Is your gym closed due to quarantine and social distancing measures? What are you going to do to keep fit during 2021?
Why not try an at-home fitness system that replicates the experience of attending a private gym? This post looks at Mirror vs Echelon, two of the leaders in the at-home fitness market.
We'll unpack the offerings from the two companies and make out a recommendation on the best at-home fitness system for 2021.
Mirror Review: What Is Mirror?
Mirror fitness is the brainchild of Brynn Putnam, a ballet dancer from New York City. In 2018, Bryn closed her ballet studio in a quest to develop the Mirror training system.
After a successful launch, Brynn sold Mirror to Lululemon for $500-million in cash. She retains her position as the CEO and expects the company to draw more than $150-million in sales in 2021.
Mirror is an at-home training system where you interface with a personal instructor through a Mirror device you set up in your home.
The Mirror displays your instructor, leading you through a workout. During the exercises, the sensors and camera technology in the Mirror device interface with the platforms AI and machine-learning algorithms.
The Mirror sends you feedback on your workouts, showing you where to improve your form and technique. You can choose from various on-demand workouts across disciplines like yoga, HIIT, boxing, and more.
Mirror Pros and Cons
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Cons
Echelon Review: What Is Echelon?
Founded in 2018 by Lou Lentine, Echelon Fitness is one of the leading brands in at-home exercise and training. The company focuses on providing four different lines of training equipment and a dedicated training platform.
The Echelon Reflect series is the company's attempt to manufacture a product similar to the Mirror. The reflect comes in two models, the 40" and the 50" to suit your budget.
You get a similar workout interface and experience as Mirror. The Reflect uses AI systems, sensors, and camera tech to monitor your workout, correcting your posture and technique where necessary.
Echelon Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Mirror vs Echelon: Comparison
At a glance, it seems like Mirror and Echelon Reflect are similar devices offering you the same thing – a virtual personal training experience at home. However, the reality is both devices and membership platforms offer vastly different user experiences.
Both platforms and devices are fantastic value for money, providing you with a great home workout that keeps you fit. However, we think that the Mirror system is the better choice, both in device and membership platform.
When the device is off, take a look at both of them, and the Mirror looks more like the sleek and streamlined device you need in your home. While the Reflect is compact, but it seems like a bulky monster compared to the Mirror.
The Reflect requires a permanent fixture to your wall, while the Mirror is portable, allowing you to move it around your home to train in any area you like. If there are guests in the lounge, take the Mirror into your bedroom for your workout.
The Mirror screen measures 52.25-inches, compared to the Echelon 50" model; with its 47.7-inch screen size – it's clear you're getting more screen real estate and a sleeker look with the Mirror device.
When it comes to comparing the quality of both screens during a workout, both operate in HD, and we feel the Mirror interface looks less cluttered. Both systems have an easy UI, but the Mirror system has more workout variety in the on-demand archives.
Mirror vs Echelon: Getting Started
Both platforms make it easy to start your workout experience. Visit the official website, and order your device. After that, sign up for the membership, and download the relevant Android or iOS app to your device to assist with tracking your progress.
After receiving your device, set it up, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and download your first workout experience.
Mirror vs Echelon: Cost Comparison
When you purchase Mirror, you only have one product option – the Mirror. The device retails for $1,495, and you have the option of taking it on credit through in-house financing.
If you qualify for the financing program, you'll pay as low as $42 per month for 36-months. There are also other installment finance options available on the site to suit your budget.
The Echelon Reflect range comes in two options. The 40” Reflect model retails for $1,039.98, while the 50” model retails for $1,639.98.
If you get the promotional APR through Echelon, you could qualify for a 0% APR. However, the company's terms and conditions state they apply a 29% APR to standard financing packages.
Both Mirror and Echelon require you to sign up for a membership to the training platform when purchasing your device.
The training platform links to your Mirror, giving you access to hundreds of different workouts. When it comes to assessing the workout archives, we think that Mirror has the better option.
With your Echelon membership, you get full platform access to all the Echelon workouts for all equipment and device.
While that's nice to have, you're not going to be using any of the treadmill, rowing machine, or stationary bike workouts, so it feels like you're overpaying for the membership.
Mirror charges you a monthly subscription fee of $39, while Echelon charges you $39.99 for a month's access.
Both Mirror and Echelon charge for the shipping and setup of your device. With Mirror, you pay $250, while Echelon charges $199. However, with Mirror, you get a full white-glove delivery service, including your Mirror setup.
Mirror vs Echelon: The Verdict
If you're looking for the best at-home fitness system, we recommend going with Mirror. ERchelon is a great system, but it doesn't offer you the versatility of Mirror.
Mirror comes with all types of workouts and training disciplines to suit your needs. The Echelon Reflect is a good platform, but it's more expensive, and we think the Mirror is larger and more immersive than the 50" Echelon Reflect.
Overall, Mirror has a better interface than Echelon Reflect and a better device. They both have a $39 monthly membership cost.
However, with Mirror, you get access to a huge range of on-demand workout videos and live instruction through your Mirror device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Echelon Reflect without a subscription?
No, you'll need to sign up to the Echelon platform to connect your Reflect to the workout library.
Echelons monthly subscription costs $39.99, and you have access to all the disciplines. Therefore, you can buy a bike, treadmill, Reflect Mirror, or rowing machine and access all the workouts with one monthly fee.
Does Mirror correct your form?
The Mirror device uses an advanced camera and sensor technology combined with machine-learning to adapt to your movements and analyze your form.
The Mirror proprietary AI algorithm provides feedback on your workout experience, form, and technique through the screen in real-time. You can adjust your form during the workout, with instructors showing you what you're doing wrong.
