There is no denying that COVID-19 has changed the way people exercise. With gyms temporarily closed, sales of dumbbells, medicine balls and other equipment rose about 23% during the pandemic, and the home fitness equipment market — valued at $5.5 million during the pandemic — is projected to reach $11.5 million by 2027.
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And now, a new class of artificial intelligence (AI) exercise devices ensures that those at-home workouts are smart enough to monitor your form. And Help you achieve your fitness goals.
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In general, AI refers to robots that perform tasks that previously could only be done by humans. For example, your phone uses AI to recognize your face and ChatGPT, which made headlines in 2022, can generate human conversations.
When it comes to fitness, the main advantage of artificial intelligence is personalization, according to Kerry Greer, president of exercise science and training at Nautilus, Inc. It is a major manufacturer of fitness equipment. It can feel or monitor the way you move, and give you helpful suggestions for making your exercise more effective. “Artificial intelligence can now be used to better understand users, their movement patterns, and their progress, providing a more tailored view of each individual and adapting to their needs,” says Greer.
Depending on the device you’re using, the AI may provide feedback based on your current fitness, count reps, tell you how heavy the dumbbells should be, and even write a fitness plan that’s unique to you.
All of these features can lead to safer workouts at home—a big problem since one of the common criticisms of working out outside the studio is the lack of real-time feedback. Plus, Greer notes that having the AI watch your back means you can spend less mental energy tracking, say, how much weight you’re carrying or how many squat reps you’ve already completed. “Because it’s an AI-based experience, it’s there whenever you’re ready to use it,” she adds.
Below, six of the latest and most innovative AI-powered home gym machines
Fiture
This AI-powered smart fitness mirror offers a variety of workout styles, including strength, barre, and boxing. You can also design custom workouts using the brand’s Motion Engine technology, which provides model cues and instructions to the trainer to ensure you perform the movements in the safest way possible. As Fiture co-founder Maggie Low points out, a mirror won’t also be an eyesore in your home. “This is the only fitness mirror on the market offered in five colorful finishes, and turned off, it’s a beautiful piece of furniture. When turned on, it transforms any space into a fitness studio,” she says.
price: The Fiture Core is priced at $1,395, while the more compact version, the Fiture Mini, retails for $900. Note: $25 per month for a membership that gives you access to classes.
rhythm movement
If you’ve ever lamented that weight racks take Important square foot in your home, Tempo’s sleek and compact design will blow your mind. The Tempo Move cabinet stores 90 lbs so you can outfit each Tempo dumbbell with 42.5 lbs. While you have to put the weights on yourself, Tempo’s AI technology will tell you how far you’re about to row, squat or deadlift to make the process even smoother – and promise your reps as soon as you’re ready to go. From there, the Tempo app will guide you through strength training classes or even set you up with a personal trainer.
price: The Tempo Move costs $495, while the Tempo Studio—the company’s most luxurious home device—starts at $2,495. A monthly membership, which gives you access to Tempo classes, costs $39 per month.
OxeFit
It’s hard to come by at home workout equipment that helps you get stronger in water and snow sports, but that’s exactly what you get with the OxeFit XS1. This smart device provides AI-based feedback on your strength-training form, and because OxeFit uses tension straps instead of physical weights, you can adjust the weight without having to move a single plate. If your sport of choice is seasonal, you can also upgrade to add activities like canoeing, kayaking, or skicross to keep your training indoors.
price: The OxeFit XS1 starts at $3,999. Membership is $39.99 per month
YogiFi smart mat
If you’ve ever tried Downward Dog at home and wondered, “Am I doing this right?” This smart mat may just be the yoga companion you need. This device has sensors that adjust your form as you move from one pose to the next, so you can watch your form away from the studio. Simply slide your existing yoga mat over YogiFi, download the YogaFi app, and you’re ready to go. As a bonus, the mat is also well cushioned, so you can take care of your joints and bones while learning the ins and outs of yoga alignment.
price: Rug, $399.99; The app is free.
JRNY
Do you already have a stocked gym at home? JRNY will ensure you get the most out of it – and avoid injuries – by counting your reps, customizing your workouts, and correcting your level. You can even say, “Hey JRNY” and have the AI adjust your weight and reps if you get too tired for the day’s workout. “Artificial intelligence combined with motion tracking gives you the advantage of analyzing the quality of your movement, followed by corrective feedback signals to help you improve,” says Greer. “We know that movement quality is very important not only for improvement from a fitness perspective, but also for reducing injury risk.”
price: Subscribing to JRNY costs $19.99 per month or $149 per year. Note: You’ll need to make sure you have compatible devices to take advantage of all the AI has to offer.
Carol
Home bikes abound—but none quite like the Carroll, an AI-powered exercise bike that personalizes your ride down to the last detail. The bike program learns your fitness and performance to create a highly efficient, high-intensity workout every time, with each session lasting Just Five minutes (seriously). According to the researchers behind Carroll, this approach may improve VO2 max, boost cardio, and rev up your metabolism. As you get fitter, Carol will notice—and adjust her workouts accordingly.
price: The bike costs $2,595 and the subscription is $15 per month.
This story originally appeared on Fortune.com
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