The Pros and Cons of Buying an All

An all-in-one smart home gym promises a sleek, convenient workout experience. Here's what to consider before you order one for your home.

Long gone are the days when the only piece of home gym equipment you could own was a pair of dumbbells. And never mind the short-lived exercise equipment fads like the Thigh Master and the Shake Weight.

Now, exercise equipment tech has advanced so much that it's possible to complete a full workout routine from the comfort of your living room. It's no longer necessary to go to a gym to get access to exercise equipment—all you need is an all-in-one smart home gym!

At-home exercise equipment has become so smart these days that now you can cover all the primary exercise bases from one single machine. Smart home gyms are exactly that—smart. They come in all shapes and sizes, but all of them are compact all-in-one workout stations or machines that commonly focus on cardio and strength.

In general, they have smart features like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you'd prefer, you can even build up your home gym from scratch with some of the best smart home gym equipment. So, instead of cluttering your entire living room with regular workout equipment, perhaps it's time for a smarter option. But before you commit, consider the pros and cons of a smart home gym.

Convenience, design, and smart fitness technology are some of the best features of an all-in-one smart home gym. Take a closer look at the advantages of owning one of these machines.

If you're looking for a machine that can give you access to a range of different exercises and workouts then an all-in-one smart home gym is an excellent option. These machines offer so many choices and usually have a massive workout library, whether you want to do a yoga session, weight training, or a basic stretching class.

One of the best parts of an all-in-one smart home gym is just how compact they are. Many of them, such as the Tonal smart home gym, attach to your wall without taking up too much room. Plus, Tonal features a built-in weight-training system to help you build muscle and get stronger. Another great example is Speediance. Its design is similar to Tonal's, but instead of mounting on the wall, it is freestanding and foldable.

Even if you're a newcomer or a fitness fanatic, it's always a bonus to have professional guidance from a trainer. Many all-in-one smart home gyms feature built-in cameras or smart motion sensors that give you access to live coach-led workouts from the comfort of your own home. Some even use these smart features to give you instant feedback on your form.

When you lack motivation, or you're simply having a lazy day, there's nothing worse than having to travel to the gym. All-in-one smart home gyms take away most of the excuses to not get up and get moving. Plus, having the gym so close at hand at all times can encourage you to stick to your workout regime even when you don't want to.

You could opt to use an ordinary home gym and fitness equipment, but you'd miss out on the smart features that can take your workout to the next level. All-in-one smart home gyms are fitted with features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smart motion sensors. Moreover, many of them also include a built-in screen where you can track your movements and performance while you follow along to a workout class.

While there are tons of awesome things about having an all-in-one smart home gym, there are a handful of potential negatives that you need to keep in mind. From high prices to a lack of community, find out if these cons are deal breakers for you.

Sadly, a lot of all-in-one-smart home gyms come at an incredibly high price and won't work if you're on a tight budget. Not to mention, some require monthly membership payments. Furthermore, some machines, like the Tempo home gym, do not include all the workout accessories, such as heavier weights or a folding bench. So, you'll have to purchase them separately online.

There is no doubt that, for what they are, all-in-one smart home gyms are sleek and compact. Yet, if you want to work out in a small living space, they might not be the best option. The Speediance smart home gym machine, for example, stores against a wall, but you still need space to fold it out and use the pulleys and cables comfortably.

Some all-in-one smart home gym machines can indeed pick up on your movement and give you feedback on your form. However, how do you know which workouts are best for you to begin with, what size weights to use, and so on? A machine like this does not beat in-person guidance from a professional personal trainer—especially for beginners!

All-in-one smart home gyms promise to be easy to install and use, but this can turn out to be quite tricky. For one, a lot of them require a strong Wi-Fi connection. Secondly, there are strict floor space and ceiling height requirements. And lastly, you have to make sure the space you want to set it up in is close to a power outlet.

Additionally, if you get the Tonal smart home gym, you cannot set it up yourself; you have to pay extra to have it professionally installed.

While all-in-one smart home gyms offer plenty of variation when it comes to workout classes and types, doing at-home workouts by yourself can sometimes turn dull. And even though it's convenient to exercise in your living room, you might miss those social interactions that you get when going out to the gym or taking an in-person workout class.

Based on what you need to reach your fitness goals, an all-in-one smart home gym could be the perfect option for you. On the positive side, most of them are quiet, sleek, aesthetically-pleasing, space-saving machines that fit well in most living rooms.

On the other hand, they are not suitable for everyone, namely people who live in close quarters. In addition, the price for these all-in-one smart home gyms can be quite high. So, if it fits your budget and your home, an all-in-one smart home gym may be a great investment! Otherwise, you can find the simpler, tried-and-true version at the gym.

Christine has been writing professionally about tech since 2014. Now, with her knowledge about health, fitness, and food, she specializes in writing about wellness-related tech at MUO.