With the majority of the world spending far more time at home these days, the fitness industry has responded in a big way by releasing equipment and programming that caters directly to the newly increased population of people looking to work out from home.

Those looking to work out from home want to do so efficiently and without spending a lot of money or gobbling up too much of their precious home space, so are looking to invest in a smart home gym that discreetly creates a workout sanctuary space right in their living rooms.

In this article, I’m excited to be comparing two of the top contenders, the Tempo Home Studio and the NordicTrack Vault. If you’re considering choosing one of these fitness studios, then read on because I’m going to reveal the following in my detailed comparison of the two:

Comparing NordicTrack Vault Vs. Tempo Home Studio (head-to-head chart)

Let's just get right to it, shall we? In the chart below, I’m comparing Vault to Tempo, detailing the specs and features that will play a role in your decision regarding which option is going to be the best fit for you.

Key Similarities and Differences Between These Two Smart Studios

There are a number of ways in which these two home fitness studios are similar, however, there are unique nuances to each that make each unique. These are the nitty-gritty details that you’re going to want to know before making a purchasing decision.

What's the same? Both studios offer:

• Integrated storage compartments that neatly and discreetly tuck all your equipment away.
• High-quality, durable weights & equipment (if you choose the Vault Complete model).
• Strength training as the foundation.
• Intuitive touch screen displays.
• Dedicated programming that can be streamed live or on-demand.

What's different between the two?

• Vault features a mirror screen, Tempo is a display only.
• The tempo is significantly smaller and lighter than Vault.
• The vault *Should be* attached securely to a wall, Tempo is free-standing.
• Tempo offers live feedback, cues, and instruction via 3D mapping & AI technology, Vault does not have 3D mapping or feedback tech built-in.
• Vault’s screen rotates so that you can always have the best view, Tempo’s screen is fixed.

For even more of a comparison between these two smart home gyms, watch our latest video review over at our YouTube channel. Also, don't forget to subscribe and join us at the Fit Home Healthy Life Facebook Group!

Now that you have a good idea of the similarities and differences between these two smart gyms, let’s dive a little deeper into what each studio has to offer.

Analyzing Tempo Home Studio

Tempo Home Studio is by far one of the most technically advanced pieces of fitness equipment on the market today. This AI-powered smart studio is the closest experience you can get to having a real, live personal trainer in your living room. With Tempo, you receive personalized guidance with every workout.

This system is the first of its kind in so many ways. Between the included of Olympic-grade weights and AI technology to help you perfect your form, this is one of the most comprehensive and intuitive smart fitness studios available. Tempo included 3D sensors that capture your movements as you work out. Then, integrated AI technology provides you with instant feedback that helps you to improve your form and get the most out of your workout.

While reviewing Tempo Studio, I noted that this system takes all the guesswork and intimidation out of strength training, which is one of my favorite aspects of this studio. You can start from where you’re at and the tech included in the system will walk you through each exercise, rep, and weight selection so that you feel confident that you’re progressing safely and efficiently, getting stronger with every workout.

Not only does Tempo include some of the best fitness technology, but the system itself is extremely sleek, compact, and efficient, making it the ideal fit for any home gym space. There is no need to drill any holes in your walls as this smart gym is free standing and not so big and bulky that you can’t move it around should you need to. This is a major benefit of Tempo because it offers flexibility that many of its competitors don’t.

Tempo’s Workout Programming

Tempo has its own programming that includes a giant library of on-demand workouts as well as the option to take live classes. While the core of the classes is based around strength training, they also offer a ton of other modalities that provide you with a well-rounded fitness experience, all from one convenient machine.

Their workout class list includes:

• Strength
• Cardio
• HIIT
• Mobility
• Recovery
• Yoga
• Cardio Boxing
• Pilates
• And more!

The company is always adding new classes to the line up to keep things fresh and exciting and to keep your body and mind guessing. No matter what class you take, you’ll benefit from Tempo’s built-in guidance that personalizes your workouts and helps you progress towards your specific goals, whatever those may be. The cherry on top is that the instructors are amazing, professional, and incredibly motivating. They truly make the classes fun while still challenging you to push to new levels.

Additionally, Tempo's app allows you to take your workouts with you anywhere you go. Using My Plan, you can workout from wherever you are, even when you're not near your studio, and be able to continue to track and progress with your fitness goals.

Pros

• Everything you need is included with the system and there are 3 unique accessory bundles to choose from
• Olympic-grade weights that are built-to-last
• AI Technology provides form cues and corrections, rep counting, weight selection, and more
• Personalized workouts
• Convenient storage
• Amazing, motivational instruction
• Tons of classes to choose from across a variety of modalities
• Does not need to be mounted to your wall
• Lightweight enough that it can be moved around

Cons

• Sometimes the sensors don’t properly pick up on your movement which can cause a missed rep (this happens when you’re too far away from the screen)
• May not be the best choice for those who aren’t into strength training as that’s the foundation

Analyzing Vault by NordicTrack

Vault is NordicTrack’s direct response to competitors like Tempo and Echelon’s Reflect. NordicTrack has an amazing track record for producing high-quality fitness equipment and programming, particularly their iFit programming.

This machine is very distinct in design, offering a “vault” in which you can neatly and safely store all of your equipment. The giant mirrored screen opens up to reveal vertical shelving that can house all your dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, etc. You have two options to choose from - the Stand Alone Vault which comes with only the screen and an empty vault, or the Complete package which includes all your weights and other equipment. These options are great as they cater to those who already have equipment at home and those who don’t.

When thoroughly reviewing NordicTrack Vault, I mentioned that aesthetically, this machine is beautiful, doubling as an elegant mirror when not in use. This smart studio reminds me a lot of the Forme Life Studio in design as both machines are meant to add an elegant touch to your space. The mirror itself on the Vault is 60” and the HD touchscreen is 32”. The most unique part of the touchscreen on this studio is that it rotates 360 degrees so that you always have the best view in the house.

iFit Programming

If you’re familiar at all with NordicTrack’s equipment, then you’ve likely heard of their iFit programming, a complete app that includes hundreds of workouts to choose from. Their expert trainers lead live classes as well as feature on-demand options that allow you to get an amazing workout from anywhere, and on any machine. Your Vault purchase comes with a full year subscription to iFit for free, which is a great bonus.

Workout classes in iFit

Inside the app, you’ll find the following class types that are compatible with the Vault:

• Strength
• Pilates
• HIIT
• Lift
• Sculpt and tone
• Yoga
• Mindfulness
• Intervals
• And more

NordicTrack is always creating fresh, new content, and you always have the option of tuning in to a live class or cueing on up on-demand. All classes are designed to be fun, engaging, and interactive, replacing your need to ever leave the house to workout.

Pros

• Giant, 60” mirror
• 32” HD rotating touchscreen
• Vault-style storage for discrete equipment storage when not in use
• Access to the iFit app and its many workouts and styles

Cons

• Must be fixed to a wall in your home
• It’s large, which can be overwhelming for small spaces
• The price is steep when ordering the Complete package
• No personalized workouts or form feedback
• It’s still very new, so little data and feedback available yet

The Verdict: Which all-in-one home gym is right for you - Vault or Tempo?

After taking an in-depth look at both of these smart gyms, it’s apparent that they are similar in some respects but very different in others. I own the Tempo Studio and absolutely love it. I find it to be one of the best, most technologically advanced fitness studios on the market. It’s perfect for everyone from beginners to experienced athletes. And I feel that those looking for an easy, non-intimidating introduction to strength training will absolutely love this machine.

That said, the Vault certainly makes its mark on the industry as well, offering a sleek, sophisticated design that adds a touch of elegance and design to any room. I think this is an important attribute for those who are forced to set up their home gyms in their living room or spare bedroom as it’s a very non-obtrusive way to incorporate working out into your regular living space.

Here’s how I see it:

If you’re looking to strength train from home and you want the experience of having a personal training who’s going to take all of the guesswork and intimidation out of lifting, then the Tempo Studio is 100% the right choice for you. The AI technology in this machine is bare none.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes the idea of a mirror and wants access to a wide range of workout styles, then Vault with its iFit training access is a great choice. I personally think that Vault is a better option for those who want to train in other modalities like cardio, dance, yoga, etc., and if that’s the case, you can purchase the stand-alone unit without the weights and enjoy the programming without the extra expense.

Regardless of which option you choose, an investment into a smart fitness studio is, well, a smart one. I have no doubt that home fitness is going to continue to revolutionize, and with that, its popularity will continue to grow, forcing these brands to continue to produce products and content that compel us to live our healthiest lives.