Tonal is a high-tech home gym designed specifically for strength building as opposed to the more common weight loss machinery. The entire gym is a small digital machine that attaches to the wall. There are two arms that extend from the machine, which are used with attachable hands, allowing users to push, pull, and lift up to 200 pounds of digital weight. The machine generates its weight unlike traditional workout machines. It utilizes computer chips to generate an electromagnetic field and magnets to push and pull against the field, which feels like actual weight. One of the major benefits of Tonal is the compact design of the machine. Its small size is convenient for those living in large cities where apartments and condos are typically smaller and more difficult to house bulky gym equipment. Another perk is that, since the weight is digital, it can be adjusted in real-time making workouts more efficient with less time spent collecting, cleaning and re-racking weights. The machine is also designed with safety features that are designed to prevent injury. With the digital spotter feature, the machine recognizes when a lifter is struggling and will decrease the weight accordingly. Tonal also has an initial strength assessment feature, which gives users a custom profile that tracks their workouts and progress towards the goals they set for themselves. The system then uses this data to provide recommended weight and reps for each exercise. Currently, the home gym costs $2,995 for the unit and an additional $1,000 for accessories and installation costs. Admittedly, most gym goers are unlikely to forgo their gym memberships to purchase a unit at this cost. Though, for those that can afford it, a Tonal home gym may make sense for people looking for a more innovative way to exercise at home, especially when traditional gym equipment is not practical.
