7 Tonal Alternatives To Get In Shape At Home

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Tonal can be a fun way to get in shape at home but it may not be the right choice for you. Find out what other alternatives there are.

Best tonal alternatives top picks

Something important to note is that not all these alternatives are the exact same concept as Tonal. Especially when it comes to the person resistance adjustment and training recommendations.

You can find some of the more important details after the product names but you definitely want to double-check the features that are important to you too.

1. NordicTrack Fusion CST (only resistance up to 100 lbs)
2. Forme Life Studio (Relatively High Price Of Cable Version)
3. Bowflex Xceed (No Digital Function, No Subscription, Heavy Resistance Options)
4. Mirror Pro (Mirror-Only, No Cable Resistance)
5. Macvon Strength (Only Mirror-Only Version Available For Now)
6. Fiture Mini (Mirror-Only, No Cable Resistance)
7. ProForm Vue 180 (Mirror-Only, No Cable Resistance, Available In UK And Europe)

Keep in mind that because of differences in training goals, workout space, budget, personal preferences, etc. it is likely this ranking is not perfect for your personal situation.

Another thing to note is that if you are simply interested in building muscle at home, resistance band set-ups, wall-mounted cable machines, weight lifting setups, and even bodyweight exercises can also offer great results.

Home gym systems like Tonal do offer a good amount of resistance but many people will need more to grow and strengthen their stronger muscles.

7 Tonal Alternatives reviewed in-depth

The list of top alternatives to Tonal is helpful to get a quick overview of the options there are available.

At the same time, the more in-depth reviews can help you make a better decision.

1. NordicTrack Fusion CST

Our top pick for the best Tonal alternative is the NordicTrack Fusion CST. These two machines are definitely not the exact same but the NordicTrack model offers similar workouts at a more budget-friendly price.

At the same time, there are a few things to keep in mind about the NordicTrack Fusion CST.

First of all, the resistance only goes up to 10 to 100 lbs (4.5 to 45.4 kg) in 20 different levels. This can be enough for cardio workouts and people who are new to strength training.

At the same time, 100 lbs may not be enough to see the muscle growth and strength increases you want.

Next, the workout programs of the NordicTrack Fusion CST are not as customized to your personal fitness level as Tonal. The NordicTrack model does have workouts where the resistance adjusts automatically.

Something else to note is that the NordicTrack Fusion CST requires a good amount of space.

It is not quite as bulky as Tonal alternatives like Oxefit which did not make the list but you do want to take this detail into account.

On the flip side, one of the benefits of the NordicTrack Fusion CST is how many different workouts the IFIT library offers. This is not just limited to sessions with this specific machine.

Additionally, the more budget-friendly price and longer frame warranty of the NordicTrack model are welcome too.

Lastly, if you like the ability to watch your exercise form, the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio which includes an extra mirror may be something for you.

2. Forme Life Studio

The Forme Life Studio is a more human trainer and design-focused alternative than Tonal. You do need to keep in mind that these things come at steep prices.

People who don’t like the algorithm-based recommendations and training programs of Tonal may find the trainer-led workouts and live 1:1 training sessions more enjoyable.

The first month of this may look reasonably priced. However, at the time of writing, the prices go up a lot after that.

That aside, there are two main versions of the Forme Life Studio. The mirror-only version requires you to invest in separate weights.

Secondly, there is the pricey cable version which is the main reason the Forme Life Studio is so high on the list.

The extra cable system in combination with the big-screen workout makes the Forme Life Studio more of a Tonal alternative than mirror-only versions.

However, by now, you likely understand that you need to have a big budget and really need to be in love with the other Forme Life Studio features like the optional personal coaching to even consider this smart home gym.

Even if you take the very big screen and nice design of this home system into account.

3. Bowflex Xceed: no subscription tonal alternative

The Bowflex Xceed is a more unusual alternative to Tonal in the sense that it is a regular offline home gym system.

Two benefits of the lack of screen and online workouts are that the initial price of this fitness equipment is relatively low and that there are no subscription costs involved.

At the same time, you still get a cable system with 210 lbs (95.24 kg) of resistance. If this is not enough you can even consider upgrading to 410 lbs (185.97 kg).

It is true that the Tonal workout classes tend to be more fun. In turn, you may find it harder to stick to your Bowflex Xceed workouts.

Additionally, this piece of fitness equipment definitely requires a lot more room than the Tonal setup.

Some customers also mention the power rods do not offer the same consistent resistance as cable machines.

That being said, the main essence of home gym systems like Tonal is that they get you moving and lifting. The Bowflex Xceed can have a somewhat similar effect but at a price that is much lower.

If you don’t value the computer-generated exercise sessions and workout classes that much, this home gym system from Bowflex could be good enough for your needs and save you some money.

4. Mirror Pro

The Mirror from lululemon Studio is the first alternative that does not have any cable resistance options. If this is one of the Tonal features you love, you likely want to choose one of the other models.

On the flip side, if you mostly care about fun workout classes on a big screen at home, this Mirror could suit your needs.

The 43″ screen of the Mirror is even bigger than the 24″ screen of the Tonal. Additionally, you get to see your reflection to make sure your exercise technique matches the instructor’s.

With the front-facing camera, it is even possible to get live feedback from instructors.

Something you do want to keep in mind is that the Mirror workouts will generally focus more on your cardiovascular system. At least until you invest in the free weights that are necessary to see resistance training results.

You can choose Mirror packages that include their branded weights and other fitness equipment options. Another option is finding free weights yourself.

Two potential downsides of free weights are that they will not have the same consistent tension as the cables of Tonal and that the resistance is not adjustable throughout the same movement.

So the big screen, potential feedback from instructors, and budget-friendly price of the Mirror are benefits that make this fitness equipment a good choice for some people.

At the same time, there will likely also be people that find this Tonal alternative lacking in preferred features like the absence of cable resistance.

5. Macvon Strength

Macvon is not the most well-known smart home gym system but this is something they are trying to change with their upcoming Macvon Strength.

The goal is to implement some of the same workout customization, dimensions, total resistance, and resistance adjustments as Tonal. Only at a lower price.

At the same time, while the people at Macvon plan to make this a slightly cheaper way to get a Tonal experience, all of this technology will still require a good investment.

Another potential downside is that the Macvon Strength seems to have only 12 months of warranty whereas Tonal has a 3-year limited warranty.

Next, similar to Tonal, you need a good wall to put the Macvon products on. For some people, this won’t be an option.

Additionally, the Macvon Strength with cable resistance is not out yet. If you like the Macvon brand, you will have to be satisfied with their mirror-only version for now.

So if Macvon is able to bring out their Macvon Strength at the mentioned price and if they deliver on their feature promises, this smart home gym system will go up a few spots.

For now, it is nice to know that there are brands working on a more budget-friendly alternative to Tonal.

6. Fiture Mini

The Fiture Mini is another example of a fitness mirror without a cable system.

That means you have to get separate weights if you want to do resistance training on top of the cardiovascular workouts.

Unless you get two wall-mounted cable machines, these other resistance options won’t offer the same consistent tension as Tonal. Free weights are still amazing but this detail is something to keep in mind.

Another potential downside to the Fiture Mini is that it only has 12 months of warranty. For pricier fitness equipment options like this, you would prefer a longer warranty similar to Tonal.

That being said, there are still reasons you can consider the Fiture Mini or the bigger Fiture Core.

First of all, these mirrors still allow you to follow workout classes in a relatively immersive way. You may even enjoy the Fiture Mini experience in this area more because of its bigger screen.

Secondly, this Tonal alternative allows you to see your reflection. This can help you make sure your movements match the ones of your instructor.

So the Fiture Mini is not a complete substitute for Tonal. However, it can still help you get fitter at home in a fun way. Especially if you invest in separate resistance equipment.

7. ProForm Vue 180: tonal alternative available in UK and Europe

The ProForm Vue 180 is a fitness mirror that stands out in its budget-friendly price and the IFIT workout library (which does require a subscription.

Additionally, people in the UK and certain other locations in Europe will be happy to hear this Tonal alternative is also available to them.

Something more unique to IFIT compared to the other subscriptions is that you get a variety of workout classes in other types of exercises too. This includes treadmill classes, immersive runs, and rowing.

You may also like how you can see your reflection to pay attention to exercise technique. Many people will find the stand-alone frame of the ProForm Vue 180 a benefit too.

Something you do want to keep in mind is that you will have to invest in separate weights if you are interested in resistance training.

Additionally, the workout programs and resistance are not as customized to you personally as the Tonal experience promises.

Lastly, while the ProForm Vue 180 is one of the more budget-friendly options on the list, 12 months of warranty on the frame, parts, and labor is not that impressive.

How to choose a tonal alternative

To choose a tonal alternative you need to go over the details below, think about what you want in them, and see what Tonal alternatives align the best with your situation.

• Training goals: This first detail is mostly for people who really want to get a smart home gym package that can help them build muscle. If this is your goal, you really need to make sure the alternative has enough resistance. You may even need more than the 200 lbs (90.7 kg) included in the Tonal machine.
• Standalone vs wall: One potential downside of Tonal is that it is meant to be attached to a wall. A few alternatives do not have this requirement which can be a plus.
• Space requirements: A benefit of Tonal is that its dimension requirements are relatively small compared to many other cable machines. Some of the alternatives implement this detail too. Others require a lot more space.
• Investment price: One of the downsides of Tonal is its hefty initial price tag. Luckily, many of the alternatives are a good amount cheaper.
• Subscription cost: The only Tonal alternative on this list that does not involve a subscription cost is the Bowflex Xceed. That being said, the subscription costs of most of the options are more budget-friendly than Tonal.
• Warranty: At these price points, you typically get a good product experience. Even so, things can happen. In these situations, a warranty can be helpful.
• Accessories included: Many of the home gym systems above come with accessories or have the option to add them at an extra price. Accessories can sometimes make your workouts more comfortable and effective.
• Workout classes: For most of the Tonal alternatives above, the online workout classes are an important part of the package. You may have specific preferences in this area that are not always available.

Choosing between the options above will still require some thought but by taking these points into account, it should become easier to find the right alternative for you.

What is the best tonal alternative?

The best tonal alternative is typically the NordicTrack Fusion CST if the 10 to 100 lbs (45.4 kg) adjustable resistance and other features are enough for your training goals and capacity.

You can also still consider Tonal itself if you find the alternatives too lacking in terms of personal workout customization or other features.

Again, keep in mind that resistance band set-ups, wall-mounted cable machines, weight lifting setups, and bodyweight exercises can also help you build muscle even though they may not be as entertaining.