People often don’t like to look at themselves in the mirror while exercising as they don’t find it appealing. People believe they will not look their best while sweating it out on a treadmill.
However, there is always that one section of the gym freaks who love to admire themselves looking at the floor-length mirrors.
With this, the gym enthusiasts are the most thrilled about smart fitness mirrors.
These mirrors are 6ft tall, vertical, and high-tech and come with an inbuilt computer, connected to an internet connection, and at the same time work as a video screen.
The main idea behind this innovation was that the person will connect with an online trainer who will appear on the mirror/screen along with the person’s reflection.
On advanced devices, the mirror will be attached with the camera and speakers which will help the trainer observe the movements of the person and suggest changes.
For this, users will have the option to participate in one on one sessions or group classes. They will have a variety of options, including weights, pilates, cardio, and yoga.
While on the simpler machine, the video and sound option will just be a one-way thing. Users will be able to see and hear the trainer but will not be able to communicate back. Instead, users will have access to a library of streamed workout sessions.
No matter which machine the user chooses, they will have to pay at least USD 1,300 for just the mirror topping with the monthly subscription.
The touch screen mirrors come fitted with numerous sensors. Artificial Intelligence (AI), helps in giving feedback on how the user is performing a specific activity and at the same time suggests improvements as well.
The first such mirror which went on sale last year in the UK was the Vaha. It was made by the German firm of the same name. Some of the rival brands include Tonal, Mirror, NordicTrack, Portal, and ProForm.
There have been several debates about whether this device is good or bad to watch yourself work out.
Colleen Logan, vice president of the public relations at iFit, who is also the US owner of both Nordic Track and ProForm notes that watching yourself while working out helps in adjusting to the form and at the same time provides optimum benefits of strength exercise. It also helps in preventing injuries.
Consultant psychologist Dr. Elena Touroni pointed out that someone who is very focused on perfection and tends to notice every flaw in their body can often feel even more depressed as the mirror will amplify these kinds of flaws.