A futuristic blend of innovation—a gym cleverly disguised in a mirror for those eager to swap traditional weights for gains powered by algorithms. The Tonal 2 has been revamped to be more elegant, sharper, and, surprisingly, more expensive than its predecessor, retailing at $4,295 (with additional costs for extras). It serves as both a striking centerpiece and a significant financial investment.
I set out to discover whether Tonal could transform my training regimen. After several weeks of testing, I examined everything from setup to daily functionality to determine if Tonal 2 could maintain my motivation—quite a challenge given my attention span rivaling that of a squirrel—or if it would merely convert my living area into a scene from a Black Mirror episode.
Revamped and Enhanced
The Tonal 2 retains its wall-mounted design from the original model (7/10, WIRED Recommended) but upgrades the appearance with a sleek all-black finish and chrome details. It complements any home gym beautifully—as long as you don’t mind wiping off the inevitable smudges post-workout. The most striking enhancement is the integrated camera, which provides real-time form feedback directly on-screen. Previously, users needed a separate mobile device to utilize Smart View for movement analysis; now, adjustments are instant. You can still incorporate your phone for a side-angle view, offering improved coaching cues.
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
In my experience, Smart View detected subtle yet important posture errors—like rounding my shoulders or letting my chest drop. However, it wasn’t without flaws. For instance, it failed to recognize when I was performing entirely different exercises, such as a narrow hamstring curl instead of a wide bicep curl. Certain movements also made it difficult to check the screen mid-set, so I often relied on post-workout videos and feedback for review rather than in real-time.
The connectivity has seen improvements as well, with enhanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reliability. Your internet connection still plays a crucial role—a poor connection can lead to lag—but I didn’t encounter any streaming interruptions during my testing.
Perhaps the most significant advancement is its robustness. The new cables for Tonal 2 are 75 percent stronger, increasing the digital resistance limit from 200 to 250 pounds—a vital enhancement for serious lifters. Additionally, Tonal introduced a new workout format called Aero HIIT, a blend of cardio and strength training that adds five new exercises to its repertoire: Aero Pull, Aero Mini Pull, Aero Twist, Aero Chop, and Aero Lunge. Drop sets are now also conveniently integrated, allowing users to push through fatigue without needing to manually adjust weights.
More than Just Weights
Professional installation is a requirement for Tonal 2, adding an extra $295 (or more, based on your location). It mounts flush against the wall, helping to keep your area tidy, but you will need at least 7’x7’ of floor space and a ceiling height of 7’10” to achieve full motion. If your living space is on the smaller side, be prepared to rearrange furniture before starting your workouts. The installation process took about 45 minutes and went seamlessly. However, fair warning: the drilling can be quite loud. If you have neighbors, you might want to give them a heads-up.
Exercising with digital resistance feels distinctive compared to using free weights. According to Tonal, the pin-loaded machine can appear 23 percent heavier than traditional dumbbells. With no momentum, your muscles remain engaged throughout the movement. It offers a more controlled (though limiting) training method. The touchscreen is highly responsive, making it effortless to modify weights, follow training programs, and monitor progress.
