the programming side, there are lots and lots of good programs available, free, for barbelll and dumbell workouts. And all of us, after a while, understand how to put together a program that will work. How many variations are there of the programs that Total and others offer? The movements themselves are limited in comparison with what you can do with a rack, a barbell set, dbs, a landmine, maybe a couple of bands.
I think the smart home gym will be more accesible in price in a few years. But the subscription is what really loses it for me. Would be down to pay more for the convenience, but not if that means I can't use it without subscription or when a company goes out of business. So traditional home gym it is for now. Hopefully will be done at the end of this year.
I've never tried a "smart" gym, but my take on the topic is that I want to be the brains behind my workout. I want to be the smart element here. I enjoy doing my own programming and using my home gym equipment creatively for accessory movements. Planning workouts is half the fun, IMO. I like the feeling of accomplishment of adding that additional plate on bench or squat. Getting a new handle or bar or what-not every now and then also adds to the experience. Doing lots of reps at a limited weight just sounds, well, boring. The last thing I want to do during a workout is stare at some screen and take directions. That seems like work, and lifting is my refuge from work. I can see a smart gym as a good option for somebody who is working out for health reasons or just to look good, and wants to "get in and get out", but if you really love lifting as the hobby, in and of itself, I think you can't beat free weights.
Would love it in your reviews if you gave timelines of expected use according to companies. Especially with these smart gyms, we need companies to complete on durability, otherwise we are going to be paying up front, membership and for the planned obsolescence.
I like the smart gym idea but I think it still needs to evolve. Personally, as someone who like to do the powerlifts, it doesn’t provide enough resistance for the major movements. But, if it did I would consider it. I do like the idea of a power rack with a bar and plates and then the Tonal as a functional trainer but that gets pricey.
How old is Tonal? I can buy plates used from the '70s. The longevity of smart home gyms has not been proven. If the screen cracks then you're in trouble. For me, an all-in-one home gym with two stacks is much more convenient and cost effective. I'll stick with old school. And besides I want to know how I am improving and why. Using a Smart home gym leaves it to the system and their trainers, whom you will never meet. Do they really know you that well, or at all?
Hi Coop, you’re not skinny fat anymore, looking good brother. What are you doing different? Cut sugar? Some testosterone? Make a video about it? Cheers
I think tonal starts looking more attractive when you talk about family fitness. The local ymca charges 160/mo for a family of four and my kids have to be 14+ to use the weights and machines.
You can also make your weights for a lot cheaper too. I would also think the smart home gym would be good for models that you can travel with. Hotel gyms aren't the best and I've never seen an Air BNB with a gym
Also, if Tonal goes out of business, your 4k piece of equipment and all its features goes out with it. Iron and steel aren't dependent on anything after you've purchased it.
Odd take on it, but if you were to use a RNG like in for instance the original doom and have it run for the program you are doing, you could have an analog program installed into it if tonal went under. Just gotta figure out how to access it and mod it out.
@@ChucK_47 I don't want to be like US farmers that have to hack into farm equipment to run it
@@ChucK_47 that's crazy now we have to think of moding it out and hacking it. No thanks! I agree with @cgriesemer I'll stick to my good o'l iron!
@@ChucK_47 really ? Modding it out ? Come on man dumb gyms blows smart gyms away right now. We’ll see in the future though.
Not only if they go out of business. but also if in 5 years from now they decide your product is a legacy product and they just don't feel like supporting it anymore, it becomes a paper weight.
A note on "longevity". If you need to move to another location using a commerecial carrier, they charge about $2.00 or more per pound to ship. In our case, the "smart" gym would have been doable. We had to sell or give away all of the dumb gym stuff. Way too expensive to ship.
This is one of the best GGR videos. I am happy with my dumb home gym, but it’s good to see the strong points of the smart gyms described clearly and without hype.
Many of us spend all day staring at some sort of screen. An hour a day without one in a standard home gym is a nice escape from that reality.
True, though I’ve seen some now that just have a dial and button vs a giant screen. Plus I record reps on my phone anyway, so something like Vitruvian that has no screen but uses an app to set up wouldn’t feel that much like a screen experience. You wouldn’t be looking at it while you’re actually working out.
@@ShawnFumo Yeah, you are right, I also wear wireless headphones and play music on my phone. Rest time between sets are important for strength and muscle gain, but I usually fold laundry then anyway.
The dumb option actually sounds like the smarter choice
👏👏
really the smart home gym is only good if you live in a really small space like a very small house (
Even if I had
@@christopherdouglas4375 just get the Powerblocks that go up to 120LBs and a bench that doubles as a chair. Throw in a door frame pullup bar too!
@@christopherdouglas4375 I live in a 850 sq ft duplex and I put my squat rack in the smallest room. I control the weights on the eccentric to not annoy my neighbors, and that gives me a better workout too..
I'd be all over a motor actuated functional trainer like tonal but with a simpler interface, no subscription, no programs etc. Just various awesome resistance settings in a compact form factor
Maybe companies like Rogue can build something like that and offer optional personal training subscriptions, but still have the product fully functional with onboard software without ongoing subscriptions.
There is one called innpdiggym ua-cam.com/video/L1zj9gDcypM/v-deo.htmlsi=cnoyvtk5EmqBpy53
Vitruvian’s device is pricy but the basic functions work without a subscription. I’m not sure about Speediance but I also see some on Amazon that have physical controls on the device (though don’t go quite as heavy).
I have both, the Smart aspects have kept me engaged for over 3 years nonstop, 5 times a week
People with money buy what cost alot ,thinking that it will make working out easier while getting big. I've used my dumbbells with chains and hung them on my bar because I didn't have enough plates to reach a certain weight. It's amazing what you can use to build muscle without spending a fortune.
IMO when simple plus easy doesn’t work out, most go towards complex plus easy when what they really need is simple plus hard.
@@namepending155 Simply said.
@@freedomrings1420 thanks. I am plagiarizing others though.
This is a good point and I’ve stuck Olympic plates on my spin lock DBs because I ran out of standard plates.
Still, I gotta say it is getting old constantly loading and unloading plates. I don’t have a lot of space or a ton of time, so I’ll probably end up getting quick adjustable DBs at the least, but probably will spring for a Vitruvian instead.
Yes is pretty expensive but if I can stick it and the bench under the bed, get 440lbs of resistance, be able to change weight basically instantly, and be able to mess with the eccentric-only mode, I think that’ll end up being worth it for me. Especially since it functions without a subscription (even if they’d rather you didn’t lol).
One advantage I’ve found with my #dumbhomegym is that I also enjoy working ON it. I like getting the new piece of equipment, setting it up and optimizing the space the get the most out of it. Even just decorating my gym is super enjoyable and keeps me in a really happy mindset to make sure I go back day after day 🤙
You're insane. I buy a new piece of gear and it sits in the box for weeks, sometimes months, because I don't want to go through the hassle of putting it together.
15:39 "We want to see people move more". That is a great vision for the channel and your company, stick with that and you will achieve great things! On topic: Smart vs Dumb. I say go with the option that will get YOU moving more, that is all that matters.
It's not Coop's company anymore. He sold it to some corporate overlords, which is why the formate of GGR has changed so much.
I think the main factor is cost of entry. You can get jacked at a very low starting point with free weights. The smartgyms are cool but as you pointed out the entry is much, much higher.
I have been watching a few of your video clips. I have been lifting for 40 plus years, have coached track, bodybuilding, have competed in bodybuilding, have a degree in kinesiology, all this, not to toot my horn, but to qualify myself to expertly comment on the gist of all your clips…. Kudos to you. You are a professional you tuber, commentator, observer, with very thorough observation of your subject matter. In an age of Uber consumerism, BS information, pressure selling, I SALUTE you, and THANK you for a job well done.
Please, CARRY ON….
Mr. Cynikal
Been a gym rat all my life.. since i was 14.. im now 44... when tonal came out i thought it was a joke for people who didnt know how to work out... i put up decent weight in the gym.. 365lbs bench, 450 deadlift, etc... long story short.. tried a tonal, was blown away, bought one, cancelled gym membership.. havent been in the gym or touched a free weight in over 1 year now... longest i had gone to not touching a free weight before was 1 week ... tonal is incredible.. the constant tension, eccentric mode, chains mode... it provides incredible pumps.... and ive been maintaining my physique and strength .... i was wrong about tonal... unless youve tried it and experienced it.... one cant really understand what it is
Same exact experience for me...Scoffed at Tonal when I first saw that ad; now I consider it to be one of the best purchases of my life.
This is a way better episode then the one about the gym bags. 👍👍👍
Thank god someone said it. I love GGR when they put out videos like this and don't push 'influencer' type content.
@@TheStooch it was just bad
Tonal would be such a great option for a lot of people if it was like 5x more affordable, hopefully that happens in the next 10 years
The subscription price is kinda bs tho at that price you can pay a gym membership
Very doubtful, pretty sure they went up in price
More and more companies will come out with smart stuff, so prices will get better. Just like how you can get a €150 smart phone these days that does the same as a €1000 one
Its just an electric motor with a rope.
I shopped smart and got my rack, spotters, 2 barbells, 400lbs of plates, bench, powerblocks, curl bar, gymnastics rings, and a used C2 rower for less than the price of a peloton bike+ (and way less than a tonal). I am set for life, until I need more plates because of gains, and have already come out ahead after canceling the gym membership a few years ago. No subscription fees either. That's what works for me and I know that might not work for others but it really feels like a cheat code. Plus friends can come and work out too (and I can always turn on the game that I want to watch).
Can’t beat simple iron. But some “smart gym” equipment is nice to throw into the mix. Especially for cardio equipment
LOL, you can shadow box for free and get a cardio workout. It's funny when people think they need to spend money to exercise. Or jump rope .
@@musicman7297 everyone has different preferences for cardio. My wife and I like having a stationary bike to keep up the cardio during the winter. We’re also working with a single car garage and only half of that space too. We got the myxbike for the gym. It’s great. It’s the cardio we like to mainly do besides running.
@@musicman7297 the whole smart gym is dumb because if you're serious youre gonna realize buying regular iron is the superior option but if you're not serious youre better off just running, swimming, jump roping, hiking etc. in combination with pushups, pullups, dips, planks, etc. and you'll still get good results.
@@Tee468 Planks are way over rated. I'm 62 and have been working out with freeweights most of my life ,but I neglected my abs for years and I kept eating ice cream, cake, pies and sweets. 8 months ago I said enough. I stopped eating the garbage and I tried planks ,even after getting to 5 minute planks I still could barely do a situp so i started on.. Landmine abs and after that different ways to do leg raises and situps. I lost 35 pounds and got my 6 pack back that I haven't seen in years. I also had chest fat which is gone . I look better at 170 than I did at 155 when I was I real good shape. I have worked out on my concrete patio in Central Florida year around with just a bench, squat rack and a few sets of solid dumbbells and plates. And a cable attached to my patio cover. Most items I got from Craigslist and someone moved and left 280 pounds of plates and a bar laying next to the road with the rest of their garbage.
I guess smart gyms have a place, but for serious lifters, you just can’t replace cold steel and the clanging of metal plates, in my opinion. Think of all those milestones… 2 and 3 plate bench, 3,4 and 5 plate squat, 4 and 5 plate deadlifts. Imagine someone asking you what you bench and you have to reply level 6.5. No tech can ever replace that feeling of loading the plates onto a chalk-ridden bar and smashing a new PR.
Tesla will never be American muscle!
I mean I do agree that that is a good experience, but you’re overreaching a bit with the “level 6.5” lol. You’d just say how much weight your PR was. While it wouldn’t be as visceral, going from 100lbs to 200lbs to 300lbs would still feel like a milestone.
One of the most significant omissions in the comparison presented is the cost, or opportunity cost, of the extra space required for a traditional gym. At the current cost of real estate or rental, space is a significant component of calculation.
Would love to see a video on options for low ceiling home gyms! I am working on building out my own and have been scouring UA-cam for resources and suggestions.
How low is your ceiling? I have decked out an 87" pretty well, plenty of options from REP etc geared toward us.
@@joecowan3719 my ceiling is only 79" so looks like I’m limited to a half rack
@@victorshaffer5633 short rack/ seated ohp. done 😂
@@victorshaffer5633 gotcha, check out The Chicken - Home Gym here on YT, he is a little quirky but has a bunch of videos on equipment and creative ways he performs exercises in his low ceiling basement.
@@joecowan3719 Chicken is a loser. Looks like he's never even sniffed weights.
Not all home gym users are powerlifters. If you're not a powerlifter, you don't need a 7 foot barbell or a rack; a smart home gym user can build a fine dumb home gym with just a pair of adjustable dumbbells and a 6 by 4 foot jigsaw foam mat. I mean, really, if someone is trying to decide between either a smart gym or a dumb gym, they're probably not looking to get into powerlifting as there is no smart gym setup for that. So my suggestion of dumbbells and a 4 by 6 mat would be a better comparison if space is a constraint in designing a home gym and someone is trying to decide between a smart and a dumb home gym.
Subscription-fees kill all the benefits. I avoid ongoing costs as good as I can, because those are the real moneyburners at the long run.
As someone in a teeny tiny 1 bedroom apartment I’m loving my x3 bar a lot!
Smart is for sure the future, but I think further into the future. Decently good now, but won't dominate the market for a while. I think there will be subscription-free smart home gyms in the future as well, that have all the features you really need.
As a Tonal owner I'm a big smart gym fan. I've had traditional gym equipment since I was a kid. I was looking at Tonal for something easy to use with my wife that didn't require changing plates. I can't believe how much time it saves with us doing a partner workout in the morning and getting on with our day. Nothing has fit in to our schedule this well. It's almost to good. We can't stop using it to give ourselves a rest. Luckily it has recovery mode to give us a break or we do Yoga. The flexibly is great as well depending on how each of us is feeling we can adjust the intensity of the entire routine or just individual exercises or swap out movements quickly if one person wants to do something else. Dumb equipment may last forever but if you can't fit it in to your life it's pretty useless. I was going to cancel my subscription after the first year but discovered that my insurance pays $20 per month per person for working out so it's a no brainer to keep all of the nice features with the subscription. My wife's wellness program also paid $1k for the price of the machine. Hopefully with competition the price of smart home gyms comes down also if there's more competition maybe they'll offer lower subscription prices if you opt out of the programs. We make our own programs because watching someone else just wastes more time. Speediance looks like a cheaper Tonal knockoff that doesn't require mounting which may be good for people in apartments or don't want to mount something on their walls. www.speediance.com/
The points about health benefits subsidizing the costs is an underrated comment.
I wonder what Rip would say about Coop wearing a Starting Strength t-shirt while using Tonal.
Until this video I did not even think in terms of a "dumb home gym." I think in terms of moving weight, start to finish of each session. Putting weight on a bar is moving, taking the weight off is moving, walking back and forth to adjust weight up and down is moving- friction. Moving real weight means breathing correctly, maintaining correct posture, timing sets and reps, setting a schedule and sticking to it. Using your own brain to devise your personal program. In short, I rely on myself and not some electronic algorithm. With iron weights I see what I can lift. I hesitate to believe the accuracy of an electronic screen display.
4:11 Rippetoe is punching the air right now
I appreciate you reviewing these, it might work best for some of us.
You left out upgradability, which I think is important. You can always buy a couple more iron plates, but most smart gyms don't go very heavy and there's no way to make them grow with you.
If you have 2 hours and plenty room get iron. If you a 45 min and limited room get tonal. I have have both and always go to tonal , sorry!! Great gains and so smooth no herky jerky cables
I would also say , you need to try a tonal first. There in mall
Great gains. 3 days a week. The big five compound lifts
I have a 'dumb' home gym, but recently I jumped on the VBT bandwagon and bought a Vitruve device (formerly Speed4lifts). I use it every session on my main compound movements and its really helped. It connects to my iPad and controls when I start and stop sets, assesses my readiness to train, automatically starts rest periods and tells me when to start sets too, plus more. So I guess as Coop suggested, a hybrid approach may be the way forward - it is for me!
Lol lame. Nothing beats the feeling and the stimulus of grinding out of a suer fucking heavy squat and collapsing on the ground after the set with shaking legs
@@fastcar42069 VBT doesn't stop you from doing that, it just regulates it.
@@fastcar42069 I don't see how smart gyms stop that from happening.
I should probably add that, while it can do everything I mentioned, I don't use all the features every session. The only one I always use is the training readiness. The other features I'll only use if it works for my goals at the time.
Your brain is better at regulating your own workout than garbage "AI". AI doesn't exist yet.
Just bought an eccentric Kbox a few months ago. Expensive sure but we’ll worth it for me and my wife. I also supplement it with some adjustable dumbbells and a small rack and bar/bench.
Like you said, each person has their own goals and will likely gravitate towards smart or dumb based on what they are trying to achieve. As for me, I prefer to buy nice, not twice. And the thought of paying for a monthly subscription negates one of the biggest benefits of having a home gym, which is to save money over time without an ongoing monthly membership.
I also understand the ultra convenience of a smart gym at home. If money truly isn't an issue and you are strapped for time, the smart gym set-up is likely a winner for you.
A dumb gym is an investment. Like a good watch, it will appreciate over time.
Smart gym in every hotel room would be great
There is also the 3rd option/ultra minimalist version of the dumb gym. Get a set of adjustable dumbbells (powerblocks in my case) or resistance bands. You can store them under a bed when not in use and can do basically everything on them. I had just this alone for the first 2 years I trained.
Thanks for the great analysis, and for giving us so much to think about!
I know smart gyms are here to stay and for the weekend warrior they are probably the way to go....but man o man, give me a DUMB gym and let me RUN WILD!
I am sure it works for some, but half the fun of a classic home gym is you own it for life. A subscription basis for expensive plastic? $10 PF Gym subscription with way more equipment options would be my second choice instead.
Yesterday I lost power but, workout by flash light. I’m team dumb! 😂
I lost power before, but I got solar and 2 powerwalls. Didn't even notice till i got a notice on my phone.
I live in WNY and lost power for a whole week during a "freak" October storm several years ago. I didn't miss any of my workouts. In terms of timing, I consider the time it takes to swap out plates as my break between sets. The dumb gym is nice in that you can buy more and more "toys" over time(38 years worth for me) where as you need a boatload of money up front in order to get in the gym space. I started building my home gym at age 14. The average 14 year old back in '84 wouldn't have had 4 grand to start lifting/working out.
I would like to see reviews on multi station systems like the insprefitess M3 that I own. I love mine along with a good bench, dumbells, kettlebells... that is all I need. It wasn't cheap but I don't have a monthly subscription, I don't have to wait my turn to use anything and the system is real solid... lifetime warranty.
Awesome breakdown, lots to think about. Thanks for the info
As a CS student who loves tech but also loves fitness and physical health, I honestly feel like no matter how much space you have, "dumb" gym equipment will always win at the end of the day, for a few reasons.
First of all, just because something CAN be "smart" doesn't mean it's smart to make it "smart".
Second, with a "smart" gym, you're looking at i) heavy up front costs, and ii) a high potential for huge costs down the road, because let's be frank about this, will you REALLY love that "smart" gym setup in five, ten, or even twenty years?
Third, it's going break or be defective in some way or another. Just look at that thing. It's mounted on the wall. It has a billion moving pieces. It has to be installed PERFECTLY by people working for the company (probably because there's a lot of stuff that CAN break, which opens up the company to lawsuits).
In conclusion, if you're able to swing it, getting started with a squat rack, a barbell, some plates, and maybe some attachments to allow you to do stuff like pull-ups will get you very far. If you either can't swing that, or if you don't have enough space, you'll probably be better off just signing up at any gym with free weights.
Fully agreed some things are better left dumb
this is a great video. you should make a video on the best quality home gym you can get with the best equipment for the best cost, like your ideal gym. or a review on your own personal gym and all the equipment you have
You’re gonna find a lot of REP equipment in that video lol.
Nothing compares to the feel of a good barbell while performing a heavy lift. It's so rewarding.
Yes! More of that please, this is what you do best and I believe why most of us are watching your channel: home/garage gym reviews, not some Buttery Bullshit.
I respect their style, but personally, I mostly find them annoying, and they do not really fit what you stand for.
But thanks for THIS video, that was great and entertaining!
Personally I always enjoy investing in nice things that will serve me for the future, whereas I strongly dislike paying tons of money on services. It gives me a feeling of security to know that even when I would go from a well paid job to minimum-wage (however unlikely that may be), my life would still pretty much be the same, as I have already bought all the stuff I need.
For what is most likely an influencer agreement post with tonal, this was actually pretty fair and balanced and I still watched
Old school all the way. My grandchildren will be using my equipment, some of which dates to the late 60s or early 70s.
Great video, very informative. I see your wearing a whoop, could u do a review on it . would love a real review on how it works when in the gym.
@9:00 I somewhat disagree about resale and smart gym especially after you brought up peloton. I've seen many peloton bikes on market place asking less than $1,000 that were no more than couple years old some months old... I've also seen them as little as $500 in the Northeast/ New York area. Depends on the smart tech... It can depreciate much more than some of the dumb home equipment which long-term holds its value. You also don't have to worry about a business going under or a monthly membership increasing in price... it would suck to buy a piece of smart home gym tech for thousands that will not be supported or becomes cost prohibited because of any increase cost to use. I can't say anything for other smart home equipment depreciating after purchase but peloton bikes seem to have taken a huge hit on resale value upfront.
I got a deal from a company in the UK called Mirafit. They sorted me out with a power rack, barbell, 100kg of bumper plated and adjustable bench for around £700. For the price and my fitness needs, it is a great deal.
There's no gym smarter than a dumb gym
Space issues aside, less things that can break is always better. After my experience with Nuobells breaking after two months of light use I'll be dumb gym from here on out.
I live in Singapore, come 2028 when my home is finally ready it will be tiny and I can't migrate my current bench and equipment over, probably leaning to smart home gym.
Can I have a spell check at min 3:18 😂😂😂
I've had my dumb gym weights for 50 years and am still using them.
I prefer something that will continue to be a piece of exercise equipment even if the power goes out.
Simply on functionality, cable barbell systems are not safer at heavier loads and inferior in the movement patterns then simple free weights.
I’ve used cable barbell systems when traveling either for business or pleasure and the latch gave out on one side while trying to do squats with a cable barbell system. In contrast with a traditional barbell with collared weights and properly set safeties it far safer and the weight will not suddenly let go mid-set.
I would love to see you to do a review of the upcoming Unitree Pump. It looks pretty solid, considering the company that makes it.
The best thing about smart gyms is that you can easily lug it to your new house if you decide to move. Have fun shipping your heavy weights if you move. I bet most people will be using these 10 years from now since people move so much nowadays.
"safer way to lift", I'm not entirely sure trusting software with your life over gravity is a good idea. What happens in the rare circumstance where the software of the device bugs out and doesn't reduce the weight? Now you're stuck under a bar and cable with 0 way to get out.
Depends on a lot of factors
My "dumb" gym is my happy place. I am not a fan of continually paying to use something I already purchased. In my opinion for my goals a smart gym will never live up to my gym.
I wish I had the space for a rack- our free space has low ceilings. But I want to lift at home! I'm fighting the urge to buy one of these smart gyms- the Speediance's free lifetime membership and the option to buy the Vitruvian's lifetime membership are really attractive to me for some reason
These smart home gym videos always feel oddly biased towards smart gyms. The downsides of the smart gym is downplayed and it feels like the downsides of a dumb gym are played up.
The biggest con of a smart gym to me is the high barrier to entry. you can have a very flexible home gym for a few hundred bucks, but you cant start with a smart gym unless you have like $5k and you still want to be effectively paying a gym membership. in addition, if you have the money to drop on a smart gym, sorry, but you dont have a space issue. then, if you do have a smart gym, another major issue is that there are dozens of things that could go wrong making your gym unusable.
I could agree that smart tech is the future of gym equipment, but i dont think this generation of tech is it.
My main hangup with a "dumb" gym is the cost to heat/cool and insulate the garage, followed by the desire to park in it, limiting gym space.
My main hangup with a smart gym is the subscription cost, followed by support issues
For us living in terraced housing stock in the uk smart gym is the smarter choice. the missus doesnt allow me to get one of those multi functional rack trainer things. :( - hence why i went with vitruvian.
Excellent review!
I think your friction comment is off the mark. There is physical benefit in loading and unloading plates, , moving the bar and the bench, etc. And there is something very conducive to immersing oneself in a workout in the sensory side of setting up the equipment. Moving and loading the plates, setting up the pins on the rack, placing the bench just right in the rack, moving the heavy DBs into position to the knees and then up to the start of the press.
On the programming side, there are lots and lots of good programs available, free, for barbelll and dumbell workouts. And all of us, after a while, understand how to put together a program that will work. How many variations are there of the programs that Total and others offer? The movements themselves are limited in comparison with what you can do with a rack, a barbell set, dbs, a landmine, maybe a couple of bands.
I paid WAAAAY more than Tonal for a "dumb" gym... 😅😩
Where is the Rocky IV montage? It would've been a great occasion to remake that with all the equipment you have access to!
Great content bud. Do you even have to do an arm workout with as much as you swing your arms around during the video?
Nothing like charging a subscription for stuff you already bought. I can't wait until my fridge charges me a monthly fee to keep the freezer working.
The smart home gym just seems lazy “you have to decide the reps and sets, you have to set it up and load your own barbel” how tragic😂😂
I thought the same thing. Whats next smart gyms will lift the weight for you.
In a home gym you can literally just leave the weights on the bar. Who will complain
I think the smart home gym will be more accesible in price in a few years. But the subscription is what really loses it for me. Would be down to pay more for the convenience, but not if that means I can't use it without subscription or when a company goes out of business.
So traditional home gym it is for now. Hopefully will be done at the end of this year.
Iron is lifeeeee. That's why I got bumpers and rubber dumbbells.
Hi, in your other video you tested bitruvian home gym do you know if it could be used without a membership or subscription
Waiting on a review on speediance
I've never tried a "smart" gym, but my take on the topic is that I want to be the brains behind my workout. I want to be the smart element here. I enjoy doing my own programming and using my home gym equipment creatively for accessory movements. Planning workouts is half the fun, IMO. I like the feeling of accomplishment of adding that additional plate on bench or squat. Getting a new handle or bar or what-not every now and then also adds to the experience. Doing lots of reps at a limited weight just sounds, well, boring. The last thing I want to do during a workout is stare at some screen and take directions. That seems like work, and lifting is my refuge from work. I can see a smart gym as a good option for somebody who is working out for health reasons or just to look good, and wants to "get in and get out", but if you really love lifting as the hobby, in and of itself, I think you can't beat free weights.
I hope you get the opportunity to review the Apollo board by squatz. Would love to see your thoughts in comparison to the Vitruvian
Coop please review the Titan hack squat / leg press combo machine!
Much rather have dumb gym. Me dumb. Me see heavy thing, Me move it.
Bench and adjustable dumbbells. Done
What a Great idea for a video.
Enjoyed it very much
Hit a Grand Slam Coop
Would love it in your reviews if you gave timelines of expected use according to companies. Especially with these smart gyms, we need companies to complete on durability, otherwise we are going to be paying up front, membership and for the planned obsolescence.
Coop your need to review Wolfmate M2 smart home gym
You really should do a review of a Total Gym Fit.
I like the smart gym idea but I think it still needs to evolve. Personally, as someone who like to do the powerlifts, it doesn’t provide enough resistance for the major movements. But, if it did I would consider it.
I do like the idea of a power rack with a bar and plates and then the Tonal as a functional trainer but that gets pricey.
Don't have time for software updates. I will stick with my iron gym my gains will forever be with me.
You haven't reviewed the Speediance Gym Monster.
Would you do a review of Oxefit XS1 which seems to be gaining some popularity
You go with what you enjoy owning. For many this is several tons of steel/iron.
Love the vids....
How old is Tonal? I can buy plates used from the '70s. The longevity of smart home gyms has not been proven. If the screen cracks then you're in trouble. For me, an all-in-one home gym with two stacks is much more convenient and cost effective. I'll stick with old school.
And besides I want to know how I am improving and why. Using a Smart home gym leaves it to the system and their trainers, whom you will never meet. Do they really know you that well, or at all?
Hi Coop, you’re not skinny fat anymore, looking good brother. What are you doing different? Cut sugar? Some testosterone? Make a video about it? Cheers
I think tonal starts looking more attractive when you talk about family fitness. The local ymca charges 160/mo for a family of four and my kids have to be 14+ to use the weights and machines.
Give me that “dumb” home gym any day over the tech junk
This all depends on your goals. For general health and strength both will work.
You can also make your weights for a lot cheaper too. I would also think the smart home gym would be good for models that you can travel with. Hotel gyms aren't the best and I've never seen an Air BNB with a gym