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Treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals aren’t the only equipment you’ll find in people’s home fitness rooms. Exercise mirrors are becoming more commonplace as smart fitness routines take over. With a smart fitness mirror, you can enjoy the benefits of a whole gym in your home without sacrificing a ton of space. Most exercise mirrors look like a standard vertical mirror, and they may be either freestanding or wall-mounted.
Smart fitness mirrors have their own unique features, which can include rep counting, correcting your form or connecting you with a personal trainer. Although there aren’t many on the market, smart mirrors have grown in popularity as more people have adapted to home workouts.
These pieces of equipment don’t come cheap, so it’s helpful to know what a smart fitness mirror can offer you that a gym can’t. We tested various popular smart mirrors at home and in CNET’s testing lab to determine which are the best based on the installation process, classes and unique functions, as well as practicality. Check out our top picks for mirror workout options below.
The Lululemon Studio Mirror was originally known as the Mirror, but changed its name with a rebranding in 2022. The Lululemon Studio Mirror connects you to your favorite boutique fitness classes by creating a hybrid experience at home and in-person. When you order this smart mirror you have the option to have the delivery technician set it up for you or you can install it following their installation instructions. You can have your mirror on a stand that leans against the wall or mount it to your wall. If you choose the stand, an anchor will be included and is recommended for extra security. This will require you to drill two holes into your wall, so it’s something to consider if you rent your home.
What stood out to me about the Lululemon Studio Mirror is that it can only be controlled through its app. The app is easy to set up, but you will need to make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi and your smartphone’s Bluetooth is on so you can pair it. As a smart fitness mirror I expected it to be a touch screen, so I was surprised that I had to operate it through my phone. The good news is the app (available for iOS and Android) is well-designed, intuitive and easy to follow, and even though the software was at times glitchy on the mirror, overall it functioned well.
Another stand-out feature on the Lululemon Studio Mirror are the hybrid classes powered through the Lululemon Studio membership. The $39 a month membership is required to use the mirror and will give you access to thousands of popular fitness studios like Rumble, Dogpound, Aarmy, Y7 Studio, AKT, Pure Barre, Yoga Six and Forward Space. Additionally, with your membership you’ll be able to attend class at the brick and mortar studio locations and receive 10% off Lululemon purchases and special discounts when you attend in-person Lululemon Studio partner classes.
You can add up to six profiles to your account, so anyone in your family can use it. Since the app is on your phone, it’s also readily available to use if you’re traveling or at a gym. Another thing to keep in mind is that you will need to have other fitness equipment handy. For example, some classes use dumbbells, kettlebells, mini bands and resistance bands. You’ll know ahead of time what you’ll need because the class preview page lists the equipment required. The classes are labeled as beginner, intermediate or advanced, so you won’t have a hard time finding one that fits your fitness level. There are various class selections to pick from like boxing, pilates, pre- and postnatal classes as well as strength training and stretching. And you’ll never be bored because Lululemon drops new classes every week. Lululemon studio also offers Time Saver options which are shorter classes in the five-to-15 minute range for when you don’t have time for a full hour workout. You can also sign up for a periodized workout program that is done in a span of several weeks and you can decide the frequency you want to work out during the week, plus your preferred duration.
The display of the Lululemon Studio Mirror is top notch quality and provides a crisp image of the instructor and class stats. You can also control the instructor’s video size so you can view them as large, dynamic or small. The audio for both the music and the instructor can be individually adjusted, depending on which you prefer to hear more prominently. This was helpful when I was taking Rumble, a boxing class, and made it easier to pay attention to the cues the instructor was providing. As for music, you can only connect to an Apple Music account or pick studio music which is built into the Lululemon Studio app. You can also connect your Apple Watch or other compatible heart rate monitors with this device. During class there are a range of display settings: you can opt to not view yourself on camera, hide/show your data, use closed captioning and more. You can also view your community stream, which shows other users working out at the same time as you — and you can cheer them on. Lululemon uses a health score to keep track of your progress every time you take a class as well.
If you have friends who own a Lululemon Studio Mirror, you can connect with them for some friendly competition. The Studio Mirror also offers personal training for an additional fee and during sessions or live classes you’re able to turn on the two-way audio and video technology so you can receive instructor feedback in real-time. This function is helpful if you need help with your form during class.
You can’t talk about smart fitness mirrors without discussing privacy. The Lululemon Studio Mirror includes a lens cap that you can place over the camera when it’s not in use.
The most basic package of this smart mirror normally retails for $1,495, but it’s currently reduced to $995, which is a great price considering everything you’re getting with the device. If you’re a fan of the interactive aspect of group fitness classes and hybrid workouts, then the Lululemon Studio Mirror may be the best fit for you.
Pros:
- Blends into any room
- Easy installation
- App is easy to use
- Screen display is high quality
- Perks offered at partner fitness studios and discounts at Lululemon
Cons:
- No touchscreen
- Lululemon studio membership is a separate cost
- Personal training costs extra
- Only connects to one third-party music app, Apple Music
- Doesn’t come with exercise equipment
If you’re looking for a smart fitness mirror that offers a more personalized experience, the Forme Studio may be the way to go. Forme offers two different types of mirrors: Forme Studio and Forme Lift. The Studio is the original mirror that offers on-demand classes and custom workouts as well as live 1:1 personal training ($99 for first month; $399 a month afterwards). The Forme Lift is the upgraded version of the Forme Studio and offers the same classes and personal training, but has motorized resistance cables (with up to 150 pounds of resistance) meant to elevate your strength training experience. In a way, it resembles the Tonal, a smart home gym we tested, but has some differences since the Forme Lift is a mirror. The Forme Studio will run you $2,495, whereas the Forme Lift costs a whopping $5,995.
I was able to test both, but thought that the average person would find the Forme Studio more suitable though the Forme Lift could be appealing to those who are already well-versed in strength training, like to train with cable machines and have the budget and space for it. This was the only smart mirror I did not test at home or in the CNET testing lab and instead tried at its showroom. If you buy the Forme Studio, you have the option to lean it against or mount it to the wall for extra security. You will also need to make sure you have 6 by 6 feet of space, with a minimum of 7 feet from floor to ceiling to accommodate the unit. Your wall must have a 12-, 16- or 18-inch metal or wood stud spacing, poured concrete or concrete masonry units.
There’s no denying the Forme Studio is an attractive piece of equipment and I could see why a member nicknamed it the “Rolls Royce of smart mirrors.” This unit is a touchscreen, but also has an app (currently only available on iOS) that you can download. I found the imagery on the Forme Studio to be the best of all the smart mirrors because it’s filmed in 4K resolution, which is similar to some nicer televisions on the market. The instructor also looks life-size on the screen, which feels like they are in the room with you. This device has two front-facing cameras which comes in handy if you sign up for personal training sessions (more on this later). Forme includes camera covers for added privacy. Since this mirror is a touchscreen, it’s bound to get fingerprints all over it, so it’s recommended to clean it with a microfiber cloth.
You will need Wi-Fi to use the Forme Studio. You have the option to connect your headphones, Forme Heart Rate Monitor (included in your accessories box), other compatible heart rate monitors or an Apple Smartwatch via Bluetooth. One downside is that you’ll only be able to access the built-in music on the device.
The Forme membership will cost you $49 a month, which is a steep price to pay when the unit itself isn’t cheap. You’ll need the membership to access over 700 on-demand classes. A membership plus is that you are connected to a fitness concierge which has you fill out a survey that asks about your goals, fitness level and lifestyle, and then curates a workout plan with recommended videos on demand from Forme’s library released on a weekly basis. You can create up to six profiles with your membership. The video library gives you the option to pick from beginner, intermediate or advanced classes from workouts like barre (you can also purchase the barre attachment separately for $295), strength training, boxing, yoga, pilates, Barry’s X, dance and meditation. You can also join a program if you want to tackle a specific challenge for the month. Keep in mind some of these classes will require you to have additional equipment like dumbbells on hand. You can filter by the length of the class, type of workout, level, instructor and equipment needed. The preview of the class will also give you a synopsis of what exercises you’ll be doing, the reps, time and rounds.
I tested out a few classes and for the most part the experience was similar to other smart mirrors. The software didn’t glitch and was smooth the whole time, which is a plus. You can adjust your audio based on whether you want to hear more of the music or the instructor, which I like since it can help you focus. During class the mirror is not as impressive as I expected since it’s only able to count your reps. Unlike the Lululemon Studio Mirror, there isn’t a sense of camaraderie with other members if you’re looking for that group fitness feel. I would’ve thought that the Forme Studio would be able to offer form corrections or cue suggestions like the Fiture Mini, but it doesn’t.
However, what makes the Forme Studio stand out is the 1:1 Live Personal Training (something you can set up through the fitness concierge). The experience is similar to doing a personal training session in person, and this is where the two front cameras are most useful. (I wasn’t able to test this out, because there wasn’t a trainer virtually readily available, but I saw a brief demo.) During a programmed session with your trainer, you’ll be able to view them from your screen and vice versa. The trainer has the ability to provide feedback since the cameras track your movements and your whole frame (even if you’re on the taller side). If you own the Forme Lift, the trainer can adjust the resistance on the machine remotely if they want to challenge you.
Even if you’re traveling, you can access your personal training sessions via a tablet. Your trainer will still be able to view you since camera tracking works similarly on tablets.
Pros:
- Personal training made easy virtually
- Looks like a sophisticated mirror that blends in with any room
- Customized workouts through fitness concierge
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn’t correct exercise form
- Other mirrors offer more features with software
- Requires a lot of room
Other smart mirrors we tested
Fiture Mini: The Fiture Mini was our recommended pick for people with limited space. But it’s no longer available for purchase in the US. I was able to test it in my home, and I liked that it didn’t require a lot of space for a workout. What made it unique was that it featured Motion Engine technology, which uses gesture controls, provides coaching cues, counts reps, and guides your pace and form during class.
Echelon Reflect: Compared to the other smart mirrors tested, the Echelon Reflect had a low-quality screen resolution and the instructor screen appeared smaller than the rest. You have the option to mount it to a wall or to a stand and we opted for a stand, but it felt flimsy when operated since it’s a touchscreen. We also had issues connecting the app to the mirror and we could not control the volume separately from the instructor and the music, so the music always muffled the instructor’s directions. We also found it lacked in class selections compared to its competition.
How we test smart mirrors
The setup: We looked at the ease or difficulty of the delivery and installation process and how the equipment looks in the testing space.
The experience: We took into account the user experience and how easy it is to operate and navigate the smart fitness mirror during class and while browsing the exercise library. We also looked at features that made the user experience easier or better. For example, having volume control over the music and the instructor speaking.
The app: We looked at how easy it was to connect the app to the smart fitness mirror and if it was easy to navigate and mirrored the device itself.
The workouts: Compared to a gym membership, we evaluated the class and program selection the smart fitness mirrors offered and if there were options to personalize the workout even further, such as tracking, personal training or individualized programs.
The music: We took into account whether or not the smart fitness mirror lets you access a third-party music app like Spotify or if you’re expected to use a built-in music program.
The content quality: We observed how the screen resolution appeared and how sophisticated the workout content felt, as well as the sound, smoothness and overall quality of the software.
Factors to consider
- Set aside a realistic budget for a smart fitness mirror, because they don’t come cheap. You could easily spend upwards of $1,000 on one of these devices.
- Determine whether you have the appropriate space for a smart fitness mirror. Besides a place for the mirror, you should have plenty of room to move on the floor.
- Find out if you will need additional equipment to use the smart fitness mirror or if it’s included.
- Decide what features are important to you for a smart fitness mirror to have. Some offer personal training as well as group fitness classes that are updated regularly.
- Decide if you prefer a smart fitness mirror with a touchscreen or to monitor it through an app or by hand gestures. Some mirrors give you multiple options.
- If you want to use the smart fitness mirror on-the-go, make sure it has a compatible app which you can use while traveling.
- If your whole family plans on using the smart fitness mirror, make sure you can create enough user profiles for them.
What to look for when shopping for a smart fitness mirror
- Decide if you want a mountable or free standing mirror and if the manufacturer offers both options.
- Verify that white glove delivery and assembly are included with your order.
- Consider the library of workouts and how personalized you can make your experience.
- If privacy is a concern, confirm that camera covers come with the mirror for when it’s not in use.
- Make sure you know how to clean your smart fitness mirror. Most will include instructions on how to maintain it at home.
- Make sure you understand the company’s warranty policy and know what they’re willing to cover if your smart mirror were to break or malfunction.
Smart mirror FAQS
Which mirror is best for a home gym?
The best mirror will depend on what features you prefer. If personal training is important to you, then the Forme may be your best option, whereas if you want the feel of a boutique group fitness class, you may favor the Lululemon Studio Mirror.
Can workout mirror trainers see you?
Some smart fitness mirrors do have the option to have the instructor watch you during class to help with your form or offer guidance. Your user manual will mention if this is a feature that’s included.
What are the benefits of fitness mirrors?
You can get the benefits of personal training or group fitness classes without leaving your home. It’s also dual-purposed and can serve as both your home gym and a mirror.
How do you clean a fitness mirror?
It’s recommended that the best way to clean your smart fitness mirror is by using a microfiber cloth or with an approved cleaning solution that may be included with your order. Avoid using unapproved cleaning products and paper towels which could be too abrasive for the surface.