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Why I Needed a Home Gym Solution
As a mom of three little ones (8 months, 2 years, and 4 years), the thought of prioritizing myself and my health often felt overwhelming. Even with just my two toddlers, I struggled to carve out consistent time for workouts. My go-to options were usually walks with a stroller or lifting weights at the gym.
But once my third baby arrived, everything shifted. Stroller walks turned chaotic, my older two wanted to walk instead of ride, while I pushed the baby. Gym workouts became a three-hour ordeal between loading kids in the car, dropping them at daycare, working out, then picking them up and paying for daycare on top of my membership. Not to mention, someone was always sick, making it even harder to stay consistent.
I realized I needed a workout option that was flexible, efficient, and doable from home. That’s when I started researching at-home fitness solutions like Peloton, full gym setups, Tonal, and Tempo. After weighing all the options, Tempo was the clear winner.
Which Tempo I Bought (and Why)
I chose the Tempo Move Pro Bundle. Here’s what it includes:
- 90 lbs or 165 lbs of weights (I got the larger set that came with a barbell)
- A sleek storage cabinet for weights (22” H x 13.5” D x 13.5” W)
- One year of the Tempo app membership
- A mat for workouts
Tip: I highly recommend getting the cabinet bundle (Tempo Move) it keeps everything organized and makes it easy to pull weights in and out quickly.
You’ll need about a 6 x 6 foot workout space. Personally, I work out in my bedroom right in front of my bed, and it’s perfect. But your living room or an extra room would work great. You can use the app on your phone, but hooking it up to a TV really helps to see everything your coach is doing.
While you can technically use the weights without the app, the workouts inside the app are what make Tempo really shine.
Why I Chose Tempo Over Other Options
- Space Saving
We’re currently renting a townhome, so a full garage gym setup isn’t possible. The Tempo takes up very little space, yet still gives me the variety I need. - Workout Variety
With the app, I can do strength training, bodyweight workouts, cardio, mobility, and more. A Peloton, while compact, really limits you to cycling or treadmill workouts. - Cost & HSA/FSA Eligible
The price is comparable to a basic Peloton or a squat rack + weights setup. A huge bonus, you can actually use your HSA/FSA account to buy it. - Time Efficient
I don’t need to waste time commuting, setting up, or planning my own workout. I just choose a 30–45 minute workout from the app, follow along with the trainer, and I’m done. - Minimal Setup
The cabinet arrives assembled, and you just slide in your weights. The Move Pro uses your iPhone as the computer (not currently available for Android). You can stream workouts to your TV for a bigger screen (I recommend this), but it isn’t required.
The Tempo App: What Makes It Stand Out
The app is one of my favorite parts of Tempo, it takes the guesswork out of fitness. Here’s what I love:
- Smart Filters: Search workouts by coach, target muscle, time, or intensity.
- AI Tracking: The app recognizes Tempo weight plates by color, counts your reps, and adjusts recommendations based on your performance.
- Heart Rate Integration: Connect a heart monitor for even better tracking.
- Coaching On Demand: It feels like a personal trainer guiding me step by step, which keeps me motivated and accountable.
- New Classes Added Constantly: You’ll never feel like you have to do the same workouts over and over. The coaches are constantly creating and uploading new workouts for you!
Tempo Move vs Tempo Studio vs Tempo Core
Tempo now offers three main equipment options:
- Tempo Core: Includes the Phone Dock and basic weight setup (dumbbells and plates), but does not include the storage cabinet. It’s the most minimal setup ideal for testing the system on a budget.
- Tempo Move (Starter, Plus, Pro): Builds on the Core by adding the weight storage cabinet, extra plates, a mat, and on the Pro, the barbell and heavier weights.
- Tempo Studio: Premium, armoire-style unit with integrated 42-inch touchscreen, expanded storage, accessories, and biometric features, but it takes up much more space and needs to be bolted to the wall.
For my lifestyle (renting, limited space, three little ones underfoot), the Move Pro was the smarter choice.
Tempo vs Peloton vs Tonal
I also seriously considered the Peloton. Here’s how they compare:
- Peloton: Amazing for cycling or treadmill workouts, but limited in variety. You’ll still need weights or another setup for strength training.
- Tempo: Designed around strength and functional training but also offers cardio, HIIT, yoga, and mobility workouts.
- Tonal: Similar to the Tempo Studio it is a wall mounted screen. This one sses a digital cable resistance system with smart arms that change weight electronically.
If your primary love is cycling, Peloton is great. If you want balanced workouts across multiple styles, Tempo wins.
What I Don’t Love About Tempo
As much as I love my Tempo, no product is perfect. Here are a few downsides to be aware of:
- iPhone Only: The app currently requires an iPhone (no Android version yet).
- Weight Limitations: Advanced lifters may outgrow the weight set quickly. I have the 165 lb bundle, and it’s perfect for me right now, but it may not be enough for heavy strength athletes.
- Membership Cost: After the first free year, the app requires a monthly subscription. For me it’s worth it, but it’s something to factor into your budget.
Who Tempo Is (and Isn’t) For
Tempo is for you if:
- You’re short on time and want quick, effective home workouts.
- You don’t have much space for gym equipment.
- You want variety beyond cycling or running.
- You thrive on guided, structured workouts but don’t want to think about programming.
Tempo may not be for you if:
- You’re an advanced lifter who needs very heavy weights.
- You don’t have an iPhone (at least for now).
- You prefer live gym environments or classes with in-person accountability.
Final Thoughts: Is Tempo Worth It?
For me, absolutely yes. As a busy mom who wants to stay strong, energized, and sane, the Tempo Move Pro has been a game-changer. I love that I can get in a challenging, effective workout in under an hour without leaving my house or juggling childcare.
It was actually my Mother’s Day gift from my husband, and it has been one of the best gifts ever. Between the variety of workouts, the smart tracking, and the ease of use, I finally feel like I have a realistic and sustainable way to prioritize my health.
If you’re a mom in the thick of little-kid chaos, I can’t recommend the Tempo enough.
If you’re here reading this, just know you’re doing amazing. Even taking the time to look for ways to move your body as a mom is something to be proud of. You are strong, and you deserve to feel good in your body.
Cheering you on, always. xx, Ciara
