Home gyms have long been a coveted addition for fitness enthusiasts. Many homeowners do not have the space to install the assortment of equipment that makes for a great workout. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked to transform spaces in their homes and sought innovative ways to exercise at home.
Digital smart mirrors, sometimes referred to as interactive fitness displays, are among the latest technology to hit the home fitness market. These mirrors are fully functioning exercise studios right in the comfort of home, but unlike other pieces of workout equipment, fitness mirrors look just like a regular mirror when they’re not engaged. That means they can hang in any room without distracting from the decor.
How do they work?
The equipment works differently depending on the chosen product. Units can range in price from $1,500 to $2,000, and a subscription to a fitness account is necessary. This provides access to either recorded or live-streamed fitness trainers. These trainers are often certified individuals from the country’s top studios. The trainers will have access to information subscribers enter and will be able to provide motivation and live feedback based on fitness metrics – as well as what they see live.
In addition to the instructors, some mirrors come with expertly curated playlists that complement specific workouts.
Other features and technology
Depending on the unit, the fitness mirror may sync with a Bluetooth-enabled fitness watch or tracker to provide real time heart rate and other measurable data. Keep in mind that the mirrors use integrative cameras to provide feedback on performance. Some may rely on advanced motion-capture technology to protect privacy more effectively.
In addition to the interactive mirror, other smart fitness systems have gear built right into the devices. This can include electromagnetic weights to deliver resistance when ‘smart’ handles or a bar are connected to the wall-mounted machine. The brand Tonal also has a spotter mode, to assist with heavy lifting. Other tech-driven fitness equipment includes interactive treadmills and stationary bikes from manufacturers like Peloton.
Streamlined, tech-heavy fitness devices are revolutionizing home gyms. With some up-front investment, these devices may pay for themselves with improved health and reduced reliance on potentially costly club memberships.
Digital smart mirrors, sometimes referred to as interactive fitness displays, are among the latest technology to hit the home fitness market.