This is an overview of my purchase, installation, initial impressions, and full review of the Tonal smart home gym. It will be broken up into three parts.
What is Tonal?
Tonal is basically an all-in-one smart home gym that takes the thought process out of working out. You will no longer need to find or build your own workout plans or keep track of your weights. With Tonal, you simply pick a plan or workout and follow along. Tonal automatically sets the weights for you and records your progress during each workout. It can even spot you if it senses that you struggling.
The Tonal Ordering Process
I first found out about Tonal after seeing an ad whiling searching for home gym equipments. I spent months contemplating if I should buy it or not, mostly due to the high cost. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the system on November 24, 2020, when Tonal offered a special $250 Black Friday/Cyber Monday discount (the largest discount of the year). I paid $3734.30 total after the $250 discount.
Breakdown of Cost
| Tonal | $2,995 |
| Smart Accessories | $495* |
| Deliver + Installation | $250 |
| Tax |
$244.30 (varies by state)
|
| Total | 3734.30** |
*The $495 Smart Accessories pack (includes: smart handles, smart bar, rope, bench, roller, & workout mat) is optional but is very convenient. You can deactivate the weights at the push of a button with the smart accessories. You can use your own attachments if you buy the Tonal T-Locks, however these have been sold-out for months so please check the Tonal store first if you decide to forego the Smart Accessories.
**This does not include the cost of the monthly membership subscription which cost $49 a month and requires a one-year commitment ($588). If I include this cost, the price of the Tonal system with a year of membership would be $4322.30. Tonal can be used without the monthly membership, but it is very limited. Basically, it is a glorified cable machine; you can adjust the weight settings but do not have access to the workout plans, tracking features, music, and more. I do not recommend Tonal if you do not purchase the membership.
Estimated Delivery Date
At the time of purchase, the expected delivery date was 10-12 weeks due to increased demand (standard delivery time is 2-4 weeks according to Tonal’s website). Since I ordered my Tonal on November 24, 2020, this would put my expected delivery time to be somewhere around February 3-17.
Tonal Pre-Installation Survey
After purchasing Tonal, you will be instructed to complete the pre-installation survey. The survey should be completed as soon as possible to avoid any delays in delivery and installation. You will receive reminder emails from Tonal until you complete the survey. Let’s go over the survey.
The first part of the survey requests pretty basic information such as contact information, Tonal survey questions, and installation address.
The second part of the survey is where you will actually need to do some work. You will be required to enter detailed information for two potential locations for the Tonal that meets the installation specifications (ceiling height, surrounding space, outlet location, etc.). You will need to submit a picture and include detailed information about each location including the type of wall and studs, stud placement, and more.
I had to purchase a stud finder in order to figure out the spacing of the studs on my wall and to pinpoint where I could hang the Tonal. Luckily, I found my home has standard 16″ stud spacing which is optimal for installation, otherwise the installers will need to use brackets to install the system. As for the wall type and thickness, I had cut into my walls before and found out they were plaster compared to the typical drywall you would find in most homes.
The two locations I chose was a spot in my office and garage. My first choice was in my office since it was air conditioned space whereas my garage is not insulated and not a conditioned space.
The third and final part of the survey asks questions about the day of installation. You will need to provide contact information and information about your residence for the installers.
After you submit the survey, Tonal will review your submission and follow up within 7-10 days.
I submitted the survey on December 4th and received a response on the 7th. Since I indicated that my walls were plaster walls instead of the typical drywall, I had to confirm that I was aware of the risks of installation on my walls and Tonal would not be responsible for any damages.
I confirmed and received another email telling me that installation space looks compatible and they had all the information they need.
I received an update the next date. My estimated delivery date to the hub is February 1, 2021. Once the Tonal is delivered to the hub, I will be contacted to schedule an installation date.
The next step is the wait.
Part II coming soon. You can purchase Tonal through their website here (this is my referral link).
