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Can a $3,000 interactive screen turn you into Adonis? Maybe, but this may not be the best starting point.

When gyms closed due to COVID-19, consumers scrambled to find new ways to maintain their fitness programs. Sales of home fitness equipment have skyrocketed. Internet-connected home fitness equipment manufacturer Peloton reported that its business increased by 66% in May and by 176% in September.

NordicTrack, Tempo, Tonal, Technogym and many other brands have also joined. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it seems that every fitness brand on the planet has launched some form of the smartest, most diligent, artificial intelligence-driven on-demand personal trainer, sales representative and new best friend bicycle, rowing machine, vertical Climbers or...mirrors.

In theory, with everything shut down, a pandemic is the best time to squat down, concentrate, and enter the best state ever. But according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, we spend less time buying new fitness equipment, and more time on the Internet to gain weight in the process (hello, isolation 15).

When you look in a mirror—even if it is a mirror—you must do the work with discipline.

Training at home has many benefits: the shower is cleaner, and fewer idiots leave gum in the fountain. In addition, there are always parking spaces. However, only fools will buy the most expensive smart home fitness equipment without first considering it.

Research published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health shows that technology (apps and trackers) can promote increased exercise in free time. But this research was conducted in 2017, well before the proliferation and pandemic of smart gyms. In addition, the long-term benefits and retention rates are unclear, and the authors of the study found that the technology did not sufficiently appeal to those who need it most—inactive adults.

In other words, if you had a gym membership before the pandemic and chose not to use it, then paying a premium for a set of expensive Bluetooth dumbbells that can count the number of reps for you will not magically provide you with a huge two-head muscle. The bottom line is the bottom line it has always been: when you look in a mirror—even if it is a mirror—you must have the motivation and discipline to do the job yourself. day to day.

For this reason, a truly "smart" home gym is equipped with equipment that you will actually use and within your budget. If this includes shiny new gadgets with bells and whistles, so be it. If not, figure out what you tend to align with and invest in it. After all, as long as you have the right mentality and information, you can shake your entire body with just an adjustable kettlebell, a pull-up bar, and some resistance.

No matter what you choose, there is no shortage of quality digital services for those who don't want to go or return to the gym. Many of these plans-including Peloton, Chris Hemsworth's Centr and Apple Fitness+-offer up to one month of free service before charging your credit card. (Oh, the award-winning Nike training club never charges a penny.)

Trying these options is stress-free-and it's free! -Explore multiple modes and personalities to find ways of content that suits you and your interests, instead of linking you to any content provided by the smart gym library. They are also super convenient. You can access your workouts anytime, anywhere from a variety of devices: smartphone, tablet, TV or computer.

If you want to continue other activities or services, you can cancel without being trapped by a heavy dust collector disguised as an exercise bike. Now this is very smart.

Zack Zeigler is the chief content officer of Muscle & Fitness and the co-author of "Being Eternal: Four Secrets to Look and Feel Younger Than Ever."