Best training mirrors for 2024
If you want a more personalized experience, the Forme Studio may be the way to go. Forme offers two different types of mirrors: Forme Studio and Forme Lift. The Studio is the original mirror offering on-demand classes and customized training, as well as live 1:1 personal training. The Forme Lift is the upgraded version of the Forme Studio and offers the same classes and personal training, but has motorized resistance cables (with up to 150 pounds of resistance) intended to take your strength training experience to the next level. The Forme Studio costs $2,495, while the Forme Lift costs a hefty $6,495.
I was able to test them both, but thought the average person would find the Forme Studio more suitable for home use. If you purchase the Forme Studio, you have the option to lean against it or mount it on the wall for extra security. You will also need to ensure that you have 6 by 6 feet of space, with a minimum of 8 feet from floor to ceiling to accommodate the unit. Your wall should have 12, 16 or 18 inches of spacing between metal or wood studs, poured concrete or concrete masonry units.
There’s no denying that the Forme Studio is a touchscreen, but it also has an app (currently only available on iOS). I found the images on the Forme Studio to be the best of all the smart mirrors, as they are filmed in 4K resolution, which is on par with some nicer televisions on the market. The instructor also looks life-size on the screen, making it seem as if he or she is in the room with you. This device has dual front-facing cameras, which is useful if you’re signing up for personal training sessions (more on this later). Forme includes camera covers for extra privacy.
To use the Forme Studio you need Wi-Fi. You have the option to connect your training headphones, Forme heart rate monitor (included in your accessory box), other compatible heart rate monitors or an Apple Smartwatch via Bluetooth. One downside is that you only have access to the built-in music on the device.
The Forme membership will cost you $49 for the first month, and $149 per month after that, which is a high price if the device itself isn’t cheap. Membership is required to access over 700 on-demand classes and a fitness concierge, where you complete a survey asking about your goals, fitness level and lifestyle and then create a training plan with recommended videos upon request Forme’s library is released weekly. Your membership allows you to create up to six profiles. The video library gives you the opportunity to choose from beginner, intermediate or advanced classes, from workouts like barre (you can also barre attachment separately for $395), strength training, boxing, yoga, pilates, Barry’s You can also join a program if you want to take on a specific challenge for the month. Please note that some of these classes will require you to have extra equipment, such as dumbbells, on hand. You can filter by the length of the lesson, the type of training, the level, the instructor and the equipment required.
I tried a few classes and for the most part the experience was similar to other smart mirrors. You can adjust your audio based on whether you want to hear more from the music or from the instructor, which I like because it can help you focus. During class, the mirror isn’t as impressive as I expected because it can only count your reps. Unlike the Lululemon Studio Mirror, there’s no sense of camaraderie with other members if you’re looking for that group fitness feeling. I would have thought that the Forme Studio might offer form corrections or cue suggestions like the Fiture Mini, but that’s not the case. What makes the Forme Studio so special is the 1:1 Live Personal Training (something you can arrange through the fitness concierge).
The experience is similar to doing a personal training session in person, and this is where the two front cameras are most useful. During a programmed session with your trainer, you can view it from your screen and vice versa. The trainer has the opportunity to provide feedback as the cameras track your movements and your entire frame (even if you are on the taller side). If you own the Forme Lift, the trainer can remotely adjust the resistance on the machine if he or she wants to challenge you. Even when you’re traveling, you can access your personal training sessions via a tablet. Your trainer can still see you, because camera tracking on tablets works the same way.
Specifications
Dimensions: 6 by 6 feet space with a minimum of 7 feet from floor to ceiling
Weight: 102 pounds (screen only), 125 pounds (screen with packaging)
