Dimensions/Storability

Make way and clear some space! The NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S is large and takes up a lot of room. Even as I crossed my fingers that my team would find a way to get one in our studio, I realized we have no space for it. It’s large and would be very difficult to move around, measuring 112.5” long, 27.5” wide, and 15.5” tall.

I recommend this reformer for exercisers who can provide a large, permanent space for this machine.

You have to account for more than the dimensions of the reformer itself. When doing workouts on the reformer, you’ll be moving all around. For example, there’s a platform on the back that’s perfect for step-up exercises. If you don’t have enough space on the sides of the reformer, you will limit yourself on what you can do on it. NordicTrack suggests 19” of clearance all around the machine.

The good news about this reformer is that you don’t have to worry too much about your ceiling height. For step-up exercises, you might have to be careful, but most of the time, you are going to have plenty of room, no matter what.

I don’t mind that the Ultra 1 Reform RX is bulky and large, as it makes it well-built and sturdy.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

The Ultra 1 Reform RX uses iFIT and the former Reform RX platform to provide trainer-led classes. You need an iFIT subscription to access the onscreen content. Memberships are $39/month, or you can pay yearly for a bit of a discount.

iFIT is a trainer-led platform with thousands of on-demand classes. With one membership, you unlock all the Pilates reformer classes as well as iFIT’s entire library of cardio classes for treadmills and other equipment. If you like to strength train or do yoga, there are plenty of iFIT classes for that, too.

If you let it, iFIT and Reform RX can replace an entire gym membership.

I really enjoyed all of the onscreen cues in the Reform RX classes. As someone who is both new to this particular machine and reformers in general, having the class tell me what resistance to use and where to place the footbar was very helpful. Then, of course, I could see the coach performing the exercise and clearly giving instructions on each step.

The guided classes helped me embrace everything reformer Pilates is meant to be. It’s a fun, low-impact form of exercise, and having that virtual coaching helped me focus on the class and experience rather than worrying about what I need to do and how I do it.

Additionally, the footbar positioning and the resistance cues on the screen are just suggestions. You can adjust them as you need to, so lighten the resistance or make it heavier to suit your ability level.

Currently, the Ultra 1 Reform RX is not fully integrated with iFIT. I am excited for it to be, so then you can access iFIT’s features, like Netflix and Spotify. I don’t know for sure which features will be available on it, but I have to say, even with just the classes, it is a really great machine.

Console and Features

You won’t find many Pilates reformers with a built-in touchscreen. The screen on this reformer is 21.5”, and though I was initially worried that I wouldn’t be able to see it easily while training, that was not a problem. The screen size is great, and it did not get in the way.

Of course, you also need good audio to follow along with the trainer. There are two speakers with loud enough audio quality and good clarity to hear while you are training. Each class has music in the background, and you can adjust the volume of the coach and the music separately. You can also pair Bluetooth headphones to train quietly.

Speaking of Bluetooth, the console also allows you to pair a heart rate monitor. Not every Bluetooth heart rate monitor connects at the moment, though I hope they will be able to with updates. Currently, Whoop and Polar devices connect to the reformer console.

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Build Quality

I’m so glad that I got to test the Ultra 1 Reform RX out for myself because it let me see just how fantastic the build quality truly is. This Pilates reformer feels very sturdy and is incredibly well-designed. While I was intrigued by reformers before, my experience with this one allowed me to see just how versatile a machine like this can be.

Frame

The Ultra 1 Reform RX has two large, triangulated supports that make up the frame. While the basic construction reminds me a bit of NordicTrack’s rowing machines, it is much larger and more complex.

One of the first things I was shown at the demo was how sturdy this machine is. You can stand on it, walk around, and it’s not going anywhere. It weighs 244 lbs, and the maximum user weight capacity is 375 lbs. It’s solidly built.

Smart Spine

The central component of this reformer is the smart spine. My first instinct is to call it a rail, like on a rowing machine, but I like the name “smart spine.” It’s the backbone of this machine and has tech features that track the positioning of the footbar and carriage, as well as knowing what resistance you have set.

The carriage glides smoothly across the smart spine for a variety of movements.

Concealed within the smart spine are the springs. Most reformers have exposed resistance springs, which can be troublesome to deal with. Though you could get down on the ground and reach under the machine to access the springs, they are out of the way for the most part. You don’t have to worry about your kids or pets getting tangled up in them.

I was also wowed by the quiet performance of the spine. As the carriage glides up and down, minimal noise is generated. I recommend keeping the smart spine clean to maintain this low noise output.

Carriage

For those of you who have seen the movie Pitch Perfect, you may recall the moment in which Rebel Wilson’s character, Amy, states that she is doing “horizontal running.” Based on that quote, I think she would enjoy Pilates, as it’s an exercise you can do while lying down. Sure, that’s an oversimplification, but it also points out the importance of the carriage on a Pilates reformer.

The carriage, also called the bed, is the moving platform that you can stand, sit, kneel, or lie down on for many Pilates exercises. The carriage on the Ultra 1 Reform RX is comfortable and fits exercisers from 4’10” up to 6’7”. It also has handles in each corner for you to hold on to.

Gliding up and down the smart spine on the carriage is easy and smooth. Again, I must mention that it’s quiet.

Shoulder Rests

To help with your positioning on the carriage, there are two shoulder rests. These are removable. If you need extra room for the exercise you are performing, you can slide them right out.

The shoulder rests are padded and comfortable. I’m 5’4”, but their spacing is great for a wide range of statures. I could kneel between them, but if you have wider hips, you may need more room.

I didn’t need to remove the shoulder rests for most moves, as the carriage is quite roomy.

Resistance and Cables

Instead of having to move the springs around manually, you just have to press a button down or pull it up to change the resistance. The carriage must be all the way to the front of the smart spine to do so.

There are four resistance springs. They are 22 lbs (green button), 33 lbs (blue button), and two that are 44 lbs each (red and white buttons). You can engage more than one spring at a time. If you push activate all of them, the resistance is 65 kg or about 143 lbs.

While the level of resistance may not be enough for everyone to build muscular strength, it’s enough to set your arms ablaze with most Pilates moves. It’s perfect for a low-impact workout.

The Reformer has two cables to hold onto. When you aren’t using them, you can loop them around the shoulder rests. Each cable has two loops. The larger one is typically for your feet, and the smaller one is for your hands.

The loops also have a plastic piece at the bottom that you can grab for an additional, secure handhold.

Footbar

You can adjust the footbar along the smart spine. It angles up and down, too. To unlock it from its current position, simply press the pedal at the bottom of the reformer with your foot and glide the footbar where you want it to go.

The positions are discrete, so you can’t just fix it anywhere. However, the amount of positions and angles the footbar can adjust to allow you to do pretty much anything you would like.

When locked into place, the footbar feels very sturdy.

Platforms

There are two platforms on the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S. The first is in the front and has space for you to attach the jump board. The second is in the back and is ideal for step-up exercises. Both platforms are sturdy, so you can stand on them for various exercises while feeling very safe.

Accessories

The reformer does not come with the jumpboard or box. These accessories are extra. I highly recommend purchasing them, as you unlock even more training options with both. In particular, I was thrilled with the jumpboard.

I love plyometrics, but it doesn’t always love me. The jumpboard would be a nice stepping stone to plyometrics when coming back from an injury. Or, if your days of jumping are behind you due to joint pain or other issues, the jumpboard lets you do jumping exercises with far less impact. You just push off while lying down on the carriage and glide along the smart spine.

The box is excellent for elevated movements or those where you want to be at an angle. It provides yet another way to make your reformer even more versatile.

Warranty

A 5-year warranty covers the frame of the Ultra 1 Reform RX. The tablet and other components are covered for 12 months. Considering the price point of this machine, I wish the warranty were a bit longer, but it’s not bad.

Should You Buy the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S

If I had room in my apartment for the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX, I would want one. It’s also a little out of my budget, but if you are in the market for a premium product, I think this one is a really good option. The quality is there.

With iFIT to guide you and inspire you, you can do reformer Pilates at home and feel confident in the quality of your workout. The myriad of configurations offered by this reformer means there are limitless exercises you can do. I don’t think I could count them all up if I tried, and who knows, you might even discover something new.

As long as you are invested in Pilates enough to give up the space and are sure that a monthly iFIT subscription is right for you, then I think the Model S is worth it! I loved it!

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NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S Q&A / FAQ

Do you need a subscription to use the NordicTrack Ultra 1 Reform RX-S?

While the equipment is still functional without an iFIT membership, I strongly recommend an iFIT subscription with this reformer. The onscreen features are severely limited without a membership, and you may prefer a simpler reformer if you don’t plan to subscribe.

Is Pilates a good workout?

Yes, pilates is a great workout. It’s full body and low impact. For many exercisers, it is also more fun than traditional cardio or strength training, as it encourages you to move and play.

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Dimensions/Storability

The Cycplus fan has two mounts: an adjustable height stand and an adjustable ground base. Therefore, it doesn’t have just one set of dimensions. The stand height varies from 37.5” to 57” and has a diameter of 17.3”. The ground base is 10.5” x 8.5”, and the fan is 14.6” tall.

With a net weight of 12 lbs, it’s not very heavy. I can move the fan and its bases around pretty easily. Still, the Cycplus feels well-built and sturdy.

There are only two points that I think could be improved for the Cycplus fan’s storability. For one, the fan doesn’t have a handle to help you carry it around. Competitors do, and I found myself wishing I had one as I moved the fan around our studio. If you are going to use this smart fan for multiple pieces of equipment, you might feel the same.

The second point is the power cord. It has a power adapter, which is fine. However, I was a little jealous of the Wahoo Headwind Fan’s cord storage; you can just wrap the cord around the anchor at the back. It’s a minor point, but it caught my attention.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

I really like the app for the Cycplus fan. It is free and pretty much essential for setting up the smart features on the fan. The fan pairs to heart rate monitors, power sensors, and speed sensors using ANT+. The app and fan connect via Bluetooth (BLE). In the app, you can make sure that your devices and sensors are properly connected.

You can connect multiple devices and place the fan in dynamic mode, which factors in multiple readings to adjust the fan speed.

The phone app, a fitness tracker (my Garmin watch), and an ERG can all connect to the fan at once.

When you have a heart rate monitor or other sensor connected to the fan, the fan speed will increase as the value measured by that sensor increases. In the app, you can set the thresholds for the fan to turn on and reach its highest speed.

For example, in the heart rate range, you might want to set the lowest setting around your Zone 2 minimum heart rate or a little lower. Then, for the maximum setting, I suggest the top of your Zone 4 heart rate or so. You can experiment with these settings to find what works best for you.

Pro tip: Don’t set the highest value to your max heart rate, power output, or speed. You will likely want the fan speed to reach its maximum before you hit those values!

Console

The Cycplus fan has three buttons on its console. The plus and minus buttons adjust the fan speed. The center buttons change the fan mode with a short press and turn it on and off with a long press.

The fan is shown in power mode, but it can be easily toggled between other modes.

In manual mode, the fan has five speed settings. The light bar will illuminate according to the fan level. Then, the four icons for the fan mode will light up according to what you have the fan set to and if there is a connection. From left to right, these symbols are for speed, heart rate, power, and manual control.

Remote

You get a tiny little remote that controls the fan. It comes with a wrist strap and two elastic bands to help you secure the remote to the bike handle. The remote has a decent range, so I had no trouble adjusting the fan manually while I was cycling. The remote has the same buttons as the fan, making it intuitive to use.

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Build Quality

I really like the build quality of the Cycplus High-Power Smart Fan. Besides the couple of improvements I think could be made to the storability/portability of this fan, there’s only one other feature I wish it had. Yet, I haven’t seen a competitor with this feature, so I can’t really knock the Cycplus for not having it.

So, my wishful thinking feature is the ability to tilt the fan up and down in its ground base. You can manually rotate it, but I wish you could control it with the remote. It would be cool, but it would probably also make the fan much more expensive, so I’m content with it as is.

Fan

The Cycplus has two inlet grilles on the side of the fan. Since the fan is a centrifugal fan, it shoots the air out at a 90° angle through the front vent. Rather than dispersing the air flow across a wide area, it is concentrated, increasing the cooling power of this fan.

At the vent, the air speed reaches about 50 km/h (31 mph) on the fan’s maximum setting—enough to blow my hair back.

I measured the noise level of the fan and found that it agreed with Cycplus’s rating of 45 dB. Keep in mind that the fan could get louder over time. You can open the side panels up to clean the fan, and doing so should keep it quieter.

Unfortunately, I could not measure the fan speed as I do not have the right instrumentation at this time. However, I can attest to the strong cooling effect. It felt very powerful and effectively cooled me off while I trained.

As far as the fan’s performance goes, I must say that I am very satisfied with it. It’s definitely a product I would recommend and plan to use regularly in my training. The only reason I wouldn’t use it is when I want to do more heat training. Otherwise, the Cycplus fan’s smart capabilities are worth it.

I often get annoyed with a fan’s strength while I train. Sometimes it’s too much and sometimes too little. The Cycplus is a great solution to that. The only time I might override its smart settings is when I’m recovering from a hard interval and my heart rate is decreasing, but I want the fan to keep blowing powerfully.

Adjustable Height Stand

It only takes two screws to fix the Cycplus fan to is stand. It doesn’t take long to swap the fan from one base to another, but I wonder if the screws would strip over time. I don’t know how often most of you will want to swap it from one base or another, but a quicker adjustment mechanism would be kind of cool. Again, just me doing some wishful thinking.

I like the taller stand for treadmill running.

The stand adjusts by about 20”, which is plenty. Even though this fan is primarily for indoor cycling, it worked really well for me while I was running on the treadmill. The fan and its stand are light enough for me to carry around as needed, but they still feel really stable and unlikely to tip too easily.

I set the fan up and put the stand together on my own. It didn’t take long, and I didn’t need any help to do it.

Ground Base

When sat in the ground base, the fan rotates through about 60°. This range seems more than enough. At first glance, I thought it would be too low, but it’s not. I didn’t need to tilt it up all the way to feel the wind on my face and shoulders while cycling, though that will depend on your height and your cycling setup.

The base is a really lightweight plastic, but it has rubber grips to keep the fan securely in place. Still, it rotates easily when you want it to.

The notch in the ground base allows the power cord and neck of the fan to rotate beneath it.

I think the adjustable ground base is one of the Cycplus fan’s biggest strengths. It is more adjustable than other similarly priced units. You can also use the ground base as a front wheel riser if you decide to use the stand so that it won’t go to waste!

Should You Buy the Cycplus High-Power Smart Fan

Overall, I’m very pleased with the Cycplus High-Power Smart Fan. I like the concentration of the airflow compared to floor fans and box fans. The strength of the fan is also really nice. Its adaptability to your performance metrics means you have to control one less thing manually and can focus on your workout.

This fan hasn’t convinced me that a smart fan is an essential piece of fitness equipment, but it’s definitely convinced me of the benefits. If a more expensive fan like this one is what you are looking for, the Cycplus might just be the best. Better yet, it’s pretty intuitive to use. Even though it was my first fan of this type, I figured it out right away.

I recommend the Cycplus High-Power Smart Fan for anyone who wants more than a basic fan for staying cool during cycling and treadmill workouts. If you sweat as much as I do, you’ll be happy not to leave another puddle of sweat on your floor.

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Cycplus High-Power Smart Fan Q&A / FAQ

What’s the difference between a smart fan and a normal fan?

A smart cycling fan connects to sensors or an app. It typically has advanced settings that allow the fan to adjust based on metrics like heart rate, power level, speed, and more. A smart fan is usually designed for a specific purpose and may have a more powerful and directed airflow. They are often quieter. However, smart fans are usually more expensive, too.

What kind of fan do you need for indoor cycling?

No specific fan is required for cycling. You can use a basic fan if you prefer. However, many cyclists like to use smart cycling fans because they adjust based on metrics like heart rate, speed, and power. Smart fans adjust without distracting the cyclist from their ride.

Cyclists may prefer fans with a stronger and more direct airflow. Quieter fans are also preferable.

Do you need a fan for indoor cycling?

No, you do not have to have a fan for indoor cycling. Cycling without a fan can intensify your workout and allow you to adapt to hotter environments. However, if you are cycling in a garage or other non-climate-controlled space, the heat may be overwhelming and dangerous without a fan.

Fans can also improve cycling performance for that session by keeping body temperature lower. For cyclists who are racing on platforms like Zwift, a fan may give them an advantage over their competition.

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Dimensions/Storability

The Supertub and Permafrost Chiller pack up and roll around without too much difficulty.

The Supertub is 52″ x 28″ x 24″ with a 60-gallon capacity (227 liters). At only 21 lbs, the tub itself is easy to move around. The chiller is 17″ x 11″ x 19″ and weighs 82 lbs, so it is the more difficult two move of the two. However, the Permafrost chiller has wheels, so you can easily push it around.

I had to move the Supertub in and out of our studio to test it outdoors (without any water in it), and it was pretty easy to transport. However, I wish the Permafrost chiller had a longer handle, kind of like a suitcase, to make it even easier to transport.

When the Supertub is packed in the backpack that comes with it, it’s super easy to move.

The Supertub and its lid pack into a giant backpack. Despite its large size, I had no trouble wearing it. The most difficult part of storing it is the breakdown. You need to drain the tub, clean it, and thoroughly dry it first. It can take some time to do this whole process, so keep that in mind if you need to deflate and move your tub around.

To store the Permafrost chiller, disconnect the hoses and empty the water out of it. It doesn’t pack into the backpack, or anything like that, but its dimensions aren’t bad.

Hydragun provides a QR code in the user manual for all the instructions on setting up the tub and storing it. Unfortunately, the manual does not provide enough information for you to do so without watching the videos. Personally, I really liked the video format, and it really helped me out with the process. I’ll provide more details on setting up the Supertub below.

The Experience

The water was only 60 degrees or so when we took photos, but it felt quite cold—imagine how much I suffered at 37 degrees!

While I’m not going to share what I think of cold water immersion and hot water immersion in this review, I do want to share my experience with using both therapies in the Hydragun Supertub.

First, getting in and out of the Supertub was pretty easy. Depending on the floor you have it set on, you will want to use the anti-slip mat included with the tub. I had no trouble stepping in and out of the tub. The walls are sturdy enough to provide support. The tub shape definitely has the advantage over barrel cold plunges for ease of use.

The tub’s walls are sturdy enough to support yourself when getting in and out of the tub.

I started with the cold water, which was a bit intimidating, considering how cold the ambient temperature was (in the mid to low 50s). I set the water to its lowest setting (37.4°), but when I got in, it was hovering around 39°.

Back in my high school and college days, the recommendation for cold plunging was 8 to 12 minutes. Now, it is (thankfully) only 1 minute. I lasted the full minute, but my husband, who tried it after me, could stomach only 25 seconds.

If you are new to cold plunging, it’s perfectly fine to start at a warmer temperature. Try under 60°. Also, the first 30 seconds were awful, and once I hit 1 minute, I knew I could go longer if it had been necessary.

I will also share a little bit of my personal opinion. I don’t think you have to be stoic about going into an ice bath. Shriek or thrash—as long as you do the ice bath anyway.

Now, onto the more pleasant experience: hot water immersion!

I set the chiller to 108°, which is the hottest setting, but I lowered it to 102°. In hindsight, I should have kept it at 104° or 105°, but I wasn’t sure how well I would handle going from cold to hot to very cold. Such sudden temperature changes have caused me issues in the past, so be careful if you are new to contrast like that.

The hot water immersion was much more enjoyable than the cold water immersion. I sat in the water for 30 minutes, and I definitely would have liked to hang out even longer. I’m addicted to taking hot baths, and the Supertub would definitely help me avoid some of the guilt of wasting so much water all the time.

I did the hot water immersion the day after I cold-plunged. It is possible to do both on the same day with the Hydragun, but you can’t really do contrast therapy. You need several hours between sessions to allow the chiller to bring the water to the other extreme temperature. It would be best to do one in the morning and one in the evening.

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Build Quality

I have to start with unboxing the Hydragun Supertub. The presentation was spectacular for the tub and its accessories, and I definitely felt like I was getting a premium product.

As for the Permafrost Chiller, it was a little more challenging to unbox. It came in a wooden crate inside of a cardboard box. We had a hard time getting the chiller out, and we recommend opening up the cardboard box and lifting it out. Alternatively, you can break the crate open, but it is necessary to keep it if you need to make a return.

Despite the initial difficulty, the Supertub and chiller arrived intact. And I have to say, I like their appearance. For an inflatable product and portable chiller, they look pretty sleek.

Because this is my first at-home cold plunge, I could have been easily overwhelmed by the process. Hydragun made sure that didn’t happen. The video instructions walked me through everything I needed to know.

Supertub and Cover

The electric air pump does not come charged, so if you don’t own another pump, you will want to charge it up first thing. I was too eager to get the Supertub inflated, so I used a manual air pump, and it worked just fine.

The tub and its cover both have labels where you connect the air pump for the air pressure (psi) target, so you get them properly inflated.

Even using a hand pump, I had the Supertub inflated in just a couple of minutes.

While your cold plunge will mostly be stationary, the Supertub’s material is also found in inflatable paddleboards, which see a lot more action. The material uses drop stitching, which gives the tub its sturdiness and durability.

Mike Carney, the editor at Inflatable Boarder, contributing writer for SupBoardGuide, and regional representative for USA SUP, had this to say about the material:

“Double-wall drop stitch fabrics are an incredible technology. They’re made of three lightweight materials but combine to create incredibly rigid and durable structures. Inside, there are thousands of yarns connecting two layers of fabric material. The yarns have incredibly high tensile strength and can support well over 20 pounds per square inch of pressure.”

So, it’s not like an air mattress or beach toy. I was worried about punctures or damage, but my fears were thoroughly assuaged.

Mike also said, “These drop-stitch constructions are also incredibly durable. They are the material of choice for whitewater stand up paddle boarders because they can easily handle the bumps, scrapes, and drops in these rugged environments through years of use.”

If you want to see this material in action, check out Mike’s video here.

There you go. The Supertub is built to last. However, there are weak points in the tub’s construction. Anywhere the material is glued together could weaken with heat exposure. The glue may soften, leading to air or water leaks over time. Fortunately, these can be repaired easily.

If you do get a puncture in the tub, you can also patch it. It’s not the end of the Supertub, and you should get years of use out of it!

It feels heavy-duty and capable of withstanding some wear. However, you should avoid dragging the tub. The material is SGS-tested military-grade marine vinyl, which sounds super fancy, and it is, but it has its limits.

The height of the tub walls feels comfortable, and the tub feels durable, so sit back and try to relax.

You can use the sides of the tub to support yourself into the water or rest your arms. I wouldn’t just jump or flop onto it, but it keeps its shape very well. As long as you aren’t dragging it around on the ground and being super rough with it, it should hold up very well.

The Supertub has a 60-gallon capacity. I am 5’4″, and I can sit upright with my legs fully outstretched in the tub. I had my husband, who is 5’8″, try out the Supertub, and he could not stretch out his legs completely, so most of you will probably have to bend your legs, at least slightly.

There’s plenty of room in the Supertub!

Two people can sit in the tub together, but how cramped you are will depend on both your statures, of course. Two smaller people can fit in the Supertub without feeling awkward, in my opinion.

You should be able to submerge your lower body fully and comfortably, even if you are over 6 feet tall.

Chiller

The Permafrost Chiller comes in two varieties: the 0.6 HP and the 0.8 HP. The 0.6 HP is more affordable, at $1000 less than the 0.8 HP. Unfortunately, if you live in a warmer climate where the ambient temperature is over 77°, you will need the 0.8 HP Chiller. The higher power is necessary to keep the water at a cold temperature.

Again, it was winter when I tested the Supertub (outside). It took about 3 hours to cool the tub to 37° with an ambient temperature of about 59°. I kept it at 37° and noticed that it stayed within about 2° of that temperature.

Slide the temperature to your preferred temperature: from 37 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bringing the water up to the chiller’s maximum temperature in the winter weather was a bit more difficult. It took about five hours to get to 108°.

Keep in mind that the ambient temperature and starting water temperature will impact how quickly the chiller brings the water to your desired temperature. If you use the SuperTub regularly, it’s best to keep the chiller connected and running.

Turning the chiller off and on between uses reduces its efficiency, causing it to work harder.

Because it is winter, I’m not able to test how well the tub keeps the water cold without the chiller running. The water would be cold enough for an effective cold plunge even if I didn’t have the chiller attached. However, I will note that the temperature fell pretty quickly while I was using the Supertub as a hot tub.

The screen on the chiller allows you to make adjustments as needed. You can easily regulate the temperature and access the other settings. If you want to remotely control the chiller while at home, you can download the Tuya app and pair it with the chiller.

Temperature regulation isn’t the only thing the Permafrost chiller does. It also filters the water in a 3-step process. The water runs through an 80-mesh strainer and a 20-micron filter. Then, an ozone generator further cleans the water, helping to remove microorganisms. While this will keep your cold plunge pretty clean, there are additional steps you should take.

The Permafrost Chiller uses a 3-step filtration system.

Water Balancing and Maintenance

Hydragun ensures you have everything you need to set up the Supertub, the chiller, and the water.

Before using your tub for the first time, you should adjust the water with the products included in the water-balancing kit. Hydragun includes spa up and spa down for adjusting the water pH. There are also test strips to help you know which to add to the water and when it has reached the appropriate level.

Optionally, you can add water sanitizer and oxidizer. The sanitizer helps kill bacteria, while the oxidizer helps filter minerals. Using these two products could decrease the time between water filter changes, so just keep that in mind if you decide to add them.

The Hydragun Supertub must be drained and cleaned once per month to clear out any debris not filtered out by the filter. The water filter will need to be replaced, too, but the frequency may vary.

Make sure you have a good plan for how to drain the tub when choosing where to put it.

To keep your water clean and preserve the filter for as long as possible, keep the cover on when the tub is not in use. Shower off before using the tub to remove sweat, oils, and lotion.

If you run out of water filters, you can purchase additional filters from Hydragun. However, I will also mention that you can buy knockoff water filters. We haven’t tried it, so I can’t recommend any specific one, but it could make the Supertub a little more affordable to maintain.

When it is time to change the water, you should also clean the tub with a mild soap and rinse it out. If you are storing it, make sure it is completely dry before doing so.

Accessories

Hydragun wowed me with the thoroughness of the included accessories.

A nice variety of accessories comes with the SuperTub. Most importantly, it has a component/repair kit for assembling and maintaining the tub. There are also several thoughtful inclusions. A skimmer net allows you to scoop out larger debris. An anti-slip mat provides a safe place to stand when getting out of your tub. I also really appreciate that the electric air pump is included.

The most unexpected accessory was the phone mount. It’s super popular for cold plunge devotees to post their sessions, and it is also a great way to share your love for the Hydragun Supertub if you are enjoying it. I like its quality, too.

A water balancing kit is included. It has everything you need to adjust your water. The Permafrost Chiller kit includes both hoses, as well as the rubber washer and plumbing tape you need to connect it to the Supertub.

Hydragun did an amazing job ensuring you have as seamless of an experience as possible when setting up your cold plunge (or hot tub).

Warranty

I’m going to be suffering and relaxing in the Supertub for a long time.

The Supertub comes with a free 2-year warranty—good for residential use. It does not cover commercial use, so it may not be appropriate for use in an athletic center or fitness training studio. You should reach out to Hydragun directly for information on using the tub in a commercial setting.

I couldn’t find specific information on what the warranty covers, but typically, a warranty will cover manufacturing defects. It will not cover damage caused by traditional wear and tear. In other words, if you drag the tub and rip it, you might be out of luck.

Should You Buy the Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge

If you are a hot or cold water immersion fan, the Hydragun Supertub makes a daily habit even easier. Even if you are just soaking in the tub a few times per week, it gets so much easier with all the barriers removed. Had I had this when I was competing in cross country and track, I would have been in it daily after workouts for cold immersion.

Now, I’ve converted to hot water immersion, and I feel horribly guilty about all the hot water I waste soaking in the tub. The Hydragun Supertub takes that guilt away since the water only needs to be changed once per month. It feels like even less of a hassle than taking a traditional bath once the initial setup is complete.

Overall, I think the Hydragun Supertub is worth it for anyone who is dedicated to either type of immersion therapy. If you only dabble in it, this tub might be too expensive and too much of a hassle to justify. However, I think the quality is a great match for anyone who is serious about it.

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Hydragun Supertub Cold Plunge Q&A / FAQ

What are the benefits of the Hydragun Supertub?

The Hydragun Supertub supports cold and hot water immersion. These therapies may aid in recovery from exercise, improving inflammation and modulating the immune system response. The evidence is currently conflicting, but there is tons of anecdotal evidence to support these claims.

Cold water immersion therapy has also been suggested to improve mood, energy levels, and sleep quality.

Who is the founder of Hydragun?

Aloysius Chay is the founder of Hydragun.

How do you use the Hydragun Supertub?

The Hydragun Supertub is for cold and hot water immersion. Current research suggests that 1 minute of cold water immersion is appropriate, while 30 minutes of hot water immersion is effective.

Hydragun supplies detailed video instructions on setting up, maintaining, and taking down the Hydragun Supertub.

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A Brief History of Peloton

Peloton was founded in January 2012 after raising enough money to start “Peloton Interactive, LLC.” It’s based in New York City and was founded by John Foley.

What You Get With A Peloton Membership

Cost of membership types:

• Peloton All-Access Membership: $44/month
• Peloton App+ Membership: $24/month
• Peloton App One Membership: $12.99/month
• Peloton Guide Membership: $24/month

Peloton All-Access Membership features:

• Peloton equipment required
• Up to 20 user profiles
• Live & on-demand cycling, treadmill, rowing, strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, & more classes
• Programs & challenges
• Exclusive classes
• Lanebreak workouts
• Scenic workouts
• Leaderboard
• Streaming apps
• Self mode + movement tracker
• Live metrics
• Just workout & Peloton Gym
• Stream on smart devices

Peloton App+ Membership features:

• No equipment needed – stream on smart devices
• One profile
• Live & on-demand cycling, treadmill, rowing, strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, & more classes
• Programs & challenges
• Exclusive classes
• Leaderboard
• Live metrics
• Just workout & Peloton Gym
• Cadence tracking
• Real-time metrics from third-party devices

Peloton App One Membership features:

• No equipment needed – stream on smart devices
• One profile
• Three cycling, treadmill, & rowing classes per month
• Live & on-demand strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, & more classes
• Programs & challenges
• Leaderboard
• Live metrics
• Just workout & Peloton Gym

Peloton Guide Membership features:

• Peloton Guide required
• Up to 5 user profiles
• Live & on-demand cycling, treadmill, rowing, strength, cardio, Pilates, meditation, & more classes
• Programs & challenges
• Exclusive classes
• Leaderboard
• Streaming apps
• Self mode + movement tracker
• Live metrics
• Just workout & Peloton Gym
• Stream on smart devices

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Peloton Workout Classes

Peloton offers a variety of classes on their equipment and off. The majority of their classes are filmed in a studio with top-notch lighting, sound, and video quality.

Peloton started out doing indoor cycling classes, so they’ve stayed true to their roots but now have several different types of indoor studio virtual classes.

They have trainer-led running, cycling, strength, cardio, yoga, boxing, meditation, stretching, tread boot camp, bike boot camp, walking, outdoor audio, and scenic classes. The app allows you to access most of Peloton’s classes, except the scenic classes. Those are only available on bikes, tread, and the Peloton Row; there are only a few currently.

I find it handy that when you click on a class, there is a description box that will give you a bit of insight into what to expect, such as whether you need equipment like weights for the strength classes, the music playlist, and the level of difficulty it is rated as.

Another feature we like is the Auto-Resistance feature available on Bike+. It lets you lock the bike to the trainer’s cues for the resistance level and changes the bike’s resistance for you. Unfortunately, this is only available on the Bike+ on-demand cycling classes right now.

The treadmills have an Auto-Incline feature. The grade of the treadmill’s deck adjusts based on the instructor’s cues.

The Peloton digital app also offers outdoor audio classes, in which you can listen to your Peloton instructor on your phone as they guide you through a class while you walk or run outside.

The classes range from 5 to 120 minutes, so if you’re short on time, you can squeeze in a quick workout or enjoy a long, sweaty ride on the bike. The shorter classes are also nice to take a few at a time. With the stack feature, you can choose two or more classes and have them queued up to take one after the other for a custom workout.

There are also shorter warmup and cooldown classes in activities like running, cycling, and strength that you can add before and after a class or stack of classes.

The Trainers

In our opinion, what really makes Peloton so popular is its trainers. Currently, there are over 45 instructors. If you follow them on social media, you’ll see that they’re like mini-celebrities, often with hundreds of thousands, if not more, followers.

One of the most popular instructors, Cody Rigsby, competed on Dancing With The Stars and placed third.

Members have even created social media groups and fan pages dedicated to the trainers, like Peloton Tread instructor Adrian Williams’s “Thunder Squad,” which is his fan group.

Even apart from their status and popularity in and out of the Peloton community, every trainer is an experienced fitness professional, and they each have their own unique flair. That flair may be the types of exercises they do, like Selena Samuela’s use of clamshells in her lower body strength classes, the playlists they create, the intensity level, or just their overall energy and personality.

Sometimes, you’ll even notice them scheduled at the same time and day each week, teaching the same class, like Rebecca Kennedy’s “Friday 45” strength classes or Ally Love’s “Sundays With Love” cycling classes, enticing you to get into a bit of a routine. Most likely, when you start taking a few classes, you’ll have at least one trainer that you gravitate toward. I know I have a few.

Live and On-Demand Classes

On both Peloton’s equipment and the digital app, you’ll find an extensive library of live and on-demand classes. The live classes are found on the schedule for you to take live with the instructor and other members. There are live classes available daily in pretty much every class category.

Live classes are fun because if you have reached a milestone, like taking your first tread boot camp class or it’s your 500th ride, the instructor might shout out your username during class. You can also get a shout-out if it’s your birthday when you take the class.

On-demand classes are available for you to take whenever you want. If something comes up, like a visitor comes to your door or you need to make a trip to the bathroom, you can pause an on-demand class in the digital app and on the equipment. You can’t pause live classes, however.

There’s also a feature where you can schedule classes at certain times. These work with live and on-demand classes. When you schedule a live class, you’ll get a reminder before it starts so you won’t miss it. You can schedule on-demand classes whenever you want. The personal schedule feature lets you build a workout schedule for two weeks.

We also like that subtitles and captioning are available for both live and on-demand classes. You can turn these on and off in the app and on the equipment.

Peloton Features

Music

We like how Peloton incorporates music. They let their trainers create playlists for every class so you’ll hear the music as they intended it to be heard. This makes it great for classes like cycling because music is such a huge part of those classes. Oftentimes, the tempo from the beat of a song is used to drive the pace of a ride when you’re pedaling.

Since the trainers are so energetic, many of them will bust out a few dance moves while they lead a workout, too. To me, this makes the class more engaging and fun.

Personally, the kind of music I listen to influences my energy and mood during a workout and even on my own. I’m a lot more likely to push myself if I like the songs being played.

This is also true of taking a trainer-led class. If the instructor is enjoying themselves and jamming to the music, their class will most likely feed off that energy, too.

What is nice is that there are often themed classes that dictate the type of music the instructor uses, like in a country run. You can search for the class depending on the type of music you want to hear, and there’s a wide variety of musical genres to choose from. Such as:

• Alternative
• Classic Rock
• Country
• Rock
• Indie
• Electronic
• Latin
• Pop
• Hip Hop
• R&B

Another fun music feature is Peloton’s Artist Series. For these, you can take different classes with playlists of songs from specific artists, like Beyonce and David Bowie.

There are numerous classes in the Artist Series to scroll through.

There are also different themed classes during certain months where the playlist is chosen around a theme. March is Women’s History Month, and many classes celebrate it by featuring music from female artists. The instructor will also talk about the topic during the class, too.

You can also adjust the volume by keeping it balanced between the trainer’s voice and music or by making either the music or the trainer’s voice louder. You can’t completely mute one or the other, though.

Leaderboard

For competitive users or users looking to engage with other Peloton members, the leaderboard is motivating and available when you take classes on Peloton equipment like the Bike, Bike+, and Tread.

The leaderboard reflects your ranking with others taking the class or have taken it before (if it’s on-demand). There are filters that will only show members in that category and how you rank. You can choose to see how you rank with all the members in the class, just members you are following, or just you, or narrow it down by gender and age group.

That way, you can decide how you want to be motivated or intimidated. I know I definitely find the leaderboard intimidating.

When taking a class on-demand, you can see what members are currently taking the class with you under “here now” on the leaderboard.

When you take classes in the Peloton digital app or mat classes on the tread or bike, a list of members who are currently taking the class is shown instead of the leaderboard. While some members love the leaderboard, others hate it and swipe it out of sight, and some use it to connect.

Community Engagement

Peloton does a good job of encouraging its members to engage with others. The simplest way is to give someone a “high-five” on the leaderboard by pressing the small hand button by their username.

When you get a high-five, it will pop up on the right side of the touchscreen on Peloton’s equipment. Getting one or a few can give you a little extra encouragement, and overall, it’s a nice gesture.

You can also connect with other members of the Peloton community by using tags on your profile. These are hashtags that you can create or join based on your interests. The hashtags then turn into groups. Common tag groups are “#PelotonMoms” and “#TogetherWeGoFar.”

You can join tags to connect with other users who like the same instructors you do, like #RobinsWolfPack” for trainer Robin Arzon.

These are nice ways to help people connect virtually.

Programs and Collections

If you’re looking to add some structure to your workout routine, Peloton’s programs let you do just that. The programs are classes you can take in a specific category for a week or multiple weeks. They have an overall goal, like Emma Lovewell’s Crush Your Core program, designed to help strengthen your core by using bodyweight movements.

Three different Road To Your 26.2 programs also help you train for a marathon. These feature classes from multiple running trainers are six weeks each. Part 1 gets you started in your training, and then you keep progressing and adding miles as you work through Part 2 and Part 3.

Peloton’s Collections are a little bit different. Instead, they let you mix up your workout routine by trying something new like Barre, Pilates, and Dance Cardio. They’re a place where you can find Peloton’s picks for cycling, yoga, running classes, and more. This is also where you’ll find several Artist Series.

Plus, if you want a little extra motivation, you can join a challenge and win a badge on your profile after you complete it. These are monthly and can be found on Peloton equipment and within the app, along with the list of programs and collections.

Lanebreak

If you like gamified content, you’ll like the Lanebreak series of workouts on Peloton. These are only available with the All-Access Membership on Peloton’s equipment. Instead of having an instructor, it’s a video game that displays six lanes and a single wheel rolling forward on the screen. You use the resistance knob to change lanes, and you want to stay in the lane that is lit up.

You get points by staying in the correct lane and hitting all the lit features.

There are different colored sections where you pick up your pace and ensure the wheel hits all the lights. As you ride, you’ll see your cadence, watt output, and resistance behind the wheel.

Different cadence ranges pop up under certain segments, and you have to keep your pace within that range to earn points. In other sections, you have to increase your speed to earn the most points possible.

The different segments are displayed by color; for example, the “beats” section is blue. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to know what you need to do during each part. Currently, there are 21 classes, but I’m sure Peloton will probably continue to add more.

When I did a 10-minute game, it felt like a class, with the beginning and end being easier, like a warmup and cooldown, while the middle was more challenging and incorporated speed pushes that felt like short sprints. So, you’ll get a good, well-rounded workout. Some classes feature certain artists, music genres, and class styles like Tabata. There are also difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert based on the level of resistance you want to work at.

Of course, in true Peloton fashion, there’s a leaderboard to see how you rank among other members, too. It’s a fun concept that reminds me of Guitar Hero from the early 2000s, and I found it engaging to play. It’s a nice mix-up from taking classes with an instructor.

App Streaming

With the All-Access Membership on Peloton’s equipment, you can stream from your favorite streaming apps, such as Netflix, YouTube TV, Max, Disney+, and the NBA app. This is becoming popular on fitness equipment.

Note: You will need your login information for these apps. You also need to subscribe to Peloton’s membership to access the apps on your Peloton equipment.

Using Peloton

Navigating the digital app and the library of classes on Peloton’s equipment is easy. Everything is clearly labeled in both memberships, and some filters will let you narrow down your class search. On top of searching by music type, you can search for classes that your favorite instructor has taught, too.

One thing to be aware of is that there are only filters instead of an additional search bar to look for a specific class. This can be challenging to find a certain class or program. Another aspect to consider is that you’re only able to access Peloton’s content on the equipment, not other third-party apps. There’s also no internet browser feature.

If you’re interested in running or cycling classes, I recommend getting the Peloton Tread or one of the Peloton Bikes. This way, your metrics will be shown on the screen, and you can take advantage of the leaderboard. You’ll also be able to take classes off the equipment. The All-Access membership is where you get the most out of Peloton.

The graphics in every class are crisp and clear on Peloton’s equipment.

While we would like to see more guided and non-guided scenic classes (they have a small number of both), the quality and engagement you get from all the other indoor classes at Peloton are worth the membership.

Peloton’s equipment functions entirely through the screen when it’s plugged into an outlet. So, if the screen becomes damaged, the machine could be unusable.

Connect your Apple Watch to the Peloton app and the equipment to track your heart rate, or use a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate monitor.

The digital app is great if you are traveling or are dedicated to taking mat classes, like strength and yoga. It’s also handy when you have to work out from home because your gym is closed.

With either membership, you will surely get in a great trainer-led studio workout.

Comparison To Other Fitness Apps

Other fitness apps, like iFIT and JRNY, have some similarities and differences from the Peloton app. In our opinion, Peloton stands out in terms of its trainers and music use.

iFIT has a lot more trainers than Peloton, with over 180, so you’re a little less likely to favor a specific one. iFIT also has its music as a background component because it is not integrated into the classes. You can pick a set playlist and skip through it during your class.

We like iFIT because you can virtually explore places all over the world. Peloton’s scenic classes aren’t at this level yet, and their library isn’t nearly as full as iFIT’s. However, I think Peloton’s studio classes are more engaging than iFIT’s studio classes.

JRNY’s library of classes is much smaller than Peloton’s and iFIT’s. There is less variety, and the quality isn’t quite at the same level as iFIT and Peloton’s.

Where You Can Use Peloton

As mentioned above, if you purchase Peloton’s equipment, you have to subscribe to the All-Access membership to get the most out of the attached touchscreen on the Tread, Bike, and Bike+. With this membership, you can access all of Peloton’s classes on the equipment, and you can also log into the app and use it.

There are also rumors of Peloton adding a rowing machine to its lineup. We can imagine it will be interactive like its other machines and that they’ll add trainer-led rowing classes to their library.

Peloton also has a strength training device called Peloton Guide to watch your positioning while taking mat classes. If you’re already an All-Access member, you can subscribe to Peloton Guide at no additional cost.

The Peloton digital app only gives you access to the app on a device like your phone or tablet. You can also use the app on your television through a streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick.

Should You Subscribe To Peloton?

You can access Peloton classes on Peloton equipment and through the digital app. You’ll get the most out of Peloton if you purchase their equipment, especially if you want to compete on the leaderboard. The Peloton app is also a great way to take classes, especially when traveling.

Although there are only a limited number of scenic classes, Peloton has a large library of high-quality trainer-led studio classes.

We like Peloton’s classes because their instructors are fun and engaging, and they provide curated music playlists for every class. The music and the trainers make the classes energetic and get you hooked, in my opinion.

The Peloton app is a great option if you’re looking for trainer-led workouts with minimal equipment. There’s plenty of content to choose from. If you want the ultimate Peloton experience, you should buy one of the Peloton’s equipment to have access to all of Peloton’s features.

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Peloton App Q&A / FAQ

Can I use the Peloton app with another bike?

Yes, you can. You can simply use the app through your device and take a class on your non-Peloton bike. If you want your bike’s metrics shown, you’ll need to purchase a Bluetooth-compatible cadence sensor for your bike. This will attach to your pedal crank or shoe. We suggest checking out the Wahoo Fitness RPM Cadence Sensor.

Is the Peloton app on Roku and Amazon Fire Stick?

Yes. You can install and use the Peloton digital app on a streaming device like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

Can you fast-forward or rewind on Peloton?

Fast-forward and rewind are available during the on-demand workouts in the app and on the Peloton Guide. However, you can’t fast-forward or rewind workouts on the Peloton Bike, Bike+, Row, or Treads. Pausing workouts are available to pause your workouts, though.

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A Brief History of JRNY

JRNY is owned by the company Johnson Health Tech, founded in 1975. JRNY’s previous owner, Nautilus, launched JRNY in 2019. JRNY was acquired by Johnson Health Tech in 2024, along with other Nautilus brands (Bowflex and Schwinn).

What You Get With a JRNY Membership

Membership Price Options

• JRNY Annual Membership: $147 per year
• JRNY Monthly Membership: $19.99 per month

JRNY Membership features:

• Access JRNY content on Bowflex equipment and through the mobile app
• Unlimited user profiles are available on all products except the Max Trainer M6 (2 profiles) and M8 (4 user profiles)
• Stream from preloaded apps like Netflix and Hulu on Bowflex products that have attached screens
  Cancel anytime

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Adaptive Workouts

JRNY’s adaptive workouts make your workout experience unique and tailored to you. These workouts are preprogrammed but designed to fit your fitness level based on your fitness assessment. The fitness assessment is where you follow along with audio guides for about 14 minutes as they take you through a workout on compatible equipment.

After the assessment, the adaptive workouts adapt to your fitness assessment. You can take the assessment at any time, and once you start progressing, these workouts will evolve with you.
All the adaptive workouts are different; they let you pick what you want to watch and listen to while you take them.

You can take a scenic route and listen to music or stream from one of the preloaded apps. I’ll explain these features more below.

We like that these workouts are personalized to fit your intensity and that you can choose how you want to take them.

Trainer-led Classes

JRNY offers classes led by a trainer and filmed in a studio. They’re of fair quality and available on demand. The instructors are knowledgeable and motivating, offering guidance throughout the class.

The studio is well-lit, and the camera offers multiple angles of the instructor.

JRNY has these classes on equipment and off. For example, when you’re on the Bowflex Velocore Exercise Bike, JRNY’s trainer-led indoor cycling and mat classes are available. JRNY has trainer-led classes for their other equipment, which are displayed when you’re on the respective machine. Trainer-led classes from indoor cycling, treadmill, elliptical, yoga, strength, Pilates, and core are available at JRNY to keep your workout routine well-rounded.

In the mobile app, you can access whole-body trainer-led workouts, too, to keep working out with JRNY on the go. You can also connect the app to compatible equipment through Bluetooth to access more classes through the mobile app.

JRNY regularly adds to the library of pre-filmed classes and has over 30 instructors. These classes feel like other studio classes; however, there are no live classes or a leaderboard. You can pause your class anytime, but you can’t skip forward.

Explore The World Workouts

JRNY is also consistently adding to their “Explore The World” workouts. These are workouts that are filmed in scenic locations around the world. They currently offer over 50 scenic routes through Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. An instructor does not physically lead these workouts.

The camera is pointed ahead on the path, making it feel like you’re there.

To make these videos feel even more realistic, the camera will speed up, slow down, and stop when you do. That way, when you’re at a certain pace, it will really seem like you’re moving through the real-life location yourself. This feature is subtle, but I really appreciate it.

If you do want some guidance in these workouts, you can take ones with audio coaching or an adaptive workout while you explore a location like Valley of the Gods in Utah. The scenic classes with coaching are nice because they feature just the trainer’s voice for guidance. You also have the option to mute the audio.

They’re also of high quality. The camera is steady, and the graphics are clear. We can’t wait to see what areas JRNY lets us explore next.

Entertainment

One of my favorite things about JRNY is that you can stream from popular apps preloaded on JRNY-compatible equipment. This makes your treadmill or elliptical function a bit more like a TV.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Disney+ are already loaded and ready for you to log into your subscription and watch. Subscriptions to these apps are separate and not included with JRNY.

You can start watching your favorite movie or show on Netflix during the manual mode, or while taking the adaptive workouts.

This allows you plenty of options to keep you busy during your workout, so you’ll never get bored.

JRNY Features

Music

JRNY uses curated playlists in its trainer-led classes. You can also listen to them during manual mode, scenic workouts, and adaptive workouts. JRNY allows you to skip songs and change your playlist while working out.

You can also give a song a thumbs up or thumbs down so it will play more songs like the ones you like. You can choose from the following genres:

• Pop
• Rock/Alternative
• Top 40
• Hip-Hop/Rap
• EDM/Dance
• Country
• 90s
• 80s
• Pop (International)
• EDM (International)

This “radio-esque” experience is perfect for preprogrammed workouts and scenic route workouts, but we don’t like it as much as custom playlists in trainer-led classes.

A large part of what makes studio classes fun is experiencing a playlist as the instructor intended. Music can also be a huge component of a class’s energy. The instructor is most likely going to coordinate the music with their routines, so when you’re hitting sprints in class, the music increases.

We think this would elevate JRNY’s trainer-led classes. You can access JRNY’s radio in the mobile app and on JRNY-enabled equipment.

You can also control how you want to listen to the music. In both the app and on equipment, you can adjust the music level and the instructor’s voice level to balance both or mute one or the other. There are also adjustments for video, tones, and celebration sounds.

Burn Rate

After the fitness assessment, you’ll be given a burn rate. The burn rate is a small range that JRNY encourages you to stay in, especially when taking adaptive workouts that are preprogrammed to guide you through specific patterns like hills and intervals. It is calculated based on your fitness level during the assessment.

Your burn rate will adjust as you continue working out and improving your fitness. You can also choose to make an exercise easier or harder by adjusting the intensity level and burn rate. Otherwise, you can keep with the recommended burn rate.

Third-Party Apps

While using JRNY on compatible equipment, you can connect to third-party apps, like the Peloton app and Zwift. You need your mobile device to connect through Bluetooth to display the content on your device’s screen.

Unfortunately, the audio and video in the app will only play on your device and not on the attached touch screen. We recommend using a tablet with this feature because phone screens are smaller and harder to see when they’re on the device rack. However, your workout metrics, like watt output on the bike, will be reflected in the app.

There’s also an option to connect to other fitness apps, so you aren’t limited to using content on Peloton, Zwift, or even JRNY. It is excellent if you’re subscribed to another app for more workout choices.

Comparison To Other Fitness Apps

JRNY is more affordable compared to iFit and Peloton. However, iFit’s library of classes, especially outdoor content, is much more extensive than JRNY’s. iFit’s outdoor classes are led by an instructor, and the camera often pans over the landscape during your workout so you can take in more of it. We also like that iFit shows you a route map so you know where you’re going.

Peloton’s classes integrate music, so you hear the music as the instructor plays it, unlike JRNY and iFit. Peloton and iFit also offer live classes and a leaderboard to compete with other members.

Although we wish to see some improvements from JRNY, we really like the adaptive workouts the other apps don’t have. These workouts are personalized and great for tracking your progress rather than just focusing on listening to an instructor.

Where You Can Use JRNY

A membership to JRNY can be used on Bowflex and Schwinn equipment. You can log in easily on any of Bowflex’s machines with attached touch screens. With this equipment, you can have full access to JRNY by taking adaptive workouts, trainer-led classes, scenic workouts, third-party app usage, and streaming the preloaded apps.

Bowflex has exercise bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, and dumbbell weights. JRNY is also available on mobile devices, but there, you’re limited to only trainer-led mat workouts unless you’re connected to a compatible machine. However, your entire workout history is shown in the app.

The mobile app is available to use with any of Bowflex’s equipment that doesn’t have an attached touch screen. You can also connect it to Schwinn equipment. Once you’re connected to the Bowflex C6 Exercise Bike, bike classes, adaptive workouts, and scenic explore the world workouts become available on the app.

We wish that all of JRNY’s classes and workouts were available on the app without having to connect to equipment.

Performance & Functionality

The overall navigation of JRNY in the mobile app and on integrated touch screens is pretty straightforward and clear. I like the “Just For You” section that suggests classes based on your fitness level and previous workout history. Four classes are recommended per time frame.

You can filter the content by duration, style, and coaching type.

The filter feature is also handy for finding specific workouts and classes. There isn’t a search bar at the top to type in what you’re looking for, but considering JRNY’s library and content aren’t as large and vast as those of other apps, we didn’t miss it.

One thing to be aware of is that you can only access the preloaded streaming apps once you’re in manual mode or when you select an adaptive workout. They are not displayed on JRNY’s home page. In order to switch from one streaming app to another, you have to end your current workout.

So, to stream music or videos, you need to select your workout beforehand.

Also, the equipment’s functionality is largely controlled by the screen, so if the screen breaks, this could limit the machine’s use.

We highly recommend becoming a member of JRNY if you have Bowflex equipment. You’ll get the most out of your machine that way, especially if it has an attached touchscreen.

Should You Subscribe to the JRNY App

JRNY is a personalized fitness experience. We like the adaptive workouts that are tailored to you and the fact that you can watch Netflix while you work out. There’s a bit of everything for everyone.

The trainer-led classes provide a studio-like experience; you can even do them on the go. The scenic workouts make you feel like you’re working out on your own and outside. You’ll get the most out of your Bowflex equipment with a membership to JRNY.

While their library of classes and workout content isn’t quite as vast as other apps, the diversity of entertainment choices makes up for it. Plus, the number of scenic and trainer-led classes is growing. You’ll never get bored with JRNY.

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JRNY App Q&A / FAQ

How much does the JRNY app cost?

A membership to JRNY costs $19.99/month or $149/year for an all-access membership. The mobile-only membership is $11.99. There is also a free version of the app with limited content options.

Is a JRNY membership worth it?

A JRNY membership is worth it for exercisers with compatible Bowflex and Schwinn equipment. It upgrades your workout experience. JRNY does not have as many training options without compatible equipment, but it is more affordable than many competitors, like Peloton or iFIT.

What devices are compatible with the JRNY app?

The JRNY app should be available on Android and Apple phones and tablets. There is no JRNY smart TV app.

Can you use the JRNY app on a smart TV?

JRNY does not have a smart TV app, but you can screen mirror the JRNY app from your phone or tablet if you want.

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A Brief History of iFIT

iFIT is owned by ICON Health and Fitness, which was founded in 1977 by Scott Watterson and Gary E. Stevenson. In 2021, ICON changed its name to iFIT Health and Fitness Inc., and its headquarters are in Logan, Utah.

iFIT has grown into one of the most popular fitness brands and is the parent company of NordicTrack and ProForm. iFIT started simply as the fitness app featured on NordicTrack and ProForm equipment, but to stay consistent with branding, ICON rebranded the entire company as iFIT.

What You Get With An iFIT Membership

Cost of plan types:

• Yearly iFIT Pro: $396/year
• Monthly iFIT Pro: $39/month
• Monthly iFIT Train: $15/month
• Yearly iFIT Train: $144/year

iFIT Pro Membership:

• iFIT workouts on your iFIT-compatible equipment
• iFIT workouts on your mobile device
• iFIT workouts on your TV
• Full access to on-demand library
• Manual workout mode
• Multiple profiles
• Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health integrations
• SmartAdjust
• ActivePulse
• Google Maps

iFIT Train Membership:

• iFIT workouts on your mobile device
• iFIT workouts on your TV
• Full access to on-demand library
• Manual workout mode
• Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health integrations

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iFIT Workout Classes

iFIT offers several different types of classes. We’re impressed with the wide variety.

Running on the treadmill is never boring when taking an iFIT class.

In addition to being found on treadmills, iFIT offers classes on indoor exercise bikes, rowers, and ellipticals on compatible equipment. They have mat classes like yoga, strength training, and meditation.

iFIT also offers audio classes. You can listen to a trainer while you run outside, take a series of strength classes in your backyard, or do an audio-guided meditation.

Over 180 trainers and health professionals lead the classes, so you won’t get bored with the content. iFIT also regularly adds to its already large library.

With the wide variety of classes in various categories and the number of instructors, every class feels different. You get to know the trainers and their personalities during class, and each provides a unique experience.

Indoor And Outdoor Classes

iFIT offers classes filmed indoors and outdoors in almost every class type. For instance, an indoor cycling class feels like a studio class. An instructor leads it, and the camera also shows other people riding in person with them.

Running on the treadmill is never boring when taking an iFIT class.

Some other indoor classes, like the ones on the mat, feature just the instructor. All indoor classes on iFIT are in well-lit studios and indoor locations.

I think iFIT stands apart with its outdoor classes. They have classes available that are filmed on every continent!

You can hike through parts of Montana or bike through streets in Italy.

The graphics alone are unmatched. When taking a rowing class in Lake Bled, Slovenia, the course map is shown beforehand so you know where you’re going. The camera is shown throughout the class from the trainer’s perspective as they row. The camera also pans to wide shots of the lake to show you the beautiful landscape.

The outdoor workouts engage you and make you feel like you’re there. You can hear the swooshing of the water as the instructor paddles and their voice. I’ve enjoyed all the outdoor classes in all the disciplines offered.

They’re in beautiful areas worldwide and let you explore unique places without leaving home. No matter the setting for an iFIT class, know that the picture will be clear, well-lit, and high-quality.

Google Map Workouts

Another way to explore the world through iFIT is with the Google Maps feature. However, this feature is only available on iFIT-enabled equipment. With it, you can pick a location and create your workout there.

I took a ride around Santa Barbara, California, on the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike, using a map that I created. During the ride, I could switch back and forth between viewing where I was on the map and seeing the street views. iFIT uses images from Google Earth to allow you to explore different areas.

If you’ve ever used Google Earth and tapped the screen to look further up the street at the location you’re viewing, you’ll see that the experience with the Google Map feature on iFIT is very similar.

On-Demand Classes And Closed Captioning

iFIT’s workouts are on-demand and can be taken whenever convenient for you. This way, you don’t have to worry about timing your workout to fit a specific schedule.

Each class is led by an instructor who guides you through the workout. The instructor not only motivates you and takes you through a complete workout from start to finish (including warm-up and cool-down), but in the outdoor classes, they act as tour guides to give you tidbits of the surrounding area. During class, they’ll also discuss different topics, usually related to health, fitness, and wellness.

Closed captioning is available in all of iFIT’s classes, which is nice. This feature is accessible on iFIT-enabled equipment and in the app.

I prefer to keep the captions on, but you can turn them off anytime.

iFIT Features

Music

One aspect that we aren’t a big fan of is the music on iFIT. iFIT uses a radio-like feature called FEED.FM to play music. It is available in almost all iFIT classes. Throughout the class, you can choose a station to listen to music from the following categories:

• 80’s Pop
• Pop
• Pop Throwback
• Top 40
• Uptempo Pop Remixes
• Hip-Hop Throwback
• Classic Rock
• Rock
• Country
• Dance/EDM
• Downtempo Yoga

Within each of these categories, the playlist is preselected. You can’t skip through the songs in a playlist, but you can change stations during class. You can also turn off the music completely.

While this feature is great for letting users pick the type of music they like, it makes the music aspect of the class a little less interesting than other training apps. As an indoor cycling instructor, I, like most instructors, create my classes around music.

This way, the class experiences the music the way the instructor intended. The music often sets the tone and energy for the class, and the beat of the music can also push you when you ride.

Music keeps me going even on the treadmill or just taking a strength class with some dumbbells on a mat. I always like it when the instructor has a brief moment to sing or dance along to a song during class.

In iFIT, since you can pick from the available music stations, you miss out on the experience of the instructor integrating the music into the class. However, it’s nice that you can pick the type of music you want to listen to throughout.

The volume settings also allow you to adjust the volume of the instructor’s voice and the music separately. So, you can balance them or mute one or the other.

SmartAdjust And Active Pulse

Other iFIT features only available on certain iFIT-integrated machines are SmartAdjust and Active Pulse.

SmartAdjust will automatically adjust the treadmill, bike, or whatever iFIT equipment you use when the instructor cues it. So, if you’re running on the NordicTrack X32i Incline Trainer, the treadmill will change the speed/incline throughout the class. That way, all you have to do is keep up.

Of course, you can manually adjust these settings and entirely turn off the SmartAdjust feature.

I like this feature because it lets you sync with your instructor and can be adjusted based on your intensity and fitness level. That way, your workouts are customized to work for you.

iFIT also has an Active Pulse feature that rates your intensity level based on your pulse when wearing a compatible heart rate monitor. It then adjusts the machine’s resistance depending on how hard you work.

Both of these features make your workouts very customizable and convenient.

Challenges And Series

iFIT offers several challenges and series. When you join a challenge, you’ll be signed up to take multiple classes, depending on the challenge’s purpose. For example, I can sign up for the “iFIT Gives Back Challenge: Walking for Research.”

The challenge consists of six walking classes. Some challenges are meant to be completed in a certain period, like this walking challenge. However, even though it is listed as a past challenge, I can still sign up and participate independently.

The challenges are fun because they can make your workout routine more structured, challenging, and encouraging. They can also help you build a routine if you’re just starting out.

We really like all of the series that iFIT offers, too. Like the challenges, iFIT has multiple series in almost every category. They’re available on iFIT equipment as well as the iFIT app.

Often, a series will take you through a specific place or event or let you train with a certain trainer. iFIT even brings in professional athletes to lead workouts. For instance, there are several classes that you can take with Olympian Michael Phelps.

iFIT even films real-life live events like the Boston Marathon. In this series, you can run the Boston Marathon with iFIT trainer Heather Jenson. The marathon is split into eight parts to make it more accessible to users.

There are other live races that iFIT films at, too. I haven’t heard of other fitness apps doing this yet.

Using iFIT

Overall, our team likes taking classes on iFIT. The app is very convenient to use if you are traveling or want to listen to a class as you run or walk outside. It is also great if you want to occasionally take a class on your own equipment. However, if you want to use the app all the time, I recommend getting an iFIT-enabled machine to train on.

The features available on iFIT’s equipment, like SmartAdjust and the leaderboard, or even just seeing your metrics on the screen, make the workouts more interactive and engaging.

One thing to remember is that most of the machine’s functionality is on the touch screen, so if the screen is damaged, the machine might not work.

This is the main screen that is displayed when you log in.

Navigating the app on your phone or even on iFIT equipment is a little clunky. You have to scroll a bit on the homepage to find certain classes. If you’re looking for a specific class, it is best to use the search bar and filters.

You can filter by duration, workout type, trainer, intensity, which area of your body you want to work out, what continent you want to take a class from, and more.

Comparison To Other Fitness Apps

Compared to other popular fitness apps, iFIT’s library of classes is vast and offers a lot of variety. For instance, the JRNY App from Bowflex continues to add classes regularly, but its library is nowhere near as full as iFIT’s.

JRNY also offers outdoor classes for exploring different areas of the world, but they aren’t led by an instructor like iFIT’s outdoor classes. In our opinion, iFIT shines with its outdoor classes regarding quality and variety.

Peloton has started offering trainer-led outdoor classes, which have great graphics, but they are still pretty limited and not available on the Peloton App as of this review. Peloton is better for their indoor classes in terms of their music than iFIT’s use of music. However, iFIT is the only app offering live filmed events in which you can train.

Where You Can Use iFIT

iFIT can be found on equipment from NordicTrack, ProForm, FreeMotion, and Matrix. For example, when you buy a treadmill from NordicTrack, iFIT is integrated into the treadmill so your speed and incline can automatically adjust when the trainer cues it, and your real-time stats are shown on the screen.

In addition to cardio equipment, the NordicTrack Fusion CST strength training machine has iFIT enabled. The other machines from the brands above are mainly cardio machines, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and rowers.

When you’re on an iFIT machine, like a rower from ProForm, you’ll see all available rowing classes. The same is true for when you are on an indoor bike, treadmill, or elliptical machine.

You’ll also be able to use all of iFIT’s features mentioned above when you use iFIT-enabled equipment. In addition to whichever type of machine you’re using, you can access mat workouts like meditation and strength training. This way, if your equipment has a large screen, you can utilize it for cross-training.

All of the classes are available on the mobile app. So, even if you don’t have a machine that has iFIT integrated into it, you can use your own equipment. For example, some treadmills are Bluetooth enabled and offer features like screen mirroring so you can connect iFIT to them.

However, it’s important to be aware that using iFIT through the app on your device won’t let you use some of iFIT’s features.

Let’s say you’re riding an indoor cycling bike and following along with an iFIT class on your phone. During your ride, your specific stats won’t be shown in the app, and you won’t be able to change your resistance on the bike through iFIT; you’ll have to manually adjust the bike.

Stats are shown at the bottom of the app screen, but they’re an overall average, not your stats. There’s also an app for your TV to take classes on a bigger screen than your mobile device.

Should You Subscribe To iFIT?

iFIT is available on equipment from brands like NordicTrack, ProForm, and Matrix. You can even use iFIT on your phone, on your non-iFIT equipment, and on your TV.

To get the most out of iFIT, we suggest using machines that have the app integrated. This way, you can use features like SmartAdjust and see your metrics, such as pace, distance, and calories, tracked in real-time.

iFIT has a large, diverse library of classes and a series of classes in categories like indoor cycling, rowing, elliptical, walking, running, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, strength, and HIIT.

My favorite aspect of iFIT is its outdoor classes—you can take one on every continent! With the numerous features, variety of content, and hundreds of world-class instructors, including a few Olympic athletes, you’ll never get bored in your workouts.

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iFIT Q&A / FAQ

How do I switch users on iFIT?

Click the menu in the upper left-hand corner. Scroll down to log out. Once you click yes to the question, “Are you sure you want to log out?” You’ll be taken to the login screen to log in with a different account.

Can iFIT be used on any treadmill?

iFIT is built from NordicTrack, ProForm, FreeMotion, and Matrix equipment. So, you can use it on machines from those brands. You can use it on other equipment, like treadmills, by using the iFIT mobile or TV app. You’ll have access to classes here, but your workout metrics like speed/incline and distance won’t be reflected in iFIT.

Can you fast-forward iFIT workouts?

At this time, you can’t fast-forward through iFIT workouts. You can skip through the warm-up and cool-down sections before and after class, however. You can also pause all of iFIT’s classes at any time.

Can you stream Netflix and other apps on iFIT equipment?

iFIT is beta-testing streaming apps like Netflix for the Pro membership that’s only available on iFIT-compatible equipment. Streaming apps are likely going to be available to all Pro members soon.

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Dimensions/Storability

The big appeal to most smart home gyms is that they take up a fraction of the space as a weight room. The Sole SRVO is a small floor platform 41.45″ long, 20.63″ wide, and 4.9″ tall.

It is around the size of a yoga mat.

I would factor in the dimensions plus a little extra room for exercises like lunges and planks. If you get the All-In-One Complete package, you’ll have to factor in the size of the included bench and the SRVO.

The bench is 48.6″ long, 19″ wide, and 61″ tall.

The top bar, where you can rack the barbell, folds flat against the bench. The bench also folds down, but overall, it’s a little bulkier than the SRVO itself, so keep that in mind.

Together the SRVO and bench require a small amount of floor space, especially compared to regular cable machines and weight equipment.

The SRVO is a free-standing machine that doesn’t require mounting to the wall like the Tonal. It’s similar in size to the Vitruvian Trainer+. Because it requires being plugged in, you need to use it near a wall plug.

The SRVO weighs 66 lbs. Some people can lift and carry it. It only has one handle, though, so it’s a little awkward to pick up. The easiest way for most people to move it is to lift one end with the handle to engage the two transport wheels on the other side and wheel the SRVO around.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

Most smart home equipment, such as treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers, and home gyms, comes with training content. Many brands offer a subscription training platform or app. These workouts are commonly led by instructors in a studio fitness class format.

The Sole SRVO is Bluetooth-enabled to connect to the Sole+ App. Here is what you can expect from the app.

Sole+ App

You’ll just need your phone to connect to the SRVO through Bluetooth to the Sole+ App. There is also a QR code on the side of the SRVO to connect to the app. What’s nice about the Sole+ App is that it’s free to Sole equipment owners. The Sole+ App isn’t required to use the SRVO, but it’s helpful for guidance on all the exercises you can do on this machine.

In the app, there are trainer-led workouts specific to the SRVO. An instructor guides you through a workout on the SRVO, which is filmed in an indoor studio. These workouts are nice if you like following an instructor and need extra guidance.

Along with watching the instructor and listening to their cues, the app tracks your weight (per side) and counts your reps per set. You can also select which of the three modes you want to train with. (More on this later.)

Closed captions are available if you want to mute the instructor and the music that plays with each class. Each class has a training focus and a preselected playlist of music. The classes are 20 and 30 minutes long, depending on the one you choose to do.

There are a decent number of Sole SRVO trainer-led workout videos. The app also offers treadmill, exercise bike, elliptical, rowing, and mat classes like stretching and yoga. All of the workouts are on-demand, and new ones are added fairly regularly.

There are also workout programs designed for different sports, such as football, soccer, and racketball, and programs with specific focuses, like shoulder and glute workouts. These consist of specific exercises to complete for a certain number of sets and reps per set. You can customize the weight for each exercise and the time between sets and segments.

You can also create workouts. Under the “Training” tab, under “Exercises,” you’ll find a complete list of all the exercises you can do on the Sole SRVO. There are over 150. The name of the exercise next to a graphic of a person demonstrating the exercise on the SRVO is shown. This format is a lot like Vitruvian’s in their training app.

The Sole+ App keeps track of your workouts and tracks your weight loaded and reps in each workout. You can also change the weight loaded on the machine in the app. With the library of classes and many exercises available, you can filter and use a search bar in the app to help narrow down which class and/or exercises you want to do on the SRVO with the app.

For an app that is available to use for free with the SRVO, I’m impressed with everything it has to offer. I also really like that it is completely optional. You can control the machine using the console if you prefer not to use the app on your phone.

Console

The console on the Sole SRVO is a small display with a dial/button to adjust the weight and training mode. It displays which of the three modes you’re in (more on this in a moment), the amount of weight (per cable), and the number of reps performed.

Motorized Weight

The weight is motorized and adjustable to lift you up to 264 lbs (132 lbs per cable). It resembles smart home gyms that use cables, like the Vitruvian. The SRVO doesn’t let you lift as much weight as the Vitruvian, so keep this in mind if you want to lift 250+ lbs.

As with machines like this, it’s different than using free weights. It might take some getting used to. It might not be best for you if you prefer using free weights. It can feel a little jerky in some of the modes and safety settings and in some exercises like presses.

If you have limited space, though, and want an all-in-one machine, the SRVO is a smart home gym to consider.

The weight can be adjusted in 1 lb increments, which I really like. This way, you have a wide range of weights to work with and the ability to add or subtract pounds as needed.

It’s easy to adjust the weight using the console dial.

When the number on the display is flashing, you can add or subtract weight by turning the dial. Once the weight is set, press the middle of the dial to start lifting and load the weight.

The number displayed is the amount of weight per cable.

It goes from 4 lbs up to 132 lbs. The dial is really easy to use. There is also a voice and noise that indicates when the weight is loaded. You can turn down the volume in the Sole+ App, but it can’t be muted completely. It’s kind of annoying because it is pretty loud. I think Sole has included this for safety, though. This way, you know when the weight is loaded and unloaded.

Safety Features

Sole has more safety features. The Resistance Stop Point feature allows you to pull each cable to the bottom portion of your rep. This way, if you’re doing a bench press, the weight will only be loaded for your range of motion in the exercise. If you’re using the barbell, you’ll set the weight to stop if the barbell drops below the lowest part of your press to avoid being crushed.

The Static feature unloads all the weight if the cable is placed in the same position for 10 seconds. So, if you’re struggling to press that bar back up, the weight will automatically unload. You can select a time other than 10 seconds in the Sole+ App.

The Dump feature (Tilt feature) unloads the weight and retracts the cables if one cable is pulled further out than the other. You must turn this feature off in the Sole+ App to do unilateral exercises.

The Drop feature allows you to drop whichever attachment you use (more on these later) if you struggle to complete your rep. This takes off the weight and keeps it off for about 10 seconds. After 10 seconds, the cables retract using the lowest resistance, which is 4 lbs per side.

These safety features are nice and necessary. When lifting heavy weights, especially by yourself, it’s important that machines have built-in features to help prevent injuries. Although the safety features and weight aren’t adaptive like the Vitruvian, these safety features help.

Training Modes

The SRVO has three different training modes. These modes control how the weight is applied and distributed throughout the entire range of each rep. The standard mode is what you would expect. The same amount of weight is distributed throughout the entire range of the exercise. This is the mode that I prefer to use the most. It’s most similar to using free weights.

The next mode is eccentric. In this mode, the weight is applied only during the eccentric portion of the exercise. So, in a squat, when you lower to the ground, you’ll feel the max weight, and then the weight lightens the last part of the exercise when you rise out of the squat. This mode seems very similar to the Vitruvian’s eccentric-only training mode.

The isokinetic mode keeps your muscles engaged throughout the entire range of motion. You can choose between fast or slow mode. In the fast mode, you want to perform quick-controlled reps to keep the weight loaded at the set max. When you slow down, the weight is lightened. In the slow mode, you want to keep your pace slow and consistent to keep the weight loaded.

These modes let you use the weight differently depending on your training goals.

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Build Quality

All of the hardware is of really nice quality. The SRVO doesn’t look as sleek as the Vitruvian; it doesn’t have the light, but considering it is about $1000 less, it is well-built and feels nice.

Being from Sole, we expected the SRVO to have high-quality construction, and it does.

The Sole SRVO is currently $2000 for the All-In-One Trainer. The complete All-In-One Trainer is $2500; it comes with the bench and a few more attachments that I’ll get into below. The SRVO is pricy but a little more affordable than other smart home gyms like the Tonal and Vitruvian Trainer+. It might be more realistic if you’re trying to save money on a complete home gym.

The SRVO can support up to 330 lbs. Considering this is a machine on which you stand, kneel, lay, plank, and squat, I’m glad it can handle a good amount of user weight. The bench also feels very sturdy underneath you.

Frame

The frame is solid and planted firmly on the floor. We’re unsure if it’s made from carbon fiber like the Vitruvian. I mentioned that it doesn’t look as sleek, but for a more budget-friendly option, the SRVO is well-made. It has a mat that fits on top to keep the SRVO from getting dirty or scratched from your shoes.

Note: You must be on the platform, whether just one foot or arms when lifting; otherwise, the SRVO will move once you pull the cables. It is meant to be stood, knelt, or planked on to keep it in place.

The pieces that the carabiner clips attach to the cables on each side are made out of plastic.

This doesn’t affect the overall quality and stability, even when a heavy weight is loaded. The cables are strong, and the carabiners are easy to swap out for the different attachments.

Servomotors

The Sole SRVO gets its name from the two commercial-grade servomotors built in. These motors work to give you resistance and up to 264 lbs of weight to pull against. The vents on the sides of the SRVO platform help prevent the motors from overheating.

These motors control the resistance. The SRVO isn’t loud, besides the voice system that lets you know when the weight is loaded and unloaded. A future upgrade that eliminates the voice or allows it to be muted would be nice. I think a small beep with an adjustable volume could be used in place of the voice.

Accessories

The SRVO is available in two different options and can be used for raises, presses, squats, lunges, planks, and more.

With the different accessories available to purchase with the SRVO, you can perform a lot of exercises.

Sole SRVO All-In-One Trainer

When you purchase the cheaper package, the Sole SRVO All-In-One Trainer, you get the SRVO Trainer, mat, bar, handles, ankle straps, and belt. The bar is metal and knurled like a barbell. The knurling even has marks so you can evenly space your hands.

The barbell has a button to adjust the weight, which helps set the Resistance Stop feature and exercises when you’re lying on the bench, unable to reach the dial on the console. It is just a button, so you’ll need to use the dial beforehand to set specific weights.

The two handles are also metal and knurled like traditional dumbbells. I like the barbell and handles. The knurling is nice to help you keep a good grip, and the metal construction makes them feel durable.

The ankle straps are velcro, as is the belt so they’re easy to adjust to fit them to your body.

They also have metal rings to clip the carabiners to, like the handles and bar. Overall, these attachments are of really nice quality and should last.

SRVO All-In-One Complete Trainer

The SRVO All-In-One Complete is the more expensive option. It comes with all the accessories that are included in the other package, including the rope, short bar, safety cables, and an adjustable bench.

The bench adjusts to incline to 4 different positions. It is designed to be placed over the SRVO, with each floor stabilizer on either side of the machine. It has adjustable leveling feet, so you can plant it on the floor.

A large metal piece attached to the bench extends upright at the back of the bench, like a squat rack.

There are hooks to hold the barbell when you’re ready to bench press or bench squat.

The bench isn’t my favorite. It’s comfortable with nice padding, and it is helpful that it adjusts to incline and lies flat, but it’s bulky.

The only function the squat rack extension of the bench is good for is holding the weight before you begin your set. It doesn’t allow you to do pull-down exercises like other cable machines. All the workouts involve pulling up on the cables, which can limit you if you want to do tricep pull-downs.

Overall, though, the Sole SRVO is a nice smart home gym for its price. It allows you to do many exercises.

Warranty

Sole includes a 1-year warranty for the SRVO and a 90-day warranty for the accessories.

Should You Buy the Sole SRVO?

The Sole SRVO is a strength training machine that allows you to lift weights in a small space. It is compact and can be stored under a bed or couch. The dual servomotors provide motorized, adjustable weight up to 264 lbs, so most people can lift a lot of weight using this machine. The SRVO is a free-standing platform that allows you to perform over 150 exercises.

Although the max weight might not be enough for seasoned weight lifters, the Sole SRVO is an excellent home gym alternative for those with limited space, as well as beginner and intermediate lifters.

It isn’t quite the same quality as smart home gyms like the Vitruvian Trainer+ and Tonal, but considering its lower price, the SRVO is more budget-friendly. I appreciate the Sole+ App’s guided video workouts and workout customization. The app is completely optional, and you can adjust the weight with the dial on the SRVO or in the app, making it very uncomplicated.

The bench is nice to have for some exercises. It takes up extra space, though, so keep this in mind. Whether you go with the All-In-One Trainer package or the All-In-One Complete Trainer package, you’re getting a well-made machine that can replace most equipment in a weight room.

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Sole SRVO Q&A / FAQ

How does the Sole SRVO compare to the Vitruvian Trainer+?

The Sole SRVO is less expensive than the Vitruvian. However, it isn’t as sleek, and the weight isn’t adaptive to your weight. The SRVO only supports 264 lbs of weight with both cables versus the Vitruvian’s 440 lb max. The SRVO is easy to use with or without the free Sole+ App.

If you don’t need to lift as much weight and are looking to save a little bit, the SRVO is a good option. If you want the best, I would go with the Vitruvian Trainer+.

What is the weight limit on the Sole SRVO?

The SRVO handles up to 330 lbs.

Is our Sole SRVO review a paid review?

We were not paid to create this review of the Sole SRVO. Sole sends us their equipment to test, and we have affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we earn a commission. Along with Sole, we work with all kinds of brands. This allows us to test all kinds of equipment so when we recommend the best, we know it’s the best because we’ve spent time using it.

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Dimensions/Storability

The STEPR+, like other stair-steppers, is a large machine. Even though it is substantial, it doesn’t take up that much floor space. Its dimensions are 50″ L x 29″ W x 82″ H. So it’s more compact than a treadmill or rowing machine, regarding how much space its footprint occupies.

You will want to factor in a few extra feet of floor space behind the STEPR to get on and off it properly. If you plan on utilizing the anchor points for resistance training off the STEPR+, you’ll want to keep some extra floor space open around it to do so, too.

Although the STEPR+ is a tall machine at around 6.8 feet tall, STEPR claims that it can be used with 8-foot tall ceilings.

The step-up height of the lowest stair is 15.2″, and the upper step is around 2 feet high. Your height plus two feet is the minimum ceiling height you need for the STEPR+. Our testing found that an 8-foot high ceiling should work for people up to 6 feet tall.

STEPR also limits users to a height range of 4’11” up to 7’2″. Our team is 5’1″ up to 6’5″, and we all can comfortably use the STEPR+. However, if you are over 6 feet tall, you’ll need a ceiling taller than 8 feet high to comfortably and safely use the STEPR+.

The STEPR+ weighs 286 lbs, so it’s a beast! It can be moved when needed, but we don’t recommend moving it often. There are removable transport handles that screw into the base at the rear. These allow you to tip up the back end of the machine to engage the front two transport wheels.

The STEPR+ can be rolled around.

Due to its weight and height, it’s not realistic nor recommended by us to move it very much. It is heavy to move, and it might not be possible for some people to move on their own. It’s best to keep the STEPR+ in the area where you plan on using it in your home.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

What sets this stair stepper apart is its large touch screen for streaming content and its build quality, which I’ll get into later. Often, commercial stair steppers include basic consoles that track workout metrics as you go. The STEPR+ includes a massive 27″ touch screen for streaming content.

Here’s what you can expect from STEPR’s All-Access Membership.

All-Access Membership

Currently, STEPR includes their All-Access Membership for free with the STEPR+. They might charge a subscription fee in the future, but at the time of writing this, everything I will discuss is included on the touchscreen.

Note: STEPR has stated that they plan to update the membership. Some of these updates are listed directly on the touch screen but weren’t available while writing this review. We will work to update this review with those updates once they’re available.

STEPR offers indoor trainer-led workouts on the STEPR+. These workouts feature an instructor who guides you through the workout. A camera points at them as they lead you through. These workouts are on-demand and can be taken whenever you want. There are workouts on the machine and off for well-rounded training options.

There’s a good amount of these workouts available to take.

The fact that they’re free makes their quality just fine. In the future, if STEPR were to charge a subscription fee to access them, I’d like to see them improved a bit. I think adding music to each class would be beneficial. There isn’t any music integrated into them currently, but you can log into Spotify and play music of your choice.

STEPR could take a page from Peloton and amp up their filming studio, add live workouts, and lean into incorporating all kinds of music into these studio workout classes.

It is really nice that these workouts are included with the STEPR+. They’re helpful for beginners and good if you like following along with an instructor while you workout.

The outdoor workouts feature a hiker as he hikes up various trails. It isn’t a formal workout where he guides you through it, telling you what your intensity level should be. Instead, he shares his experience hiking.

There are shots of the surrounding location shown on the screen, too.

There are trainer-led workouts and the outdoor-filmed videos. More are sure to come as STEPR continues to make updates. These workout sessions consist of HIIT, Steady Step, Just Strength, Stretch and Mobility, and the Free Step: Guided Adventures outdoor videos.

The Just Strength, Stretch, and Mobility workouts are available to take off the STEPR+. Some require resistance bands, and others are just available to take on a mat. These are nice to add at the end or beginning of your stair-stepper workouts or to add on days you’re not planning on hopping on the STEPR. Boot camp classes are said to be coming soon, too.

STEPR also includes entertainment apps that can be streamed directly from the STEPR+ screen. Right now, Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube are available to log into and stream from. Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video all say they are coming soon, so we expect to see them in the coming weeks or so. It is nice to be able to use these apps while training on STEPR+.

Console

The STEPR+ features a large 27″ touch screen. It’s bright, easy to see, and very adjustable. Depending on your height, it tilts up and down so you can keep it within your line of sight.

It also pivots to either side of the stair climber so that you can use it for off-the-machine training.

The screen is easy to navigate. The home screen includes featured workouts, access to the streaming apps, and the option to select from some of the classes. Under the “Sessions” tab, you can filter and search for specific workouts. The filters are by type, duration, difficulty, and coach.

The screen is a bit sensitive when scrolling through the workout classes. I sometimes accidentally select a class when trying to scroll.

In a workout, the metrics at the bottom of the screen include speed level, SPM, floor, steps, calories, and altitude. The duration and time remaining are at the top of the screen. You can adjust the speaker volume and access the entertainment apps. The speakers offer plenty of volume and sound clear. There are speaker buttons on the right side of the screen, too.

You can also adjust the speed of the steps on the screen below the bottom metrics bar. The front handles are also where you adjust the STEPR+. The stop and pause buttons are on the left, and the speed buttons are on the right handle.

These adjustment buttons are very convenient to use.

There is an Auto Speed setting, where the speed adjusts based on the workout format. This can be turned on and off. It only seems to be available in some of the workouts currently but could be added to all of them in the future. In the studio classes, many of the instructors recommend specific speed settings and effort levels throughout the workout, which is helpful.

Below the screen is a small device rack for your phone or small tablet.

It has a textured back to help keep your device in place. This is nice if you want to stream content that is unavailable on the touchscreen. Since you can’t screen mirror content from your device, it’s nice to have a place to set your phone so it’s within view.

There isn’t a fan built into the console, so you’ll need to plug in your own for when you want to cool off.

Below the device rack is a large, oversized cupholder.

This holds your water, and there are two small compartments on either side to hold smaller items like earbuds or keys. Bluetooth connectivity to connect your headphones and devices will be coming in a future update.

Other updates include the ability to create up to 5 user profiles. Workout history and milestones are available now, and I can imagine that each profile will be awarded milestones and able to save their workout history and app streaming login information.

More entertainment apps like Paramount+ and YouTube TV are also said to be coming. This, along with the ability to pair with Apple Health and Garmin Watches, will be available in the future, too. A STEPR Sync feature so you can match your pace to the instructor’s pace will also be added.

We’ll update this review with those updates as they become available.

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Build Quality

The STEPR+ has an impressive build quality, but it’s important to note that the STEPR+ is only intended for home or light-commercial use. It can be used in a light commercial setting like an apartment or condo gym, but it is inappropriate for a big box gym.

The overall construction of the STEPR+ feels similar to other stair-steppers, StairMasters, and ClimbMills that I’ve used in gyms. I think STEPR captured the gym quality of these machines while making the STEPR+ a little more compact and price-friendly for home use.

Along with heights of 4’11” up to 7’2″, the STEPR+ handles weight up to 375 lbs, a high weight capacity for fitness equipment. People up to this weight should be able to use the STEPR+.

Frame

The STEPR+ has a welded steel frame with a molded casing around the stairs, which creates a seamless design and look. The frame supports the base, and two steel uprights extend up, into which the steel handles are fixed. Another steel upright attaches to the touchscreen at the front.

Overall, the build materials make the STEPR+ feel incredibly stable and high-end.

The handles provide really good support and are slim enough for me to wrap my hands around. This design also keeps everything in place, including the large touch screen. We didn’t experience any shaking of the screen, handles, or frame.

Stadium Steps

STEPR boasts a “stadium step” design. These are the shorter steps in a stadium where the handrails lead you up and down bleachers. The steps are 5.2 ” high, so they’re shorter than the standard stair height, which is around 7″ high. STEPR’s idea behind this is that it makes the STEPR+ accessible to a wide range of people in size, height, and ability.

I will admit this step height does take a little bit of getting used to.

Since it isn’t like climbing stairs, which I’m well accustomed to since I currently live on the 4th floor without access to an elevator, I have to look down at my feet occasionally to ensure I’m not misstepping. Matt felt the same way. I’m also nine months pregnant, so my center of balance is off, making me more cautious while walking, using the stairs, and working out in general.

The STEPR+ has a lower step height than many commercial stair-steppers, so if you’re used to using one of these machines at the gym, you might find the STEPR+ feels a little bit different when you first use it.

That’s not to say that this step height isn’t effective because it certainly is! My glutes and hamstrings were on fire after putting the STEPR+ through a workout, or rather, this machine putting ME through a workout.

You can also do different step variations with this design like double steps and glute kickbacks, if you want to vary how you use this stair-stepper. You’ll probably want to slow the speed down a bit to do these though, as well as pay attention to each step. Some of the fitness classes teach these variations so you can follow along on the screen, too.

The stairs are textured, so they don’t feel slippery. They measure 8.6″ D X 15.7″ W x 5.2″ H. The “floating design” also allows for ample space to place your feet on each step. The stairs handle most shoe sizes. I wear a women’s size 7, and I could comfortably place most of my foot on each step. When I want to target more of my calves, I step more on the balls of my feet, too.

Matt, who is 6’5″, has plenty of room for each step, too.

His heels hang off a little bit, but this doesn’t inhibit his balance or stride at all.

The STEPR+ does make some noise while you’re using it. The steps when they’re in motion can be heard. This means the STEPR+ might not be best for homes requiring very little sound while working out. I don’t think the noise is bothersome or excessive, though. I actually find it helpful when using the STEPR+ to help me pay more attention to the speed of the steps.

The stairs rotate in reverse and have a 3-step design. The top and bottom steps flip as the steps move, which can keep users positioned on either the 1st and 2nd steps from the top or the 2nd and 3rd steps, depending on their preference. You have some range to work with regarding your foot positioning.

Most commercial stair steppers have 4-stair designs. The STEPR+ could have another step added to allow for a little bit more room, but then it wouldn’t be as compact as it is. I think the 3-step design with the stadium step height allows the STEPR+ to be more compact and work better in more homes while still being safe, stable, and effective.

Speed Settings

The STEPR+ offers 25 speed settings. This speed range allows you to find what tempos work for you. Levels 1-5 are pretty slow, while 15-25 are quick paces that increase your heart rate. The speed settings allow you to easily adjust how fast you want the steps to move. They are electronically controlled and can be adjusted on the console.

I like how you can slow it down and vary your steps with different exercises like kickbacks, and speed it up for more of a cardio workout.

The chains come pre-greased but will probably need re-greasing and tightening after much use. Most fitness equipment requires some kind of maintenance and upkeep. We anticipate the overall maintenance of the STEPR+ to be pretty low, but some maintenance is required after you use the machine for a long period of time.

The steps move on a chain-drive system.

The manual goes over how to tighten the chain. It also states that if you experience any shaking of the stairs while using the STEPR+, check the chain to ensure it isn’t loose.

Anchor Points

The anchor points on the handle uprights, console upright, and steel floor frame make the STEPR+ even more versatile. These are small welded loops. This allows you to clip resistance bands or equipment like the LIT Axis to the STEPR+ to train off the stair-stepper.

With how heavy and secure the frame is, we felt comfortable clipping or tying resistance equipment to the STEPR+.

This is a nice feature that I think more types of large fitness equipment should incorporate. It is also awesome that STEPR includes workout classes off the machine to vary your training. Add in that the screen pivots to each side, and the STEPR+ is a highly versatile machine for strength and cardio training.

Safety Features

One is on the front of the STEPR+ to reach down and press while you’re on the steps. The other is on the inside of the right upright below the side handle. Both can be reached while you’re on the STEPR+ to hit if you need to shut the stairs off quickly and lock the machine. You twist these knobs and pull them out to unlock the STEPR+. The machine must be unlocked to use.

Along with the stop and pause buttons on the left front handle, STEPR has implemented 2 emergency stop buttons.

I like the locking feature and these two red emergency stop buttons. The steps stop quickly, but it isn’t so fast that you have to worry about losing your balance and falling off. The stop button on the handle stops the steps much more slowly. I like stopping the steps with the front emergency button when I finish my workout.

A sensor at the back end of the steps also senses when you step off the machine. This way, if you step off of it (intentionally or accidentally) while the steps are moving, they will stop once this sensor is tripped.

The machine also beeps and locks until you unlock the screen. This is especially helpful if someone like a small child or pet tries to climb onto the STEPR+ while it’s in use. Although this adds an element of safety, which is appreciated, it’s important to ensure that any fitness equipment is clear of pets and children while you’re working out.

You also must be on the steps for the STEPR+ to start a workout. If it doesn’t detect you on the stairs, the stairs won’t start moving, and the screen will pause the workout.

Overall, our team is really impressed with the STEPR+’s build and quality. We think this machine is worth its price and is a great option for most people and homes.

Warranty

STEPR includes a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty with the purchase of the STEPR+. This warranty package is pretty standard and comparable to other popular fitness brands. For light commercial use, the STEPR+ has a 10-year frame, 3-year parts, and 2-year labor.

Because this is a large and heavy machine, it requires having at least two people to receive it for curbside delivery. STEPR offers white glove delivery and installation at an additional price, which might be a good idea if you aren’t able to move and assemble the STEPR+ with someone else.

Should You Buy the STEPR+

For the ultimate in-home stair stepper, the STEPR+ is the one to check out. This machine combines a gym-quality stair stepper made for home use with a touch screen, training content, and streaming apps.

The STEPR+ also takes it a step further with its compact footprint, which is accessible and accommodating for people of most heights and weighs up to 375 lbs. Its design takes up a small amount of floor space and can work for 8-foot tall ceilings for people up to 6 feet tall.

This is an excellent machine to consider if you love stair-steppers and even if you don’t. It provides a very effective cardio workout and is versatile for resistance training off of the machine.

We love that the workout videos and streaming apps are available without a subscription. All you have to do to watch Netflix is log into your account. This, paired with the incredibly stable construction, makes the STEPR+ absolutely worth it.

With everything the STEPR+ offers, it is one of the best home stair-steppers on the market, although I’d argue it’s the best.

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STEPR+ Q&A / FAQ

Is the STEPR+ worth it?

The STEPR+ could be worth it for someone who plans to train regularly and use the onboard training content. The STEPR+ does not require a subscription and has an excellent range of features.

Are stair steppers good for weight loss?

Stair steppers can be good for weight loss. Stair climbing can help you build muscle and improve your cardiovascular health. However, diet typically has more of an impact on weight gain or loss than exercise.

Is doing the stair stepper every day good?

Stair stepping can be your regular form of cardio exercise. For best results, make some days intense and others easy. Rest is also an important part of any exercise routine because it allows your muscles to repair themselves and grow stronger. Taking one to two days off from stair stepping per week could yield even better results.

Does STEPR require a subscription?

No, STEPR machines do not require a subscription.

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Dimensions/Storability

For floor space, the floor stabilizers only take up 35” x 32”. The CLMBR is tall however at 88” high. It’s recommended that the ceiling height is at least 8 feet in order to use the CLMBR.

One thing to keep in mind is that even though the CLMBR is pretty compact, it doesn’t fold up. Proper ceiling height is the main concern with this machine. It has front-mounted transportation wheels, so it can be moved around pretty easily if needed.

The CLMBR does require being tilted to engage the transportation wheels.

Onboard Workouts & Apps

A typical rule of thumb that we’ve noticed when testing fitness equipment with attached touchscreens is that the machine will most likely require a subscription to content on the screen. The CLMBR, in fact, offers a membership with guided studio classes to follow along with as you work out.

Subscription

To access these classes, you have to subscribe to their $39 per month membership. There’s also a $9 per month option that offers fewer features, but with this monthly subscription, you can take preprogrammed workouts and see your metrics.

Now, let’s get into what’s included with the premium membership.

The premium membership offers a variety of trainer-led classes.

There are over 500 on-demand classes led by knowledgeable instructors, or “guides,” as CLMBR refers to them. We found them to be engaging, motivating, and helpful – really everything you could ask for in a fitness instructor. The classes are filmed indoors in a well-lit professional studio where the camera is pointed at the instructor.

Multiple angles of the instructor using the CLMBR are shown.

During class, the trainer will give you a range for you to try to keep your reach and tempo within. Reach is the range of motion that you use to move the handles and pedals. It’s displayed in inches on the screen.

During different classes, you can typically anticipate varying your range of motion from smaller to larger lengths. Your estimated calories, power, tempo, distance, and resistance are also shown on the screen. Plus, your current feet per minute climbed is displayed.

I really like that music is integrated within each class. Some classes have specific themes like rock, and the rhythm classes use the music to help you stay on the beat and at a specific pace. You can also adjust the volume to hear more of the music or more of the instructor.

There are different types of classes like Tabata HIIT, stretching off the CLMBR, and a few mat strength classes and guided recovery sessions with a massage gun as well. I like that you can see the format of the class at the bottom of the screen, too.

Classes range from 5 minutes up to 45 minutes. There’s a filter for you to find a specific class easier, too. You can choose to filter classes by duration, difficulty level, instructor, class type, and even genre of music.

Something to be aware of is that there isn’t a leaderboard to compete against other members like Peloton and Echelon feature, and there aren’t any live classes. There is a pause button, and you can skip ahead and back to different chapters of each class. The chapters consist of specific segments throughout the class.

Before each class, you can see an overview as well as a diagram that displays the parts of the body that will be worked on during the class. In addition to classes, there are also competitions where you race against other members. You can do these for a specific duration, like 30 seconds, or for a specific distance.

Overall, I really like the CLMBR membership. Having an instructor and guidance helps keep my attention on the CLMBR, and I really like all of the different trainers. One thing that has me scratching my head is the process of adding a profile to the CLMBR.

During the initial setup of your subscription, and if you want to add any other profiles (up to 4) to the machine, you’re required to download the CLMBR app on your phone. This is where you log in to your account after you create it and then pair the app with the CLMBR.

Normally, I can log into my profile on the screen instead of having to download another app. Maybe a future update could eliminate this step?

The CLMBR app allows you to see your workout history and watch classes but not actually take them. You have to be on the CLMBR to do that. Even the mat classes are only available to watch, although you could still follow along and take them, I suppose.

Onboard Workouts

You can use the CLMBR without a monthly subscription. With this, you’ll only have access to the open climb feature.

Console

The CLMBR has a thin and clear 21” touch screen that extends out from the console. It’s positioned on two small metal beams that allow you to adjust the screen either closer or further away from you. It doesn’t really tilt up, however.

Our taller reviewers would like to see the screen angle up more because they had to look down at the screen. I’m our shortest reviewer, and I found the screen to be well within my line of sight.

Overall, the screen is clear, the graphics are crisp, and it’s pretty easy and straightforward to navigate.

The power button is located behind the screen at the top, and the volume buttons are on the right side. You can also adjust the volume on the touch screen. The speakers are pretty loud when turned up, and they’re Bluetooth enabled, so you can pair them with compatible headphones.

With the sleek design of the CLMBR, I wasn’t expecting to have any storage, let alone a device rack.

This lip is just thin enough to hold a smartphone or slim tablet. It would hold my phone, but since I have a pop socket as well, it doesn’t fit very well on the rack. This doesn’t bother me, though, because I can still place my phone on the console and have it stay put.

There’s also enough room for a book. However, with the placement of the rack and the console, you’ll have to look down at your device or book to use them. There is a cupholder that can be attached on either side of the CLMBR. It’s a little flimsy and made of plastic, but it holds standard water bottles just fine.

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Build Quality

In addition to the screen and technology built into the CLMBR, we are impressed by its compact footprint and construction.

The CLMBR has a nice weight capacity of 350 lbs, so most users should get a lot of use out of it. Compared to the MaxiClimber XL, it is 50 lbs heavier. The CLMBR is said to handle users from 4’11” up to 7’. Our reviewers range from 5’0 up to 6’5”, and we were all able to use the CLMBR. However, there are a couple of improvements we would like to see for taller folks that I’ll go into below.

Frame

The CLMBR is a unique vertical climber because of the frame and stabilizers. Typically, other vertical climbers like the VersaClimber, Cascade Climber, and MaxiClimber all have a singular vertical frame to which the handles and pedals are attached.

This design feels stable to use.

With this traditional design, you are forced to kind of straddle the frame while moving the handles and pedals. The CLMBR has two vertical beams in the frame that sit on either side of you while using the machine. The handles, pedals, and console are all attached.

We didn’t experience any rocking. There are adjustable leveling feet to help you plant the CLMBR on the floor. Overall, this design makes sense and is a nice improvement from the design of traditional vertical climbers.

Pedals

The pedals are textured and oval with optional foot straps. You can use the foot straps and adjust them to fit over the top of your shoe, or flip the pedal over and use it without the straps. The pedals work fine either way, although we recommend using the straps in order to use the CLMBR more securely.

Although, you do want to make sure they’re fairly loose over your feet. I find using them keeps my feet more secure on the pedals.

The only problem we have with the pedals is that they are a bit small. My shoe size is a women’s size 7, and my feet completely fit on the pedals. One of our reviewers wears a men’s 13, and his shoes hang off the pedals slightly. This doesn’t hinder him from using the CLMBR, but having a longer pedal might be better for taller/larger users.

This is Matt, who is 6’5”. He can use the CLMBR just as comfortably as I can.

Handles

The handles are where you get a lot of versatility from this vertical climber. The moving handles move in conjunction with the pedals. They adjust in 1” increments so you can position them to work best for you. I’m about 5’1” with shoes on, and I have to adjust the handles to the lowest position.

Our tallest reviewer, who is 6’5”, adjusts them to the highest setting. There are extender handles for users over 6’4” that are sold separately. These will most likely help tall users get a full range of motion. While our tallest reviewer (pictured above), was able to use the CLMBR, these handles would probably be helpful.

I really like that these handles offer three different grip options: neutral, pronated, and supinated. This way, you can work your arms and back muscles differently. For targeted training and isolating your lower body, these handles fold up so they’re out of your way.

This is pretty easy with a push of the button on the end of each handle. Sometimes I have to use two hands to do this, but I can typically fold them up quickly during a class.

The moving handles allow you to get a great upper-body workout.

When these handles are folded up, you have a few different options for stationary handles to grip onto. The most obvious is the long dip bars that extend on either side and just behind you when using the CLMBR. When using these, I can still work my triceps depending on how much weight I put into my hands versus my legs. The dip bars have a little bit of texture versus the smoother moving handles.

The other handles are built into the crossbar that holds the device tray where the screen is mounted. They’re on the back side, so they’re not within view when you’re facing the CLMBR and viewing the screen. I didn’t know they were there until I took a class on the CLMBR.

You can overhand or underhand grip these handles.

When underhand gripping, I can actually use the tiny handles. For an overhand grip, you grip the plastic over the crossbar rather than the actual handle. This works just fine, but making the edge of the plastic a little rounder or even textured could help get a better grip, although realistically you shouldn’t be holding these handles very tightly, especially if you want to primarily work your lower body.

All in all, I really enjoy the variety of handles, and with 6+ grip options, this might be one of my favorite things about the CLMBR’s construction.

Vertical Reach

As I mentioned, the pedals and movable handles move in conjunction with one another. At their max range of motion, they both move vertically 20”. This range of motion is controlled by you when you’re on this vertical climber, so you can make the range as small or as large (well, up to 20” max) as you want.

The most reach I can get is roughly 14”-16”.

The vertical motion is pretty consistent with other climbers like the VersaClimber and the Cascade Climber, although this climber only has a 19” vertical reach.

This motion is effective in working your entire body while burning a lot of calories and improving your VO2 max. It makes sense that the range of motion is adjustable, so users of different sizes can pick a range that works for them.

Resistance

The dial on the crossbar adjusts the resistance. It’s well within reach and you can feel and hear each increment as it’s adjusted. The CLMBR uses magnetic resistance with 11 levels of resistance.

There is certainly a difference between level 1 and level 11. However, we didn’t notice much of a difference between some of the smaller resistance levels. Level 1 feels like no resistance, and level 11 definitely provides resistance, but it isn’t the most powerful. This does not mean that you won’t get a challenging workout on the CLMBR because you most certainly will.

All of our reviewers were sweating and out of breath within the first 10 minutes on this machine. This has a lot to do with the vertical motion of the machine, too, so it’s definitely a great form of cardio and high-intensity training. Just know that the resistance isn’t as strong as other machines like some ellipticals we’ve tested.

Overall, we love how intense the workouts are on the CLMBR. The design is unique to climbers but proves to be very effective and stable. It’s still compact, and certainly more so than most ellipticals. Plus, having the screen attached is a huge added bonus. The instructors are engaging.

The CLMBR feels fairly smooth while in use, but you can hear the grinding of the steel when you move the handles. It’s also felt as you move the handles and pedals, too.

It’s not distracting once you’re using the machine and taking a class. However, it might be distracting to your housemates and potentially neighbors if you have shared walls. The volume of the speakers goes up plenty loud for you to hear the instructor and the music during class, though.

Warranty

The CLMBR comes with a 12-month limited warranty. This is on the shorter end of what we see on other types of machines. In comparison, the Versa Climber comes with a 3-year warranty. We would like to see this extended a bit.

The CLMBR includes white-glove delivery, which is extremely beneficial. This way, the machine is set up correctly by their technicians.

Should You Buy The CLMBR?

If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout machine that’s forgiving on the joints, then we recommend checking out the CLMBR. The handles and pedals move in a vertical motion to give you a full-body workout. You can also do plenty of targeted training with all of the different handles and grip options, too.

While the machine does make some noise while in use and requires at least an 8-foot high ceiling, it takes up less floor space than most ellipticals. We really like the design, which proves to be stable, and the clear 21” touch screen.

The membership involves studio classes led by energetic instructors who help keep you motivated and engaged as you sweat. We think users will definitely find value in the content and be pleasantly surprised by how challenging of a workout you can get in the comfort of your home on the CLMBR.

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CLMBR Q&A / FAQ

Is the CLMBR a good workout?

The CLMBR is an intense, low-impact total-body workout that offers cardio and strength training. It has been proven to improve your VO2 max while vertical climbing.

What is the weight limit for the CLMBR?

It handles up to 350 lbs.

What muscles does the CLMBR work?

The CLMBR works your entire body, including your leg muscles, such as your glutes, quads, calves, and hamstrings, and your core, as well as your upper body, including your arms, shoulders, and back.

Is this a paid review of the CLMBR?

We were not paid to create this review of the CLMBR. CLMBR sent us the machine to test, and we have affiliate links where we can make commissions.

This review reflects our unbiased thoughts and experience. We work with various brands, in addition to CLMBR, to test machines. This way we can create these reviews and better recommend exercise equipment to consumers.

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Dimensions/Storability

So if you’re tight on space, you can move the X3 into a large closet or put it in the corner of the room. The way you fold it is by rotating the bed all the way around and then walking the front feet towards the back feet. There is no need to disassemble anything, making it a quick and easy thing to do.

The FitSpine X3 has the option of folding.

While we demonstrate it here leaning against a wall for contrast, the X3 will stand on its own when folded. Simply leave the legs of the frame slightly separate, and it will stand upright. This is very convenient for upright storage.

I fold mine and keep it in my walk-in closet, so it only comes out when I intend to use it. It’s thin enough that it could fit in most closets, barring you don’t have any shelving systems blocking the height of the inversion table.

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Build Quality

The Teeter FitSpine X3 is built with quality materials. A few things stand out in the construction.

Frame

The Teeter FitSpine X3 is engineered to be safe, sturdy, and stable. This is immediately evident in the materials used in the frame construction. The X3’s frame is made from 11-gauge steel that’s been heat-treated for increased strength and durability. It can hold up to 300 lbs and invert without base even budging.

I’ve been on a few inversion tables, and the FitSpine X3 feels absolutely solid and uncompromising even as I invert and do my stretches.

All of our reviewers enjoyed using the FitSpine X3 and found it stable and safe to use.

Bed

The bed was built to be flexible. With eight independent points of suspension, the bed will move with your body. I noticed this not only when I was stretching my back but by just moving around on the bed. Having that flexibility makes the bed very comfortable to the point where you don’t miss any sort of padding.

I also didn’t have to lift off the bed to stretch but instead could use the bed to stretch, and it supported me. This is cool because you have the supportive benefits of a rigid bed with the added benefit of a flexible one.

Acupressure Nodes

The acupressure nodes are removable protruding nubs that can help release any muscle knots through pressure point therapy. The node placement is customizable, so you can place them near your muscle knot or sore spot. Or if you don’t like them, they are completely removable.

The nodes come in different colors depending on the intensity of pressure point therapy you want.

Just a little warning: you should do some exploration with the nodes before you try to use them, as they can be painful if not placed right. Especially if they’re placed directly on a bone or a nerve, you can avoid this by using someone to help you set it when you’re on the inversion table. If you don’t have someone to help, you can use a mirror to help you.

Deluxe EZ-Reach Ankle System

The inner material on the cuffs is soft and oh-so-comfortable. It offers excellent support as you’re inverted without putting too much pressure on your feet or ankles. It also has an extra-long handle that allows you to make micro-adjustments to the tightness of your ankles without bending over.

The EZ-Reach feature makes the X3 an excellent option for people with stiff/sore backs or an inability to bend over. The handle is within arm’s reach, so there’s no need to bend too far to reach it.

Teeter’s Deluxe EZ-Reach ankle support system is by far the best that we’ve tried.

EZ-Stretch Traction Handles

We found the EZ-Stretch Traction Handles to be an exceptional addition. The FitSpine X3 does an excellent job of decompressing and stretching your back on its own, but the traction handles let you take that traction to a new level. They give you such control over the amount of stretch and traction you experience and the ability to increase their intensity.

EZ-Angle Tether

The EZ-Angle Tether makes setting the maximum angle of the X3 really easy. We found it very simple to use. You adjust a buckle to green (20 degrees), orange (40 degrees), or red (60 degrees). There’s no need to mark anything or bust out the college algebra. It’s already done for you. I found this especially handy in that the 40-degree mark helps my back the most with the use of the EZ stretch handles.

The EZ-Angle Tether is a great way to control your level of inversion.

Stretch Max Handles

I don’t know why the handles like the Stretch Max handles aren’t included on every inversion table. They are the best for getting a good twisting stretch. As you lay back on the X3, you can use the Stretch Max handles to leverage a better stretch by using your arms.

X3 In Use

The main reason someone is looking at an inversion table is that they have back or neck issues. Teeter’s mission is to help relieve those issues through non-evasive means such as surgery. They have developed an inversion table that addresses many of the issues of back pain.

The Fitspine X3 includes the Stretch Max handles, Acupressure nodes, and an 8-point Suspension Bed to help the back pain caused by muscular spasms and tightness. Teeter also includes the Lumbar Bridge and EZ-Stretch Traction handles to complement and intensify the decompression effects of the inversion table.

The Fitspine X3 uses the aforementioned features and gravity to stretch the back muscles and decompress the spinal column, which has been found to offer pain relief to many people. I’ve added this to my daily routine and have found it makes a world of difference in my back.

The X3 has been a literal game changer in my life and has given me more relief from back pain than any pill or chiropractor. Because it is FDA-registered, users can rest assured that the X3 is not only safe but also proven beneficial for a number of spine and neck conditions.

Many products on the market proclaim to provide back relief, but it is difficult to get a product registered with the FDA. Teeter inversion tables are backed by scientific evidence and product safety testing that makes them safe, useful, and helpful for all kinds of back and neck pain.

Assembly

The Teeter FitSpine X3 has three great assembly instructions. The first is the paper copy that normally comes with anything that needs assembly. The instructions are clear and easy to read. The second is a step-by-step instruction DVD to guide you through the assembly. The third option, and the one that I would suggest, is using the BILT app.

The BILT app gives you a step-by-step set of instructions and more detail than you’d get with the paper copy and the DVD. You’re able to zoom in and rotate the inversion table within the app to see the build from a different angle or zoom in and check bolt placement. The BILT app made it much easier to assemble the FitSpine X3.

Another app that we found to be beneficial is the Teeter Move app. This app allows you to ensure you’re using the X3 appropriately and provides videos with guidance for stretching, inverting, and core strengthening. There are different difficulty levels to follow along with, and also other videos that guide you through using other equipment from Teeter.

Warranty

Teeter includes a 5-year warranty with the FitSpine X3.

Should You Buy The Teeter FitSpine X3?

The bottom line is that with the FitSpine X3, you’re getting a top-notch inversion table with a lot of great features. If you’re looking for an inversion table, then this is an amazing choice. The Teeter FitSpine X3 is a top-of-the-line inversion table that was carefully designed to be the best.

It is FDA Registered for the relief of multiple neck and back conditions and has been engineered to provide pain relief and even facilitate recovery and rehabilitation as needed. The Teeter FitSpine X3 features a heavy-duty frame that is not top-heavy, so rotation and oscillation are both possible during use. The comfortable 8-point suspension bed and acupressure nodes add to its overall usefulness and value.

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Teeter FitSpine X3 Q&A / FAQ

Is a Teeter inversion table worth the money?

If you have back pain and want to decompress your spine with inversion therapy, a Teeter inversion table is the way to go. When it comes to inversion tables, we consider the ones from Teeter to be the best. They are safety-certified and durably made to last. Plus, each one comes with thoughtful features for an enhanced user experience.

What is the difference between the Teeter X3 and the LX9?

The X3 and LX9 have a lot of the same features, but the LX9 has a boarding platform and storage caddy for your water or phone. The boarding platform can make it easier to get into the EZ-Reach ankle-locking system and the LX9, in general.

Is this a paid review of Teeter X3?

This is not a paid review. We were sent the X3 to test, but this review reflects our experience using it with our unbiased thoughts. We have affiliate links that we make commissions from. This allows us to make money while creating unbiased reviews.

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