Although strength training is crucial to efficient running, it can be a chore. Knowing that it will help with running form and speed, it becomes harder to motivate oneself.
The coronavirus pandemic caused a decrease in companies and schools, which eventually led to me having ACL surgery following an early 2020 soccer incident. I needed a treadmill that would feel good on my knees, and it was time for me to focus on strength training so I could get back to my pre-surgery self.
Better technology is creating a new wave of strength training for runners. Mirror and Tonal have recruited elite instructors but rather than live classes, it’s on demand video training. Gone are the days of repetitive videos and lackluster trainers.
When I chose the Tempo 3D sensor and AI solution, I knew it meant less time spent logging my workouts, to work on improving my running goals. With over 220 movements logged, AI will generate personalized weight lifts with a plan for new exercises/sets monthly.
I’ve been using Tempo Plus for over four months now. One thing I recommend is whether it’s worth the price tag for runners. Here’s what you need to know about it.
Why do so many people use the Tempo System?
Tempo is a smart gym that caters to live and on-demand classes. There are over 1,150 available classes with 30 new ones every week. Classes are divided into beginner, intermediate, and expert skills.
‘Tempo’, is unique, as it doesn’t promote any ability to be wall-mounted, instead standing on its own as a 72x26x16-inch easel-shaped tower. There’s a storage cabinet for weights on the front, with back hooks for dumbbells and barbells.
Activating the Tempo was easy, by inputting your basic physical stats, telling them what equipment you have, and outlining your fitness goals. It also asked for my preferred workout days; while in theory this sounds nice, my schedule changes weekly and is not set in stone. Unlike other workout apps I tried, I don’t receive notifications motivating me to work out each day–unless that day falls at least one week after the last time I exercised.
Running Equipment You Need To Train
One of the major benefits of Tempo is its comprehensive fitness package. The Starter Bundle includes high weight sets that range from 3 plates to 75 pounds, as well as the machine itself.
You can upgrade to Plus or Pro bundles for an even more tricked out space. With the Plus bundle, you get a folding bench, barbell, heart rate monitor, foam roller, and a yoga mat; with the Pro bundle, you also get a folding squat rack as well as kettlebell system and weights.
With Tempo’s adjustable plates, you can customize your weight weight for the workout you want to do. NordicTrack only offers increment sizes of five pounds, making it difficult to customize to smaller weights.
One downside to using a smart weightlifting machine is that you must stop the workout to change weights. However, I found that this was worth it as the weights require less effort to remove. These machines have also been updated in recent years and are now equipped with a bar-release button that is mechanical and capable of being activated even when there is a heavy load on the bar.
Tempo provides alerts and tells you how many times you did one movement as well as allows you to know when your form is off. This feedback is helpful to know what you need to correct, making the workout more efficient.
No special equipment is needed to use these features. I simply had to stand about eight feet away from the screen, and the system gave feedback on my form in real time. If I did not perform up to par, it would give instructions for how to improve.
There were some limitations to the form corrections. The ACL injury I had specified that I needed to watch my form when doing squats, but while the mirror-like surface allowed me to monitor my form, there were no corrections on leaning too far to one side, despite knowing that this was happening. With 3D sensors, these nuanced adjustments would make the Tempo a truly more suitable device for increasing strength training knowledge for beginners who may not know when they are compromising form.
Tempo notifies you of how much to lift during each exercise, and then asks if the amount was perfect or not. It also remembers how much you have lifted before during a set of exercises, which is useful for experienced athletes, but new runners may need more help or a different program.
Instructors at Tempo Fit
With CKO Seven, there are seven coaches to choose from who all pass certification standards. Every coach has a different coaching style, so you should try them all to find the best one. My top two are Lindsey Vonn and Maame Biney. Both of them were personable, had thoughtful programming, and leaned into a fun pitching style that was encouraging.
Where Tempo fell short was in its facilitation of fitness classes. The idea behind these classes is not unique, as Peloton and NordicTrack also use Olympians to teach workouts. However, when compared to the regular Tempo trainers’ programming, the few Olympic-led class I took felt disjointed, often lacked consistency in reps or rounds, and had little discussion of form or potential modifications a user might need. It’s better for Tempo to have Olympians take classes like this and talk about their experiences with viewers so that they can learn more about their stories while letting the professionals take over in teaching next to them. Next time, I would recommend Tempo looking into a system like this.
“Cost of Tempo Fit”
The Tempo is expensive for the everyday athlete. Though it starts at $2,495, one must also pay for a membership for access to exercises and workouts. If a new customer does not have yearly commitment and opts for monthly payments then it will cost them $39/month.
The monthly membership covers all your household needs, no need to shop for additional equipment. Plus, according to their website, you’re savings a lot of money by purchasing the Starter bundle. For example, if everything was purchased separately rather than it being packaged together as a starter bundle, you would have had to pay a whopping $2,495.
Bottom line
for runners who are ready to get serious about incorporating consistent strength training into their workout routine, the Tempo is the right product. It isn’t an intense workout and it has a high success rate. With the Tempo, you can switch up your exercise routine while running.
