The pandemic convinced me: fitness at home is the future. After the Grand Reopening, I will continue to work in my living room, because I love it.
Because? The comfort, affordability and quality of training. Whether I’m at home or traveling, working for 15 or 45 minutes, this certainly surpasses what I did before: fighting for a place in an introductory class and paying too much for the privilege.
I’ve already written about my favorite fitness apps and DIY stationary bike setups. I recently wondered, as hybrid work will make us work and work away from home: should I take my workouts to the living room to the next level with high-end connected equipment?
With the intention of learning something about why people spend thousands of dollars on equipment and hundreds more a year to do live exercise, I created a smart gym: a SoulCycle At-Home bike ($ 2,500) , a Mirror training screen ($ 1,495) and an Echelon Stride treadmill ($ 1,300). Meanwhile, my partner Joanna Stern has been testing the next Peloton Interactive Tread ($ 2,495, on sale May 27).
Internet-connected hardware adds to the experience in a number of ways. Products usually have a large screen designed to play classes. Personal training metrics, captured by sensors, are displayed on the screen. Many have a social component, such as the ability to compete in a live standings. All models I’ve tested require customers to sign up for a $ 40 a month subscription.