I'm seriously considering purchasing. You made a number of great points (pros and cons) that I can now factor in. Thanks for the great and informative video filled with honesty.
Same. I have a Peloton, but am selling it. It became a storage rack as all the instructors I liked left the company and I frankly can't stand the ones there now. Besides, doctor said to get into strength training versus pure cardio...
The switching sides issue is user error. You must turn the weight off to stop a set. So, you push the button, do one side (all reps), then push the button again. Now, switch sides and repeat.
Thanks for this great pros and cons video. I found it really useful in making my decision to purchase this machine. I agree Tonal should have tiered pricing to fit the needs of different users.
@@JuanRamos-ew4bh I still love it! Its a really impressive piece of technology. uses it at least 4 times a week which is more than I have ever worked out in my life. It being on my wall allows me to be consistent. There's no excuses. I dont know about the Pilates programs on there however. I have focuses mostly on the muscle building programs. I have also started doing my own custom programs, too.
I've had my tonal for just a few weeks, but I SO relate to the comment about trainer cheesiness. I hate being talked to like a child, especially in the context of trying to get an adult body :^) Fortunately, as you mentioned, there are plenty of down-to-earth trainers or you can create your own custom workouts without a trainer.
Personally, I stopped using spotter mode because it took too long to react. Now, every movement I do I have the options of eccentric & burnout set. I've found that burnout reacts and adjusts the weight a lot quicker when you start to struggle a bit, and doesn't reset the weight when the rep is over...so you can continue to the end or even through your set with a lower weight.
Another disadvantage is for people who move frequently and have to pay for install and uninstall. This also affects the inability to move the unit from location to location within the home.
This actually isn't a disadvantage. You are not required to have them install it the first time or any subsequent time. This is against federal law (Magnusun-Moss act) to require any specific "dealer" service or parts to use the product or keep the warranty. I went round with them and paid nothing for install. The problem is that not many realize that, so they get away with it. If I know I can go out on the street, tell 100 people they owe me $10 for such and such a reason, and get $10 from 97 of them, then I am going to be $970 richer and keep doing what I am doing.
Tr tv good video. Did you have a pull up bar above the tonal? I see some paint on the wall where a wall mounted pull up bar may have been before. I'm wondering if you could have a pull up bar above the tonal (will the arms clear it in their upmost position, and will there be enough distance between you and the tonal). I wouldn't have a better place to have them separated in my space. Thanks
you made some excellent points... i wonder who you can reach out to at tonal to help make your con a pro... im ready to purchase a tonal but this subscription fee and no live classes where the instructor can see my movements is making me press the pause button...but great video! hope tonal is listening 🤷♂️
You've probably figured this out by now, but if an arm sounds like it rubs or is making a popping noise then turn the weight off and pull the cable all the way out. Then let it slowly retract. This has worked for me in the past.
Love my tonal. Good: 1. Full System at home 2. Trainer helps show form along with using your phone to give you form feedback. 3. SUPER Easy swaps. 4. Do not need a big area. I use corner of my office. 5. I love the small dopamine hits it provides like workout streak, leaderboards, phone reminders. Dislikes: 1. Expensive 2. Really feels like it's only for beginners. 3. It's AI training is very inefficient 4. Weight limit is 100 per arm.
Did Tonal get back to you on your Number 3 issue? I am interested in Tonal's customer service based on your experience. Others have reported their support is lack luster. Thanks
@@djrickmendez255 Yep. I use lifting gloves to make up on holding the bands and I find it's more versatile to work with the X3 - plus I use DBs with them too. Works like a charm.
Try pulling the handles with the cables all the way out as far as possible and then let them spool back. That solves the one-arm rubbing/clicking issue for me. Though I understand it might be a different issue on your machine.
Also in bar mode, if you tip the bar so one side is down and the other side slopes up, it automatically turns off the weight. So it's useful to do instead of pressing the button.
Your last dislike point is why I have not purchased one yet. I prefer to use my own programs (and my fitness goals do not align with most females, so I’m not sure the programs would suit me anyway). If I didn’t have to pay a monthly fee to use it, I would buy it and input my own programs! Anyway, I don’t like the subscription method. I don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use my iPad, or my existing home workout equipment.
I don’t think my spotter mode even works. One of the things I don’t like about Tonal is the Arms feel like they are going to rip off the machine when in use. They feel cheaply made.
For complaint #4, that’s because it allows you to do more than the prescribed number of reps. Just turn the weight off to let tonal know you’re done with that arm. For complaint #3, just set the weight to 15lbs, gently pull all the way out, and all the way back in. For the cheesy coaches (agree on that point!), they have new “custom by tonal” workouts that don’t have the coaches
I agree, the jokes they make or motivational language in the middle of your sets is such cringe. Still able to get a good workout though - I try to focus on the music which is pretty good most of the time! Overall love Tonal!
@@project.health I just learned that after your first year you can cancel the membership. Well that part I already knew. What I learned is that after a year, if you cancel the membership. You can still use the machine. However Tonal strips everything off the machine including it’s ability to spot you or to be able to use chains, eccentric and so forth. Bare bones. That seems like such fraud. Thats like buying a treadmill and if you don’t keep their membership they will take away your ability to raise and lower the incline as well as the ability for you to increase or decrease the speed. There should be some type of law that enforces this company to allow you to still use the machines functionality. Sure they can take away the live workouts and even if they want to be butt holes the selective movements. But at least let you still build your blocks as well as do “free lift” so the machine still has intelligence to increase the weight and so forth. To me that’s a very cheap and very tricky thing they are doing to their customers. Making a nice machine become dead. That should be illegal.
@@cda3715 yeah, I would never purchase a machine tied directly to a company, to be able to use it. What if that company goes out of business? And it makes no sense to pay for videos I will not use. These companies are making exercise equipment as monthly cash grabs like Netflix, no thanks man...I'll stick with a equipment I can use forever with no fee.
Finally ordered one yesterday to get back on track... Hoping the COVID-19 delays are past us and I don't have to wait six months. Your video makes me feel better about dropping all of that money, so thank you! If you ever want to collab and talk about the machine or other health topics, please hit me up, I'd love to have you on... Thanks! TGG
Great video! As far as the noise from the cable in the one arm you might wanna try pulling out the line as outlined in this video: th-cam.com/video/u0jbQuM2Mik/w-d-xo.html Also, bar tilt mode really helps when you can't press the button while doing a bar movement! Thanks for the video and looking forward to more!
Yes, I think a subscription fee is ridiculous if you are a person who doesn't want to use those other features. I feel like more and more companies are trying to make exercise equipment designed to nickel and dime people to death. There is no way I am paying 3k with a recurring subscription fee for a Tonal machine. One cost up front and I would strongly consider a machine like this in the future.
2 tricks on things you dislike. When switching from one arm to the next if you turn the weight off then switch hands and turn the weight back on it will start a new count. When benching with the bar and you want the weight to turn off without pushing the button just drop one arm down and keep the other arm extended and it will automatically turn the weight off.
I returned to the gym and barely use Tonal now. I like it but am too tired post workout. But when lifting lightweight using fast motions, it’s very loud. The arms clicking into place is loud also. But re. spotter mode, lean the bar to one side and it’ll lighten up.
@@derrickd5 No. I was too tired after a gym workout to use Tonal. I've since stopped going to the gym (my gym memberships are still active) and am only using Tonal, free weights and a spin bike at home.
I don’t agree at all the price being a con. Gym equipment that doesn’t have nearly half the same functionality takes up way more space and cost just as much if not more As far the subscription goes. I think it’s more than fairly priced. You’re not just paying for programs / trainer. But the functionality use of the machine, A team is most likely managing those features . On top of that the company would probably go bankrupt with out the subscription. There is absolutely no way they are making any real significant money on the actual tonal devices This device is cheaper than the majority of free cable machines :
Agree, and $49 is peanuts compared to a trainer, gym membership, and other things people spend their money on that aren’t helping their fitness and health
BS, charging 3k plus a monthly fee is ridiculous. You paid for the machine, but the machine won't work without the membership...it loses basic features. It's like you dont really ever own the machine even after spending 3k, it's like you are renting the machine. And no 50 is not a lot, but when you don't care to use the videos, it feels like you are still paying for the machine, which is wrong.
@@glow4417 I think if you were the CEO of the company you would see things differently. There is simply no way after putting hundreds of thousands possibly even millions of dollars. To get this thing onto the market.. That you would just simply give away all the extra features for free. And after 12 months you don’t need to pay for the membership you just lose the AI features you on the machine but if you want to use it to its full capability you have to pay.
@@glow4417 exactly! This is a lifetime lease, this is not yours, major drawback for me. I do not need the exercise programs, even the spotter thing. Why to pay for a machine and for even a membership in your home, if you can have all the machines in a good quality Gym for that. Everyone that thinks that 50 bucks is not a great deal then be my guest, I can give my PayPal account.
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I'm seriously considering purchasing. You made a number of great points (pros and cons) that I can now factor in. Thanks for the great and informative video filled with honesty.
I’m glad you liked it and it helped! I definitely love the machine, and would recommend it, even with a few drawbacks
Same. I have a Peloton, but am selling it. It became a storage rack as all the instructors I liked left the company and I frankly can't stand the ones there now. Besides, doctor said to get into strength training versus pure cardio...
I love mine wish each arm could do up to 150lbs
The switching sides issue is user error. You must turn the weight off to stop a set. So, you push the button, do one side (all reps), then push the button again. Now, switch sides and repeat.
Thanks for this great pros and cons video. I found it really useful in making my decision to purchase this machine. I agree Tonal should have tiered pricing to fit the needs of different users.
Great review. I would 100% buy it if it didn’t have the monthly cost.
Ive had my Tonal since last October and I love it! Ive never worked out more consistently than I do now with it.
How do you find it to be? I’m interested in the classes, my daughter really wants to do Pilates
@@JuanRamos-ew4bh I still love it! Its a really impressive piece of technology. uses it at least 4 times a week which is more than I have ever worked out in my life. It being on my wall allows me to be consistent. There's no excuses. I dont know about the Pilates programs on there however. I have focuses mostly on the muscle building programs. I have also started doing my own custom programs, too.
Do you like the fact that you've spent over $1k on membership assuming you still own it?
@@fedbia2003yeah dude I'm in the best shape of my life and I feel great. Id pay twice that for how I feel.
I've had my tonal for just a few weeks, but I SO relate to the comment about trainer cheesiness. I hate being talked to like a child, especially in the context of trying to get an adult body :^) Fortunately, as you mentioned, there are plenty of down-to-earth trainers or you can create your own custom workouts without a trainer.
Personally, I stopped using spotter mode because it took too long to react. Now, every movement I do I have the options of eccentric & burnout set. I've found that burnout reacts and adjusts the weight a lot quicker when you start to struggle a bit, and doesn't reset the weight when the rep is over...so you can continue to the end or even through your set with a lower weight.
Good tip! I’ll have to try it out 💪🏼
The issue on the spotter mode and the ability to reach the Blue Tooth bar button could be fixed with voice command ability.
Looks good and I would be interested in upgrading my torque fitness F7 home gym to one of these, however I'm in Australia . . .
Very helpful video. Thanks for your thorough thoughts. Curious… have any of your complaints been resolved or improved since you made this video?
Another disadvantage is for people who move frequently and have to pay for install and uninstall. This also affects the inability to move the unit from location to location within the home.
This actually isn't a disadvantage. You are not required to have them install it the first time or any subsequent time. This is against federal law (Magnusun-Moss act) to require any specific "dealer" service or parts to use the product or keep the warranty. I went round with them and paid nothing for install.
The problem is that not many realize that, so they get away with it. If I know I can go out on the street, tell 100 people they owe me $10 for such and such a reason, and get $10 from 97 of them, then I am going to be $970 richer and keep doing what I am doing.
Thanks for making this video. I'm thinking of getting a Tonal and I appreciate your pointers.
i just ordered mine im so glad to see that you love this machine im very excited for it time is money!!! I work alot so i like that this is home
Tr tv good video. Did you have a pull up bar above the tonal? I see some paint on the wall where a wall mounted pull up bar may have been before. I'm wondering if you could have a pull up bar above the tonal (will the arms clear it in their upmost position, and will there be enough distance between you and the tonal). I wouldn't have a better place to have them separated in my space. Thanks
Regarding taking the weight off while bench press, another way to do it is turn the barbell it to any side, it automatically turns off the weight.
you made some excellent points... i wonder who you can reach out to at tonal to help make your con a pro... im ready to purchase a tonal but this subscription fee and no live classes where the instructor can see my movements is making me press the pause button...but great video!
hope tonal is listening 🤷♂️
Maybe the spot mech/tech would be better if it were voice activated rather than pressing a button
Please keep reviews coming I’m interested in this machine
You've probably figured this out by now, but if an arm sounds like it rubs or is making a popping noise then turn the weight off and pull the cable all the way out. Then let it slowly retract. This has worked for me in the past.
Great video thank you. Can a husband & wife make separate profiles with separate work out routines? TIA
Should not have to pay anything a month after spending $3,000+
Nice coverage and nice machine. shame it is not available outside the USA
Any chance you can make an update video after a year with it?
Love my tonal.
Good:
1. Full System at home
2. Trainer helps show form along with using your phone to give you form feedback.
3. SUPER Easy swaps.
4. Do not need a big area. I use corner of my office.
5. I love the small dopamine hits it provides like workout streak, leaderboards, phone reminders.
Dislikes:
1. Expensive
2. Really feels like it's only for beginners.
3. It's AI training is very inefficient
4. Weight limit is 100 per arm.
Have you done a comparison of tonal with other dual arm machines? Such as functional patterns or slimbean machine. Thank You
Would love to see a "tonal after 1 year" video!
Needs a safe word like "help" to force activate the spotter mode if struggling and can't touch the button.
Have you tried making a custom workout on the Tonal phone app? Super easy.
I have not, I’ll have to check that out! Thanks for the tip 🙌🏼
It’s the absolute best way to use Tonal if you are self motivated and accustomed to working out.
U can use just private workout u dont have to have the membership fee after 1 year
Can you do a video of you exercising on the machine?
th-cam.com/video/O-0ci5OEqCw/w-d-xo.html
Did Tonal get back to you on your Number 3 issue? I am interested in Tonal's customer service based on your experience. Others have reported their support is lack luster. Thanks
I have the same issue with the right arm on my tonal. Did you ever find a fix for it? Or has it gotten any worse?
The t lock is so you have to buy their accessories- $500 for bars handles and a bench is a bit much
THIS is why I use resistance bands and QL Ironmaster DBs - best way to workout ever. I like Tonal but the improvements must be made.
X3 Elite user here!
@@djrickmendez255 I have X3s but I hate the bar. I don't feel it's necessary. The bands are incredible tho.
@@theodoreboosalis So you use the X3 without the bar?
@@djrickmendez255 Yep. I use lifting gloves to make up on holding the bands and I find it's more versatile to work with the X3 - plus I use DBs with them too. Works like a charm.
Resistance bands do break dummy
Your number 4 complaint if you turn the weight off then turn it back on when you switch arms, it registered every time
Try pulling the handles with the cables all the way out as far as possible and then let them spool back. That solves the one-arm rubbing/clicking issue for me. Though I understand it might be a different issue on your machine.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely give it a shot
Correct if I’m wrong. But can’t you use the machine without the programs
Can you do negative reps on the machine?
How about being able to do negative reps at times?
If you want to workout with a friend, are you able to take turns? Or is it just one person’s profile at a time?
you have the do the same workout (one can't do legs and the other be doing an upper body workout), but you take turns.
Great video, thanks for the info!
No problem, thanks for watching!
Also in bar mode, if you tip the bar so one side is down and the other side slopes up, it automatically turns off the weight. So it's useful to do instead of pressing the button.
Another great tip, thank you!
Only reason I won't get one is the monthly subscription. Kinda sucks I was really interested in the machine
What is the max amount of weight you can bench press?
I don’t like that I cannot follow 2 programs! Like I am doing a weight program and I want to do a kickboxing alongside, cannot!
This is one of my top complaints too!
Can you set up another user to track each program individually?
@@petersonfamily6223 yes, and several have poste that this is currently the work around for this shortcoming.
Interesting I have not used much programs just been doing custom, the trainers just bother me like the opening lady telling me you got it baby lol
@@zman1428 I am with you on that, they talk way too much 🤦🏾♀️
Your last dislike point is why I have not purchased one yet. I prefer to use my own programs (and my fitness goals do not align with most females, so I’m not sure the programs would suit me anyway). If I didn’t have to pay a monthly fee to use it, I would buy it and input my own programs!
Anyway, I don’t like the subscription method. I don’t have to pay a monthly fee to use my iPad, or my existing home workout equipment.
I don’t think my spotter mode even works. One of the things I don’t like about Tonal is the Arms feel like they are going to rip off the machine when in use. They feel cheaply made.
For complaint #4, that’s because it allows you to do more than the prescribed number of reps. Just turn the weight off to let tonal know you’re done with that arm.
For complaint #3, just set the weight to 15lbs, gently pull all the way out, and all the way back in.
For the cheesy coaches (agree on that point!), they have new “custom by tonal” workouts that don’t have the coaches
well done video 🤙🏽
I agree, the jokes they make or motivational language in the middle of your sets is such cringe. Still able to get a good workout though - I try to focus on the music which is pretty good most of the time! Overall love Tonal!
How is the customer service ?
Best to get a bullworker i got it can do my whole body I have got good toning and fat loss since having it since last year for only 200 get that folks
The monthly cost just killed it for me
Yea it’s definitely a little too expensive
@@project.health I just learned that after your first year you can cancel the membership. Well that part I already knew. What I learned is that after a year, if you cancel the membership. You can still use the machine. However Tonal strips everything off the machine including it’s ability to spot you or to be able to use chains, eccentric and so forth. Bare bones. That seems like such fraud. Thats like buying a treadmill and if you don’t keep their membership they will take away your ability to raise and lower the incline as well as the ability for you to increase or decrease the speed. There should be some type of law that enforces this company to allow you to still use the machines functionality. Sure they can take away the live workouts and even if they want to be butt holes the selective movements. But at least let you still build your blocks as well as do “free lift” so the machine still has intelligence to increase the weight and so forth. To me that’s a very cheap and very tricky thing they are doing to their customers. Making a nice machine become dead. That should be illegal.
@@cda3715 yeah, I would never purchase a machine tied directly to a company, to be able to use it. What if that company goes out of business? And it makes no sense to pay for videos I will not use. These companies are making exercise equipment as monthly cash grabs like Netflix, no thanks man...I'll stick with a equipment I can use forever with no fee.
@@glow4417 Great point on what if they go out of business. How does Tonal disable the features if you discontinue the subscription?
Finally ordered one yesterday to get back on track... Hoping the COVID-19 delays are past us and I don't have to wait six months. Your video makes me feel better about dropping all of that money, so thank you!
If you ever want to collab and talk about the machine or other health topics, please hit me up, I'd love to have you on...
Thanks!
TGG
Great great video
I've heard a ton of comments on the cheesy instructors on Tonal.
Great video! As far as the noise from the cable in the one arm you might wanna try pulling out the line as outlined in this video: th-cam.com/video/u0jbQuM2Mik/w-d-xo.html
Also, bar tilt mode really helps when you can't press the button while doing a bar movement! Thanks for the video and looking forward to more!
Thanks, Joey! Appreciate the tip, it’s been bugging me so much lately. Will definitely try using the video you linked and report back 💪🏼
@@project.health my pleasure! I'm looking forward to knowing if it helps!
Love honest, unpaid reviewers!!
I'm in hands down...merger!
I would probably get one if it wasn't for any kind of monthly subscription fee
Drop one side of bar to immediately release weight
Pricey
$55 a month!!!!! A gym is way cheaper. Tonal needs to bring that price way down. Was thinking about getting one but that is crazy!!!
Тhe subscription threw me off tbh, but I'm making one at home
A subscription is ridiculous. Or greatly reduce the cost of equipment. Nice review of issues good and bad.
SUBSCRIBE & Hit the like button to support the channel!! :)
Check out the cost breakdown of Tonal here: th-cam.com/video/5u5fNw9tSDg/w-d-xo.html
Yes, I think a subscription fee is ridiculous if you are a person who doesn't want to use those other features. I feel like more and more companies are trying to make exercise equipment designed to nickel and dime people to death. There is no way I am paying 3k with a recurring subscription fee for a Tonal machine. One cost up front and I would strongly consider a machine like this in the future.
Ik.
2 tricks on things you dislike. When switching from one arm to the next if you turn the weight off then switch hands and turn the weight back on it will start a new count. When benching with the bar and you want the weight to turn off without pushing the button just drop one arm down and keep the other arm extended and it will automatically turn the weight off.
I was interested until I saw a video of a tonal trainer saying “get to the chopper”. And it wasn’t Arnold. Who edited those videos! Jeez.
I returned to the gym and barely use Tonal now. I like it but am too tired post workout. But when lifting lightweight using fast motions, it’s very loud. The arms clicking into place is loud also. But re. spotter mode, lean the bar to one side and it’ll lighten up.
Tonal made you too tired so you quit? Smh...
@@jarkle87 that’s what I read also! Lol. So returned to the gym to get less of a work out.
@@jarkle87 No. I was too tired after a GYM workout.
@@derrickd5 No. I was too tired after a gym workout to use Tonal. I've since stopped going to the gym (my gym memberships are still active) and am only using Tonal, free weights and a spin bike at home.
Turn bar to left it will turn off
Recurring revenues look good to their investors. Prob not going away.
If you lower 1 side of the bar, the weight will turn off.
Will the machine still work if Tonal goes bankrupt?
Bitte auch mal auf Deutsch das Video
Don't buy this, paying a membership is basically a way to rip you off, say a big no to greedy companies.
I don’t agree at all the price being a con.
Gym equipment that doesn’t have nearly half the same functionality takes up way more space and cost just as much if not more
As far the subscription goes. I think it’s more than fairly priced. You’re not just paying for programs / trainer. But the functionality use of the machine,
A team is most likely managing those features .
On top of that the company would probably go bankrupt with out the subscription.
There is absolutely no way they are making any real significant money on the actual tonal devices
This device is cheaper than the majority of free cable machines :
Agree, and $49 is peanuts compared to a trainer, gym membership, and other things people spend their money on that aren’t helping their fitness and health
BS, charging 3k plus a monthly fee is ridiculous. You paid for the machine, but the machine won't work without the membership...it loses basic features. It's like you dont really ever own the machine even after spending 3k, it's like you are renting the machine. And no 50 is not a lot, but when you don't care to use the videos, it feels like you are still paying for the machine, which is wrong.
@@glow4417 I think if you were the CEO of the company you would see things differently. There is simply no way after putting hundreds of thousands possibly even millions of dollars. To get this thing onto the market..
That you would just simply give away all the extra features for free.
And after 12 months you don’t need to pay for the membership you just lose the AI features you on the machine but if you want to use it to its full capability you have to pay.
@@glow4417
And you’re not just paying for the trainers you’re paying for all of the dynamic weight modes. The tracking etc. It’s more than worth it.
@@glow4417 exactly! This is a lifetime lease, this is not yours, major drawback for me. I do not need the exercise programs, even the spotter thing. Why to pay for a machine and for even a membership in your home, if you can have all the machines in a good quality Gym for that. Everyone that thinks that 50 bucks is not a great deal then be my guest, I can give my PayPal account.
Useless spent money