Guided workouts aren’t a revelation. They have been around since the 60s and 70s, with a new shift in the 21st century when trackers, smartphone applications, and on-demand workouts became a thing. As time goes on, the fitness industry changes, and workouts are becoming much more comprehensive, personalized, and trackable.
A lot of people though, have become accustomed to the traditional way of working out. Simply put, not that many people bother to get trackers, workouts on-demand, or even bother to get some sort of device that will aid their workouts.
However, with forward-thinking companies like Tempo, Nordictrack Vault, and Mirror, many people reconsider. Being a bit of old-fashioned myself, my mind was blown when these three companies blipped on my radar.
What they’re is simple: Huge screens, often paired with the workout subject, displaying a workout program in real-time to follow, with some sort of equipment as well. Basically, a whole gym for your home, with an emphasis on convenience.
NOTE: You can skip ahead to the in-depth comparison of Tempo, Nordictrack Vault, and Mirror here.
Let’s dive a little deeper and see what these are all about, and how they might revolutionize working out, as well as which is the best fit for you!
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Why Tempo, Nordictrack Vault & Mirror Make Sense
People don’t have to go to the gym to keep being in shape. Sure, going to an actual gym has a lot of benefits, but there are workouts that can be done from the comfort of your own home, which are highly effective, and will keep you in shape.
Granted, not all are sufficiently knowledgeable to create their own workouts, or complete some sort of body weight exercises from home. Well, that’s where Tempo, Nordictrack Vault and Mirror come into the equation.
Have you ever wondered how having a personal trainer might greatly improve your results, or having a gym at home for that matter? Wonder no more, these three are exactly that.
You put a gigantic screen somewhere in your home, put an on-demand workout on, and then start working out, while also seeing your vitals, and calories burned in real-time.
Table of Contents
- Why Tempo, Nordictrack Vault & Mirror Make Sense
- Will They Make A Dent On Your Wallet?
- Tempo VS Nordictrack Vault VS Mirror – In-Depth Comparison
- Tempo
- Nordictrack Vault
- Mirror
- Tempo Review
- Nordictrack Vault Review
- Mirror Review
- Head-To-Head Comparison
- Tempo or Nordictrack Vault? Which Is Better?
- Screen VS Mirror – In Other Words, Tempo or Mirror?
- Two Mirrors: Nordictrack Vault VS Mirror
- The Verdict: Best Home-Gym Out There
Will They Make A Dent On Your Wallet?
The short answer is no, they won’t make a dent in your wallet, and here’s why:
Yes, Tempo starts at $2,495, Nordictrack Vault at $1,999 without equipment, and Mirror at $1,495 respectively. But compered to financing a whole gym at your home, are these really that bad of an offer?
When accounting for weight prices, machinery, flooring, gear, and other gym necessities, one could see why these three offer a better deal. Not to mention the space that one might save with opting for a more modern take on a gym.
In theory, once could also do body weight exercises and get only a few weights at a lower cost, but comparing to how much you lose in functionality, Tempo, Nordictrack Vault, and Mirror are better alternatives. Why? Well, you get a few things extra:
- On-demand and live workouts
- Huge screen to follow along with
- Progress tracking
- Communities
- Form correction (on Tempo)
- Equipment: weights, mats, rollers, and more (on some)
It could be easily seen why these products are such a big hit in the fitness industry.
In addition, since there are professional trainers leading you through the workouts, the progression curve is much more linear, and it proves to be very educational even after short periods of time.
Tempo VS Nordictrack Vault VS Mirror – In-Depth Comparison
There are a lot of things which differentiate each of the fitness solutions that these three offer.
For starters, Tempo is really impressive because of the fact that you get adjustable weights. Compared to Nordictrack Vault with which you only get a few different-weight dumbbells and kettlebells, it makes much more sense, as with adjustable weight, there is so much more possibilities, depending on the workout.
If you’re wondering what kind of equipment you get with Mirror though, the answer is none. However, out of the three, it has the sleekest design, which might be the reason why weights aren’t included. Although, Mirror recommends using elastic bands, which are very common in the fitness scene.
Nevertheless, let’s not get side-tracked. With that said, let’s see what are the most common differences between Tempo, Nordictrack and Mirror:
| Home Gym Comparison Nordictrack Vault vs Tempo vs Mirror |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Demand Workouts | Available | Available | Available |
| Weights Included | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price | Starts at $2,495 or $69 a month | Starts at $1,999 with no equipment, or $2,999 with equipment | Mirror is only $1,495 |
| Application Cost | $39 | Comes with 12 months free subscription of iFit | $39 |
| Dimensions | 72 in. x 26 in. x 16 in. | 2.65 in. x 24.25 in. x 14 in. | 52 in. x 22 in. x 1.4 in. |
| Live Exercise Sessions | Available | Available | Available |
| Website |
The reason why Nordictrack Vault uses the iFit application is because they don’t have one. Nevertheless, using iFit isn’t a downside. It is one of the most well-renowned workout applications out there on the market, so, in the end, this is a plus. Although, there is an additional cost of $15 per month, after the free 12-month subscription is over.
What Makes Each Home-Gym Unique? – Tempo VS Nordictrack Vault VS Mirror
Tempo
There are a couple of things that Tempo does really well. For one, they have a 3D scanner, which is utilized to determine whether your form is good or bad in real-time. This truly helps, especially for those that are beginners. However, these types of scanners are usually very finnicky.
There aren’t many negative reviews that point out this, however, there have been a few cases where that has happened.
Another thing which is great with Tempo, but lacking with the others is adjustable weight. Anyone who has been to the gym or has adjustable weight at home will tell you that there is no subsequent for adjustable weight. While fixed weights are more compact and require less work, they’re limited.
This saves both space and gives you more capabilities.
Nordictrack Vault
Yes, even though Nordictrack Vault has only fixed dumbbells and kettlebells, there is just a huge assortment of weights to choose from. There are dumbbells ranging anywhere from 5lb to 30lb. As for the kettlebells, there are only two, one 20lb and one 30lb one.
There are also a few other things you get like two yoga blocks, three loop bands, three super resistance bands, and an exercise mat.
We touched on how Nordictrack doesn’t have their own application, but since they use iFit, there is no loss there. You don’t have to utilize the whole gear you get with the Nordictrack Vault, but most of the workouts are dedicated to the gear you get along with your home-gym.
Mirror
The home-gym from Mirror, isn’t just a screen, as the name suggest, it is a mirror, with a screen embedded to it. Visibility is quite impressive even though it is an actual mirror.
Anyhow, Mirror is the best in design. Simply put, Mirror puts the ‘S’ in sleek. It is much less wide, and it can be either hanged or put up against a wall. The design isn’t the only thing that it has going for it though.
It has an enormous community, and what is a plus is the fact that people can workout with their close ones with relative ease. Moreover, if you’re competitive, then you’re bound to be motivated to outperform others with the point-system that the Mirror has.
Overall, a great home-gym, that is only if you can get over the fact that the Mirror doesn’t come with any equipment or weights.
Tempo Review
Short question: Does it work as a home-gym?
Without a doubt, this question can be answered with a resounding yes. What we found to be especially interesting and practical about the Tempo is the storage. For a home-gym, there is a great chance that you can’t afford to use anymore space that is necessary. No worries, Tempo’s got you covered.
With a big storage compartment under the screen, that is optimally set-up, you won’t lose any space, and it is quite easy to get the equipment out, and place it back.
Weight-wise, you’re looking at a 115lb of weight which is nothing short of miraculous. Oh, and did we mention that it is great for beginners? With adjustable weights, and experienced trainers guiding you to using the equipment, you will have no issues starting your fitness journey.
Tempo gets you up-to-speed, and it teaches you how to work out. Not to mention the huge help from the 3D scanner, telling you each time your form is poor. However, make sure not to get carried away with competing, because of the point system for your workouts!
If you decide to go with Tempo, what are some pros and cons that you should take into account? Here’s a few:
PROS
- Scanner making sure you have good form on an exercise
- Sleek design
- Adjustable weights
- Instructors only see a model of you, and don’t necessarily see you naturally
CONS
- Sometimes the AI might miss a repetition
- Quite large
Nordictrack Vault Review
The Nordictrack Vault is a bit smaller than the Tempo home-gym. While on paper the difference might not seem like a lot, once you cram it into a smaller space, the difference is substantial.
Overall, the design is very compact, impressing me most out of the three. It is similar to Mirror, in a sense that there is also a mirror with the Nordictrack Vault, and inside, there is a touch display. The general nature of the design is impressive. When it is not on and closed, it serves as an ordinary mirror. But once the cover is slid to the side, you can tell that this puppy doesn’t like to play games, revealing more than 100lb of weights and equipment.
The weights are compact as well. While they might not be adjustable like Tempo, they’re of high-quality, and most of the time, enough for all skill-levels.
While many regard Nordictrack’s decision of using iFit as a downside, that’s not me. Why not opt-in to use an app which is well-renowned, and on top of the 158 workouts that are included in the gym itself, you will gain access to more than sixteen thousand live or on-demand workout sessions. A win in my book.
After the first twelve months are up, you do have to pay a $15 subscription each month, but comparing price to convenience, that is very affordable.
Granted, there are some positives and negatives that you should consider, like:
PROS
- Sleek and compact design
- Can be used as an ordinary mirror
- Can connect headphones via Bluetooth
- High-quality equipment with extra goodies inside
CONS
- Expensive
- Non-adjustable weights
Mirror Review
Nope, it doesn’t get more luxury than Mirror, that’s it. The premium feel to this device is out of this world. However, it seems like to achieve this premium ‘feel’ Mirror has had to compromise in other departments like equipment.
Unfortunately, there is no equipment that comes with the Mirror. Most of the exercises are bodyweight exercises and resistance training, which is completely fine, but it would have been nice to have some weight exercises as well. Instead, Mirrors urges people to use elastic bands.
It isn’t touchscreen which is a bummer, but still, I think the Mirror is sufficient for most people. It takes up the least amount of space, and it will add a lot of character to your home, with its sleek design.
There is a front camera that can be utilized to train one-on-one, and don’t worry, there is a cover for it when it is not in use. You can control it with the app, rather than the Mirror itself, but all in all, quite a great product for those that aren’t fond of weight training that much, and want a cool futuristic-looking gadget in their home.
Like the other two, it does have some flaws, some which are already apparent. Here are the pros and cons with Mirror:
PROS
- Sleek and futuristic design
- Doesn’t take up much space
- Affordable compared to the other two
- Front-facing camera
- Vast community with a bit of competition
CONS
- No touch interactive display
- No equipment
Head-to-Head Comparison
We believe that there is one for everyone, and just like that, from these three, there might be some additional aspects left for consideration when it comes to choosing one. We thought it be best to make that abundantly clear by putting each one against each other, to see what some of the positives and negatives are to one, when compared to the other!
Tempo or Nordictrack Vault? Which Is Better?
Granted, which is better is a tough question to answer. It all depends on what you’re looking for, and both seem to offer the same things, or at least in the same ballpark.
First off, both are great if you’re a beginner or an intermediate, or even a professional. They slowly take you up the progression curve, and with all the included gear, there is so many workouts to choose from. Similar in size, but quite different in design. So relative to size, pretty much you will lose the same amount of space in your home for both gyms.
Nordictrack Vault is quite more impressive in design, and if you want to multi-purpose it as a mirror, you can do that as well. As for the Tempo, that’s not a possibility, since it only features a display, and not a mirror.
But what Tempo might be better for is beginners. The 3D scanner helps a lot when it comes to form, and well, most of the time if you’re a beginner, you will have to put a lot of work on your form, in order to get the results, you’re looking for.
I would say that the Nordictrack Vault is better for small spaces, since it can be used as a mirror as well, as for the Tempo, it is the perfect gym for beginners, and those that want to take their fitness to a whole another level, since you get a lot of functionality with adjustable weights!
Screen vs Mirror – In Other Words, Tempo or Mirror?
The Mirror is sleek, there is no doubt about that. But one thing which it can’t make up for in design is the fact that there is no gear or weights. Those that want a small gym in their home, would take the Tempo any day of the week.
That is not to say that there aren’t some exceptional exercises on the Mirror, oh no. In fact, there are hundreds of them, however, you do have to be ready to give up the convenience of weights. If you don’t care that much about weights or you’re prone to bodyweight and resistance training, then the Mirror will do just fine. Plus, it is much more affordable, and it is an actual mirror when it is not used.
Nonetheless, if you want an actual ‘gym’, well that the Tempo can offer. Plus, it is a 42” touchscreen, so working out without your smartphone is possible.
The Tempo is a lot bigger than the Mirror, so the Mirror might one-up the former since it is much smaller in size.
Two Mirrors: Nordictrack Vault vs Mirror
In this case, both can be repurposed as mirrors, so jamming both into your own bedroom is actually practical. Size is different though like we saw before, the Nordictrack Vault is subsequently larger than the Mirror, but at least you’re getting a huge arsenal of weights.
So, indeed, it comes down to whether you need the weight or not. Not to mention the additional workout mat, yoga blocks, bands, and more that the Nordictrack Vault offers. The weight does add quite a bit of workouts that you can do, but for some, the Mirror will do just fine even without the weight.
Nordictrack Vault with the included iFit application has an impressive catalogue of workouts, granting access to thousands. But still only 158 are unlocked on the Vault at the time of writing, and you should put into consideration whether the additional bucks are worth it, since the Mirror is much more affordable.
Again, I suspect it still boils down to what type of exercises you have in-mind. Whether that includes weight training or not.
The Verdict: Best Home-Gym Out There – Tempo vs Nordictrack Vault vs Mirror
Gone are the days where you had to go to the store and get a cassette and plug it into your cassette player for some guided exercising. Nowadays, with a click of a button, you can get a whole assortment of guided workouts!
But still, even with all the choices, something is missing. How about a whole gym in your house? Well, simply put, that is what Tempo, Nordictrack Vault, and Mirror offer.
Let’s start off with the easiest. If you aren’t fond of weights, and generally lean towards more bodyweight or resistance exercises, then the Mirror is a great choice. Affordable, small, and multi-purpose, as it is actually a mirror. Great for small spaces, and for those that are bodyweight fanatics.
For those that want something which they can use as a mirror and cram into the bedroom, but also has a great assortment of gear, the Nordictrack Vault is perfect.
However, if you’re generally more competitive, and have plans to improve and add onto your gym in the future, the Tempo is the best choice. Why? It offers adjustable weight, which can be multi-purposed, and there is a huge points system with which you can compete with others. Plus, building a whole gym around your Tempo isn’t unheard of.
In any case, both are great at what they do, and impressive. With the recent lockdowns and shifts in the state of the world now, home-gyms aren’t necessarily a bad idea.
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