Adding a smart home gym to your home is one of the best investments you can make. Between gym access being limited and the great strides in technology, working out from home makes more sense than ever.

New smart fitness brands have cropped up over the past year, expediting the growth and explosion of an industry that was already headed in this direction. For some perspective, a mega-player in the fitness industry, Peloton, was worth $8 billion in January 2020 and $35 billion by October 2020 with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

If you’re looking to join the trend and start training from home with a smart gym, then you’re likely deciding which one is right for you. And if strength training is important to you, then considering a smart gym that comes equipped with weights is a great option as it provides an all-in-one fitness solution.

In this article, I’m going to compare Tempo vs ProForm Vue, two relatively new players in the home training industry that are making a big splash. We’ll go over all the specs, stats, and pertinent information that will help you decide which smart gym with weights is best for you.

The Evolution of Personal Training

For the longest time, if you wanted to benefit from one-on-one personal training, you’d have to go to your local gym and hire a trainer. Then, you’d show up every week and work together to accomplish your goals. This has worked for decades, but it hasn’t always been convenient which leads to people quitting or never getting started in the first place.

Over the last few years, we’ve seen some shifts happening in the fitness community. More and more trainers began offering their services virtually, which allowed their clients to benefit from their knowledge and expertise without ever driving to the gym. The only pitfall with that was the fact that this required folks to have access to the required equipment.

Some brands saw the writing on the wall and jumped on the home fitness bandwagon, creating smart fitness equipment that solved nearly every pitfall with working out from home. Then, 2020 and the global pandemic happened and the connected fitness industry began to spread like wildfire.

Today, we have access to every kind of equipment you can imagine, from bikes and treadmills to smart mirrors and comprehensive personal training apps. We can now train from home safely, efficiently, and conveniently with connected gym equipment and their dedicated programming. Brands like ProForm, Tempo, Tonal, and Mirror have successfully designed equipment that allows us to get the full gym experience right from the comfort of our homes.

Next, let’s dig into the Tempo and ProForm Vue specs.

Tempo Vs. ProForm Vue: A head to head table comparison

Important Distinctions Between Vue and Tempo

At first glance, these two machines appear to be very similar, hence why you’re comparing the two. However, there are some important differences that are worth noting as you navigate the buying process, I’ll break those down for you below, but first, let’s point out the similarities between the two smart gyms.

Both Tempo and ProForm Vue:

• Are smart fitness studios that are designed to fit into any home.
• Include weights.
• Have programming that allows users to choose from a variety of workout styles, experience levels, and durations.
• Allow you to neatly and discreetly store your equipment.

Onto the differences…

• Tempo contains 3D sensor technology that tracks your movements and allows the AI tech to correct your form, count your reps, and help you select weights. Vue does not contain this technology.
• Vue is a reflective mirror + touchscreen. Tempo’s screen is 100% touchscreen, there is no mirror.
• Tempo comes with Olympic weights that go up to 100 pounds. Vue has only 30 pounds in total weight.
• Vue pivots for optimal viewing and access to the back storage, Tempo is fixed.

More About Vue

ProForm Vue is the latest release from NordicTrack’s sister company, ProForm. Speaking of NordicTrack, if you’re following along with the smart mirror trend, then you may have seen their newest machine, the Vault.

Recommended Reading: NordicTrack Vault Vs. Tempo

Vue was designed to compete in the smart fitness mirror industry by coming in at a lower price point than some of its competitors. ProForm is a well-established fitness brand that has been releasing affordable fitness equipment for years.

Operating with iFit programming, just like NordicTrack, Vue allows users to gain access to hundreds of live and on-demand fitness classes. Couple that with the integrated reflective mirror, and users have the opportunity to match the form of their instruction, ensuring safe and proper form. 

This new fitness studio is a great way for people to incorporate strength training into their fitness routine, whereas some other options don’t prioritize strength training and/or require users to purchase weight training separately.

iFit Programming: What’s it like?

iFit is a very extensive, very popular fitness subscription that features hundreds of live and on-demand workouts to choose from. This platform pairs with all ProForm and NordicTrack equipment, making it incredibly robust.

When it comes to the iFit programming that’s suitable for the Vue, you can expect to find workouts that range from strength training and HIIT to yoga and stretching.

iFit reviews are varied, ranging from raving fans to luke-warm opinions of the workouts. One of the best parts about the fact that the Vue has a mirror included is that users can mirror the movements of the instructors, ensuring that they are performing each movement properly. 

Overall, you can expect the iFit workouts to be interactive, fun, and led by experienced trainers who know how to keep you engaged throughout the workout. The experience feels personalized and gives users the feeling that they’re working out one-on-one with a trainer.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

When comparing Vue to Tempo, it’s wise to note what’s included with the machine and what’s not so that you have a good idea of any additional equipment that you may need to purchase.

ProForm Vue comes with:

• 30 lbs of total weights
• 1 year of iFit family membership
• Built-in 22” HD touchscreen

It does NOT come with, but you’ll likely want to purchase:

• Mat
• Heart rate monitor
• Heavier weights

Advantages with Vue

• Sleek, beautiful design that doubles as a mirror when not in use
• Pivoting display for convenience and easy viewing
• 22” HD touchscreen display
• Rear accessory storage
• Doesn’t need to be mounted to a wall
• 1-year access to iFit membership included with purchase
• Access to hundreds of live and on-demand workouts
• MIrror allows you to match your movements to your instructor
• 10-year frame, 2-year parts, and 1-year labor warranty

Disadvantages with Vue

• 30 lbs is not a lot of weight, even beginners will find that as they progress they will need more weight to continue to see results and get stronger
• There is no mat or HR monitor  included
• iFit workouts may not be sufficient for experienced or serious lifters

More on Tempo

When Tempo hit the market in early 2020, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the way it would take hold. Almost immediately after release, COVID-19 hit, and going to the gym was no longer an option. So while it’s clear that the Tempo team knew that the fitness industry was headed in the direction of home workouts, they couldn’t have predicted how quickly the need would grow.

Tempo is an all-in-one home studio that’s powered by AI technology. It’s the first of its kind and remains the leader in personalized home workouts. Using infrared sensors, Tempo is able to track and view your movements, correcting your form, counting your reps, and more. This is the epitome of personalized workouts and personal training from home.

Likeable Literature: Tempo Home Gym Review

This connected fitness studio has three different bundle options; Starter, Plus, or Pro, and they come equipped with anywhere from 115-255 lbs of weights, including a barbell and two dumbbells, and multiple plates that allow you to safely and efficiently progress in your workouts. Tempo is very much a strength-training-based fitness studio, however, they do also offer a full range of workouts that don’t require the use of weights.

The studio itself is sleek, compact, and easily able to fit in almost anywhere in your home. There are two color options available; white or slate gray. If you want to experience personal training from home, this studio is as close as you can get. With a giant, 42” HD touchscreen, you’ll feel like your trainer is standing right in front of you.

What Are the Workouts Like?

The majority of the workouts that you’ll find within your Tempo subscription are rooted in strength training, meaning you’ll be using the resistance of the weights included with the studio to work your muscles. There are classes that vary by body part, length, fitness level, and more. You have the option to choose which workout fits your needs best for any given day. Additionally, there are curated content and programming options to choose from that take all the guesswork out of reaching your goals.

Regardless of what type of workout you choose, you can expect that Tempo’s AI technology will be there to help make sure that you’re working out to your full potential and with the best form possible. The sensors included on Tempo will monitor your movements and identify any form mistakes that need to be corrected in order to prevent injury. You’ll be alerted on the screen and given a form cue correction to rectify it. Once corrected, you’ll be given the green light to continue with your workout.

Aside from the form correction technology that’s unparalleled in the industry, that same technology tracks your reps for you so that you don’t have to. No more missing reps or forgetting where you’re at in your workout. The best part is that Tempo tracks your progress from one workout to the next, allowing you to progressively overload as you make progress in your fitness journey.

What comes with your Tempo?

One thing that I love about Tempo is that it’s got everything you need in one tidy package, regardless of which bundle you choose. If you stick with Tempo’s programming, you’ll have everything you need to successfully complete your workout without needing to buy any additional equipment. Included equipment varies by bundle, but can include the following:

• 100-240 lbs of Olympic weights & Clips
• High quality, durable mat
• Heart rate monitor
• Recovery roller
• 25 lbs barbell
• 7.5 lbs adjustable dumbells (2)
• Kettlebell system
• Storage for heavier weight plates
• Foldable bench
• Foldable squat rack

Tempo does NOT come with:

A pre-paid subscription. You must begin your subscription upon receipt of your machine for $39 per month to access the programming.

Advantages with Tempo

• AI technology with form correction and rep counting
• Sleek, compact design
• Two color options to choose from
• 3 carefully curated bundles to choose from that suit your unique workout needs
• Olympic weights up to 240 total lbs
• Discreet storage
• 42” HD touchscreen display
• Personalized programming
• Immersive one-on-one experience
• Expert trainers
• Tons of workout variety, including live classes
• Sleek, foldable accessories that compliment your studio and your home perfectly

Disadvantages with Tempo

• You need to maintain at least 8 feet in front of you when working out
• Sometimes the AI technology misses a rep

The Verdict: Which smart fitness studio with included weights takes the cake?

You’ve seen the stats, you got the overviews, now it’s time to decide between the ProForm Vue and the Tempo Home Studio: which one is the best option?

Here’s the deal, Tempo is by far a more advanced option in both its programming and its technology. Of course, that kind of innovation comes at a price, leaving Tempo with a higher price tag than Vue.

While I think that Tempo is the superior product, I also want to note that your choice will depend on what you’re personally looking for in your workouts. If you’re someone who has no desire to lift heavy weights, then you may not be disappointed in the 30 lbs you get with ProForm’s Vue. In fact, it may be just the right fit for you and your needs.

Also, many people are already familiar with and love iFit programming and the versatile workout options available through their subscription. So if you know and love iFit and their trainers, you may be more inclined to choose Vue.

For those who want to make strength training the cornerstone of their fitness routine, Tempo is going to be well worth the extra money. Anyone that has tried to purchase dumbbells or a barbell over the last year can attest to the fact that the Tempo package is a sweet deal for the inclusion and quality of the weights.