Tonal’s artificial intelligence and adaptive weight gave these members the confidence to stop holding back.
Strength training can be incredibly empowering. Research suggests that along with helping to improve physical health and fight illness, it can also help decrease anxiety and boost self-esteem. But that doesn’t stop strength training from intimidating folks. One study found that three in five American adults still don’t do any muscle-strengthening exercises, despite knowing the health benefits.
That’s where a smart trainer like Tonal helps. Members can build physical and mental strength without the typical strength training hurdles: intimidating machines, confusion over what to do, a lack of professional guidance and support, and fear of injury.
Tonal’s artificial intelligence and adaptive digital weight provide several features that can stand in for an IRL personal trainer. Here, five members share how Tonal’s unique features helped them ditch what was holding them back and build more than muscle.
Form Feedback
Good form is essential. And while it helps to prevent injury, it can reinforce movement patterns that are transferable, whether you’re picking up heavy shopping bags or refining your deadlifts. When you work out with Tonal, the trainer uses sensor technology to track your pace, range of motion, positioning, and balance to give you real-time cues on your form, just like a personal trainer. Think of it like getting professional guidance in the privacy of your home. It’s an especially encouraging feature for anyone who feels unnerved by strength training and gyms.
Theresa Geis of Madison, Wisconsin says it’s “like having a coach in the room with me.” Instead of wondering if you’re in the right position, Form Feedback gives members the confidence to perform each lift better by encouraging awareness of proper form. “It makes me more conscious. Did I release the weight too quickly? Did I not extend all the way on my last rep?” And because the feedback is delivered in real-time, you can take action on the very next rep. Geis adds that Form Feedback “makes Tonal feel more personal and helps me make the most of my workouts.”
Bar Tilt
The bench press is fundamental for anyone looking to increase their upper-body strength. Research suggests a regular training routine that includes the bench press is essential for dynamic activities like sports but can also help older adults build strength for daily tasks like carrying a box of groceries, for example. But loading up a barbell to bench press can come with a risk even if someone is there to assist, let alone when working out by yourself.
Melinda Pontruff of Amarillo, Texas always wanted to bench press but never felt confident about it at the gym. “I was intimidated and didn’t have anyone to spot me,” she says. One of the benefits of training with Tonal is anytime there’s a bar movement in a workout, the trainer automatically goes into Bar Mode, which gives members the ability to turn resistance off just by tilting the bar to one side. Pontruff says Tonal’s Bar Tilt features makes her feel safe. “The first time I hopped on Tonal to bench press, I was able to push myself further. And sure enough, I needed to tilt to bail.”
Spotter Mode
When Aaron Marr of Smyrna, Georgia switched from traditional weight to digital weight and began taking advantage of Tonal’s dynamic weight modes, he unlocked a new level of confidence in his strength training journey. Dynamic weight modes are variable resistance training techniques that can help build strength faster by making lifts more challenging while keeping you safe. “The combination of Spotter and Smart Flex have me pushing many lifts on Tonal far more than traditional weights. You can [lift] to failure without any worry of injury,” Marr says.