-SOURCE-Tonal-(cropped).jpg?w=860&resize=860,0&ssl=1)
Tonal is a high-tech slab of ambition—a gym in a mirror for those wanting to trade dumbbells for algorithm-powered gains. Tonal 2 is sleeker, sharper, and somehow even more expensive than before. At $4,295 (plus several add-on costs), it’s both a statement piece and a serious financial commitment.
I wanted to know if Tonal could change the way I train. After weeks of testing, I analyzed everything from installation to daily performance to see if Tonal 2 could keep me motivated—no small feat given my squirrel-like attention span—or if it would just turn my living room into the set of a Black Mirror episode.
New and Improved
Tonal 2 sticks with the same wall-mounted design as its predecessor (7/10, WIRED Recommends) but refines the aesthetic with an all-black finish and chrome accents. It looks cool in any home gym—as long as you wipe off the inevitable smudges after every workout. The most noticeable upgrade is the built-in camera, which enables real-time form feedback on-screen. Previously, Smart View required a separate mobile device to analyze movements, but now corrections are immediate. You can still integrate your phone for a side-angle, which improves the coaching cues.
Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane
In my experience, Smart View caught subtle but critical posture mistakes—like hunching my shoulders or letting my chest drop. But it wasn’t flawless. For example, it didn’t flag when I performed an entirely different exercise, like a narrow hamstring curl instead of a wide bicep curl. Certain exercises also make it hard to glance at the screen mid-set, so I relied on the post-workout videos and feedback for review more than in real time.
Connectivity has also improved, with stronger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability. Your internet still matters—if your connection is spotty, expect occasional lag—but I didn’t experience any streaming disruptions during testing.
Perhaps the most meaningful upgrade is its durability. Tonal 2’s new cables are 75 percent stronger, pushing the digital resistance cap from 200 to 250 pounds—a huge plus for advanced lifters. Tonal also introduced a new workout modality, Aero HIIT, a cardio and strength training hybrid, that adds five new moves to the list: Aero Pull, Aero Mini Pull, Aero Twist, Aero Chop, and Aero Lunge. Drop sets are also now built-in, making pushing through fatigue possible without manual weight adjustments.
Not Just Weights
Tonal 2 requires professional installation, adding another $295 (or more, depending on your location). It mounts flush to the wall, keeping your space clutter-free, but it demands at least 7’x7’ of floor space and a 7’10” ceiling height for a full range of motion. If you live in a smaller space, be prepared to shuffle furniture around before workouts. The actual installation took about 45 minutes and went smoothly. Though fair warning, the drilling is loud. If you have neighbors, maybe give them a heads-up.
Lifting with digital resistance feels different from free weights. According to Tonal, the pin-loaded machine can feel 23 percent heavier than barbell dumbbells. There’s no momentum, so your muscles stay engaged throughout the motion. It’s a more controlled (and limiting) way to train. The touchscreen is responsive, making it easy to adjust weights, follow programs, and track progress.
