01 Feb
Blog

Tempo Move review: Interactive at-home fitness savant

A man exercising with the Tempo Move system.

"The Tempo Move offers compact storage, a great app, and plenty of workouts to target every part of your body."

benefits

  • Excellent device storage

  • Intuitive app

  • Responsive AI and reactive fitness tracking

  • Support for up to six users in a Tempo household

  • Competitive price compared to comparable options

disadvantage

  • No Android support

  • No live classes (currently)

  • App can be finicky at times

The last few years have been incredible for the world of home fitness equipment. Today, more than ever, we're buying treadmills, stationary bikes, and other interactive fitness equipment that takes full advantage of the current state of the smart home. Through apps and touch screens, we can track everything from calories burned to training goals for the day, week, month and year.

While some of these home exercise machines advertise impressive features, many also offer top prices. Yes, we all want the luxury of being able to exercise right from our living room, but not all of us can afford the thousands of dollars it takes to do it. That's where hardware like that move pace come inside.

From the creative workout minds that brought us the incredible mirror-mounted Tempo Studio, the Tempo Move is the company's latest technology. Designed for budget-conscious buyers and using our iPhones instead of a dedicated touchscreen, the company's latest addition to its impressive fitness range makes the grade? Read on to see what we thought after using the Tempo Move for a few weeks.

From the box

The Tempo Move cabinet with included weights, dumbbells and Tempo Core.

First impressions matter and the Tempo Move is designed to impress as soon as you unbox the device. For starters, we don't think we've ever seen a fitness company put as much thought into storing gear — let alone hardware — that costs as little as the Move package (currently available for $395).

Weights, dumbbells, and the Tempo Core Module are all designed to fit in a stowable cabinet that's 22 inches high, 13.5 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep. Closet color options include light blonde and maroon wood finishes.

A magnetized mesh cover slides back to reveal two shelves for storing weight plates. Wooden inserts for weight, resistance band and cable storage can be cleverly removed at the top. There is also a hinged compartment where you can put the dumbbells. Weight plates range from 1.25 to 5 pound increments and the included dumbbells weigh 7.5 pounds each.

A center cut-out can be removed to allow the Tempo Core to sit on top of the cabinet, although you can always place the module right next to your TV if you have space. The Core itself comes with an HDMI/USB-A combo cable.

The top of the Tempo Move case.

Apartment dwellers, you're in luck. The Tempo Move is the perfect home setup when you're short on space. Better still, if you don't have enough space in the TV room to store everything, you can always store the cabinet in another part of your house. When it's time to train, just grab the Tempo Core along with the weights you need for the day.

initial setup

Getting the Tempo Move to work is a fairly simple process. To get started, the first thing you should do is create a Tempo account. You can do this by going to members.tempo.fit/register. The website will ask you to register the device and enter a payment method. While the first 30 days of your Tempo membership are free, after the trial period you'll be spending $40 per month – a price that compares to competitive training subscriptions from companies like Peloton.

In addition to the impressive A.I. skills is the amazingly interactive pace app.

Next, grab your iPhone and download the Tempo app from the App Store (you can also scan the QR code on the quick start guide in the box). Once you launch the app, scan the bottom of your Tempo Core to pair your membership. The first few screens are all about collecting data about what kind of person you are (height, weight, training experience) and what type of goals you want to set (weight loss, muscle gain, etc.).

Next up is the Tempo Core, the actual A/V engine and iPhone docking station, which is your essential A-to-B connection from your Tempo hardware to your TV.

The Tempo Core idle screen.

In the box you will find an HDMI/USB-A cable. Plug the HDMI part into any free port on your TV and the USB-A connector into a free USB port on your TV. In case your TV's USB port is already in use, you can use a dedicated USB power brick instead.

The last step is to dock your iPhone. Since the Tempo Move uses the iPhone's True Depth Sensor for motion tracking, you'll need an iPhone XS/XR or anything up to the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Speaking of mobile hardware: Sorry Android users. As of now, Tempo Move is only available for iOS devices.

During setup, we actually had some trouble getting our iPhone 12 to handshake with the Tempo Core. We've followed a few troubleshooting tips, including HDMI and USB-A unplugging and replugging, but to no avail. However, after restarting the phone, everything was connected correctly. Ah, tech.

features

The key technology behind the Tempo Move is 3D Tempo Vision, an A.I. Learning system that tracks your training style and keeps track of everything from form to reps over the long term. Over time, the system becomes intelligent enough to know your training style, which allows it to recommend weight sizes, for example.

As you mimic what your trainer is doing, the exact exercise you are doing is displayed in the top left portion of the TV screen, with the remaining rep time displayed in the top right corner. Actual reps, pace, and heart rate (which requires a compatible wearable) are recorded at the bottom of the screen.

The higher-priced Tempo Studio has 3D Tempo Vision integrated directly into the touchscreen mirror. As for Move, 3D Tempo Vision forms an alliance with your iPhone's various motion tracking features via your device's True Depth Sensor.

In addition to the impressive A.I. skills is the amazingly interactive pace app. At launch, the Home tab shows you how many courses you've completed on the current date, along with calories burned and leaderboard stats (if you're interested). Here you can also see which workouts you have completed throughout the week.

Under the Classes tab you'll find a wide range of training tools, including thousands of classes covering everything from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to stretching, yoga, strength, cardio and more. Tempo Move doesn't currently offer live classes, but we're betting they will soon.

A series of screens in the Tempo app.

The Programs tab lets you choose from a mix of pace-curated workouts for everything from losing weight to getting definition. For those who need a recommendation, a separate "For You" sub-tab suggests programs based on the training experience you entered during registration.

Then there's the Profile tab. Here you can see how many workouts you've completed, how many calories you've burned, and your total. Date ranges include a week, the last 30 days, and all times. If you select the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, you can customize notification settings, change your password, invite up to five family members to your Tempo membership, and more.

training experience

Now it's time for the mat. We placed our Tempo Core on our TV stand, slightly in front of the TV. After docking our phone, the first thing we were asked to do was set up our exercise mat. Ideally you should have this about 5 feet from your TV stand. During setup and throughout your interactive workout, a mat gauge appears at the bottom of the screen to let you know if you're properly within your workout zone.

We started with a 20-minute low-impact cardio workout, because your humble reviewer isn't that adept at the art of training. The onscreen trainer was energetic and encouraging but incredibly talkative. A little too talkative. No big deal – we need to pump up!

As you mimic your trainer's moves, the exact exercise you are performing is displayed in the top left of the TV screen, with the remaining rep time displayed in the top right corner. Actual reps, pace, and heart rate are shown at the bottom of the screen. And hello, it works! Sometimes the little things really count when it comes to consumer tech, and watching the rep count increase with every pathetic squat I performed confirmed that my iPhone was playing well with the Tempo hardware.

The leaderboard is displayed on the right side of the screen. However, I was scared of other people's achievements, so I've hidden this real-time chart (you can do this by selecting Leaderboard on your iPhone and choosing the Hide setting). In the app you can also choose from different music genres during the workout and adjust the volume balance between the music and the trainer.

A man exercising with the Tempo Move system.

When you pause a workout (by pressing the big pause icon on your iPhone screen), your TV screen will show your current circuit along with any upcoming forms that are in the circuit of the workout you're currently working on. All of this information is also displayed on your phone screen right before the actual workout starts.

In my 25 minute total body building and 35 minute strength training classes, it was nice to have the required weights displayed on the screen. However, on both exercises, the Move struggled to keep track of my reps. Even though I left the mat zone a few times, the move still wasn't counting my reps or tracking my pace when I nailed the form to the mat (or nailed it as close to it as possible).

Looking at things later, I realized that this probably wasn't a bug. In fact, the Move doesn't track reps, tempo, or offer form correction for any exercise. A bit of a shame, but I think interactive feedback is provided on enough workouts not to make this such a big deal.

price and guarantee

Tempo is currently offering a solid discount on the Move. Normally, the Tempo Move package costs $500, but Tempo is currently dropping $100 off the retail price. So for $400 you get a solid workout package, a versatile storage cabinet, and a three-year warranty.

However, there is more money to spend. The Tempo Move requires a Tempo subscription, which will set you back $40 a month after the 30-day free trial. All in all – including the massive range of classes, fitness customization, and support for up to six unique users – this isn't a bad monthly premium in our opinion.

Our opinion

If you're looking for an all-in-one home workout experience at a reasonable price, Tempo Move is a fantastic package that we definitely recommend. While you might not get exactly the same experience as the company's more expensive studio hardware (or its competitors' equally priced workout gear), the Move effectively takes your iPhone's performance to the next level.

The fitness tracking is on point, the workouts are rich and the sky is the limit for new features to add. True, it's no fun that Android followers can't play along too. But if you've got a fairly new iPhone and a little cash to spare, both upfront and month-to-month, this is it move pace is the perfect way to get your reps off the ground in the comfort of your living room, bedroom, or basement gym.

How long it will take?

With the Tempo Move, you only rely on two pieces of equipment to power your workout. There's the Tempo Core, which is covered by Tempo's three-year warranty, and the iPhone, which you use for the Tempo app. That being said, we're betting you'll have a successful few years with the Core module, with performance only improving as app updates are rolled out.

In fact, Tempo already has plans to take advantage of more advanced hardware features in later iPhone models, so you can expect improvements and new features in the foreseeable future.

Is there a better alternative?

If you want a more robust platform, Tempo's pricier Studio ($1,995) includes an interactive touchscreen that doubles as a training mirror. Negating your iPhone, everything you would use the Tempo app for is built right into the display. And don't forget: The Studio includes live classes (the Move doesn't).

As for an alternative that matches the price of the Move, we're having a hard time thinking of one. Home fitness equipment typically costs thousands of dollars on top of the monthly subscription you have to factor in.

should you buy it

Absolutely. The Tempo Move offers an incredible training experience through solid equipment and an intuitive companion app.

Editor's Recommendations



28 Jan
Blog

Tempo Studio Review: Smart Fitness Display Features Weights

Tempo Studio Rating 3 out of 5

"The Tempo Studio Fitness Display is the smarter, more sophisticated connected home gym."

  • Comes with all the accessories you will need

  • 3D motion tracking for the correct shape

  • Sharp looking touchscreen display

  • Weights are hidden in the device

  • Less live lessons

  • Do not follow all exercises

Getting in shape is different for everyone. Some people may just want the number on the scale to go down while others choose to improve their stamina or stamina. However, whatever the goal, there is no doubt that smart fitness displays are changing the way we exercise at home.

While most of them focus solely on high-intensity cardio training, the Tempo Studio emphasizes strength and muscle building by using 3D sensors to monitor proper form. It also features free weights and a barbell for workouts, live classes to measure yourself against, and more. On the surface, it offers everything you need as a worthy alternative to the actual gym. But how much better is it than competing displays?

A home gym with weights

Without question, the Tempo Studio's biggest differentiator is how it packs all of the weights necessary for training. With other intelligent fitness displays like Mirror or Echelon Reflect, users have to enter their own weights. Tempo Studio comes with a variety of weight plates, two dumbbells, a barbell, a heart rate monitor, an exercise mat, and a recovery roller – all included in the sticker price of $ 1,995. You could easily spend a considerable sum on purchasing a set of weights. So, when you know all of this is already included, the Tempo Studio is ahead of the pack.

Even better is the fact that it includes all the weights and dumbbells. Because of this design choice, Tempo Studio is more of a freestanding smart fitness display than a wall mount. The end result is a sizable exercise machine that is 6 feet by 2 feet, 2 inches by 1 foot, 4 inches. In my tiny apartment, it takes up quite a bit of space, but I still appreciate that it keeps the weights in a compartment under the display while the barbell and dumbbells are attached to the back. Managing fitness equipment has never been easier.

The largest touchscreen in your home

The imposing stature of the Tempo Studio is mainly due to its gigantic 42-inch display. What was more surprising was the realization that it was actually a touchscreen, which I honestly did not expect. Not only is it detailed and bright, it also doesn't suffer from some of the visibility issues caused by glare on some other mirror-based smart displays. Everything is perfectly visible even at larger angles, so that the instructions of the trainers on the screen can be easily followed.

Speaking of touch, the interaction with the display is strange at first, but pretty straightforward and responsive. It's just a couple of inconveniences while you're exercising. For one thing, I wish there were special volume controls that could be accessed immediately.

Managing fitness equipment has never been easier.

Instead, the volume can only be adjusted when you start a workout and press the appropriate icon in the lower right corner of the user interface. There is also no smartphone integration. Basic functions such as pause / playback therefore always require a physical touch on the display.

Correct shape through 3D motion tracking

What sets Tempo Studio apart from the competition is its ability to track correct form for various exercises using a 3D flight motion sensor located under the display. It looks like a camera, but it's really only there to model your shape. If there's one thing I've learned about exercising from every personal trainer I know, it's that getting in shape goes a long way. And that's exactly what Tempo Studio does by constantly telling me to keep my knees over my toes when I'm not in the ideal squat shape.

The Tempo Studio also shows my heart rate and other statistics about my current training – e.g. B. How many repetitions I did, my pace and my freedom of movement. The level of detail achieved through the use of the 3D motion sensor provides valuable data that fitness junkies will appreciate. However, not all exercises are tracked with the 3D motion sensor. In fact, motion tracking seems to be limited to exercises that are mostly about weights. Most of the other workouts, like some of the boxing and cardio workouts, don't get motion tracking treatment.

Despite this shortcoming, the Tempo Studio seems to be constantly learning – maybe at some point it can pursue a wider range of workouts. Some things are better than nothing.

Bringing sweat to a sweat needs more variety

If you've ever taken any of the group classes at traditional gyms, you'll know what to expect with Tempo Studio classes. As mentioned earlier, the focus here is on strength training. So expect some serious lifting. By combining some cardio exercises with core strength training, I was able to work up a sweat and get a decent heart rate. I'm used to lifting heavy weights, but not at the speed or intensity I'm going through here. It's a challenge for sure, so you may want to drop the weights on the first start to acclimate and find the right pace.

Workouts are harder than just relying on gravity or body weight, which definitely helps build muscle. However, the studio doesn't have nearly the same different classes as Mirror. Likewise, there are fewer live courses to sign up for and try out. Even so, the on-demand courses provide what you expect – great motivation and guidance from Tempo Studio teachers. At the end of each class, the exercise is broken down into a chart to help track my progress over time.

I would love to see more different workouts to choose from, but I love that they include weights in their workouts. If you are on your priority list and want to build muscle, Tempo Studio will help you along the way. All you need to know is that it requires a subscription of $ 39 per month.

Our opinion

Even if it's not perfect, Tempo Studio has appeal. It's neither crazy expensive nor cheap. At $ 1,995, it's more than the attractive Lululemon Mirror ($ 1,495) but less than the Tonal ($ 2,995). The latter also focuses on strength training, but achieves it through a patented digital weight system based on resistance.

When you have all the weights and equipment ready to go, combined with real-time coaching from 3D motion sensors, it is enough to recommend the Tempo Studio as a fully connected home gym that you should consider.

How long it will take?

You can treat the Tempo Studio like a device to use at home as it stays stationary in one place. It's nice to know that Tempo Studio comes with a limited warranty that covers the case and weights for three years. The display and heart rate monitor are covered for one year.

Is there a better alternative?

Not everyone focuses on weight training. So, if you are looking for something with a wider range of classes, you should check out Mirror by Lululemon. It includes exercise classes you won't find with Tempo Studio, such as Pilates, ballet, tai chi, and more. Mirror also offers one-to-one classes where only you and the trainer are present.

Should you buy it?

You bet. The one-time costs (without subscription) include everything you need for a challenging training session.

Editor's recommendations