The Mirror—A New Smart Fitness Technology. Is it worth it?
Fitness enthusiast and consumer tech expert Katie Linendoll puts it to the test
You have probably seen a lot of ads for The Mirror, an interactive workout mirror that basically puts a hologram athletic trainer front and center in the privacy of your own home. The big question— is it really worth it? Here is my review after using and testing The Mirror for over two weeks.
What’s the setup? First, a logistics company comes into your home and professionally mounts or places The Mirror on a stand, which is then braced to a wall (I chose the stand route). It can be moved (it weighs about 70 lbs) and is powered by one AC plug.
An example of the mirror on the stand (Photo: mirror.co)
Connecting to The Mirror is easy via Bluetooth through your smartphone. After an initial setup and answering some personal fitness questions, you can access the main menu which contains a ton of classes and a variety of trainers and achievement levels. Classes range from 15 to 45 minutes with categories spanning Cardio to Boxing, Abs to Barre, Yoga to Dance, and more. You can also filter classes based on the style of class and props like dumbbells, resistance bands, or ‘no equipment’.
Additionally, you can customize to your preferences, toggle the noise level of the music or the trainer’s voice, and there is also an option to connect to a heart rate monitor. I was especially impressed that you can customize around injuries—a live update will change the workout if, for example, you indicate a knee injury in your settings. As soon as you pop into the class your name and city appears on the screen as if you are taking a live class. You may even get a shout out, making it feel more like you are at the gym.
I have been dedicated to fitness my entire life. I am a big runner and also do some intense strength training. As a serious athlete, I was surprised that the Mirror accommodates all fitness levels from high intensity and competitive to beginner. My five-year-old niece even got in on a dance class!
So, how much we talking? The base price is $1,495 with an additional $39 a month for a subscription to all the classes; however, the nice thing is that up to five family members can create an account with their own log in. You can also take personal training sessions for $40, utilizing the two-way camera. Note: the camera cannot see you only if you specifically request training sessions (though the techie in me keeps it covered like a webcam).
After every session, the mirror displays a summary of your workout data.
Overall, The Mirror is a really unique and resourceful gadget, especially if you already pay a lot for personal training or a gym membership. Yes, we are seeing a lot of these interactive workouts hitting the market and I think the popularity will only grow. Do I think it replaces outdoor runs and the in-gym experience? No, but it is a great option for the days you want to get in a good, fast workout.
As someone in the consumer tech space for many years, I envision The Mirror will eventually extend beyond the home into hotels…but that’s just my educated guess.
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