There have been lots of good reviews about the tonal home gym on here but trying to get some dissenting opinions before I pony up that much cash. I need to find something I can be more consistent with, but don't to end up with another piece of equipment that never gets used.

Look at the Gym Monster by Speedience.

It allows for a very similar workout but doesn't require professional installation or a monthly sub.

It's not as sexy looking but quite a bit cheaper and I've liked it a lot.

I love mine. I recently did stop the subscription because I've started using my own custom workouts, but if you are just starting the programs they have are great at getting you back into lifting. The cost is pretty high but if if you use it, it's worth it.

Here is my referral link if you want to use it, I think it's $500 off.

https://fbuy.io/tonal/skqtne87

Results don't lie, I love it. It has a 30 day refund policy after installation so pretty low risk.

I can't think of a single negative to ours we've had for almost 2.5 years. My wife might love it more. This coming from someone who had full free weight setup before and had been lifting since HS athletics. (I'm 46 now)

I'd recommend finding a way to try it a few times before buying it. My opinion was it is capable of putting you through a decent workout. But I personally didnt pull the trigger because I prefer the feel of free weights so I thought there was a good shot that I'd end up ditching it quickly… just didn't want to run that risk given the steep price tag on it.

Thanks for the input. I found out a friend has one so planning on trying theirs (and maybe buying it if they don't want it anymore).

My favorite thing is to grab a HS kid who lifts who thinks he's strong, then have him set the weight to what he thinks he can do on said exercise then watch him struggle.

monthly subscriptions

The Pilot said:

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monthly subscriptions

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Well, gym memberships are a monthly subscription if you think about it. A good training app is too. So think of it as something that is both a gym membership and an app for your training.

Pahdz said:

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My favorite thing is to grab a HS kid who lifts who thinks he's strong, then have him set the weight to what he thinks he can do on said exercise then watch him struggle.

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My question is does the Tonal have variable resistance? For instance, can you set the arm or arms to be harder on the eccentric or lengthened position and easier in the concentric or vice versa?


Something similar to this? Voltra-Beyond Power

I have yet to use the Voltra, but am very intrigued by it's versatility. And it is something that can actually be applied to free weights, machines and racks. I figured Tonal could have somthing similar...

Capitol Ag said:

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Pahdz said:

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My favorite thing is to grab a HS kid who lifts who thinks he's strong, then have him set the weight to what he thinks he can do on said exercise then watch him struggle.

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My question is does the Tonal have variable resistance? For instance, can you set the arm or arms to be harder on the eccentric or lengthened position and easier in the concentric or vice versa?


Something similar to this? Voltra-Beyond Power

I have yet to use the Voltra, but am very intrigued by it's versatility. And it is something that can actually be applied to free weights, machines and racks. I figured Tonal could have somthing similar...

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Yes they have eccentric mode (friggin tough on dead lifts) as well as chains mode, burn out mode, drop sets. Lots of dynamic weight modes that I have never even thought of honestly. There is one other mode that bumps the weight during the hardest part of the lift as well- smartflex I think they call it.

KidDoc said:

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Capitol Ag said:

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Pahdz said:

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My favorite thing is to grab a HS kid who lifts who thinks he's strong, then have him set the weight to what he thinks he can do on said exercise then watch him struggle.

---

My question is does the Tonal have variable resistance? For instance, can you set the arm or arms to be harder on the eccentric or lengthened position and easier in the concentric or vice versa?


Something similar to this? Voltra-Beyond Power

I have yet to use the Voltra, but am very intrigued by it's versatility. And it is something that can actually be applied to free weights, machines and racks. I figured Tonal could have somthing similar...

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Yes they have eccentric mode (friggin tough on dead lifts) as well as chains mode, burn out mode, drop sets. Lots of dynamic weight modes that I have never even thought of honestly. There is one other mode that bumps the weight during the hardest part of the lift as well- smartflex I think they call it.

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Very cool! That is something you just don't get with free weights or most machine manufacturers, except Prime where you can load variably. But this (Voltra and Tonal) actually seems even better than that. If I could afford a voltra unit, I'd get it as it would be great for my garage gym or travel...

I have a tonal. I have had it for a long time and there have been times that it was collecting dust, at least in terms of my use.

I have been using it consistently for four months now and I think it is amazing. I am continuing to get stronger every week. I do a push/pull/legs schedule with rest days mixed in when needed due to soreness or family obligations. I really like the 1 pound increases you can make for progressive overload.

Pahdz said:

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I can't think of a single negative to ours we've had for almost 2.5 years. My wife might love it more. This coming from someone who had full free weight setup before and had been lifting since HS athletics. (I'm 46 now)

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I still want one of these but we are moving now so waiting until we move to do this. I still have your referral link.

Good call waiting, just note the space required and make sure you have a room it fits in