Unitop Fitness, a Chinese fitness equipment maker, unveiled the U-trainer Plus in September, at a price of $649. Our team was given a fortnight to review the home gym.
The U-trainer Plus enables users to exercise on their own schedule with real-time performance tracking and built-in workouts. It eliminates the need for gym memberships and, despite this meaning the lack of a supportive fitness community, the personalized nature of the smart equipment enhances individualized training.
Assembly at home
The difficulty of assembling home fitness equipment can vary widely depending on the type of equipment, the manufacturer’s instructions, and your own level of experience and comfort with assembling items.
The U-trainer Plus arrives in two relatively large, heavy boxes.
The entire assembly process, including unpacking, reading the instructions, watching the assembly video, and manually assembling the equipment, took four hours. Although the fitness equipment includes installation tools, the tester, with limited assembly experience, still found the process somewhat challenging. For added convenience, it is recommended to have two people to work on the assembly together, especially since some parts of the equipment are quite heavy.
It’s also worth noting that the equipment takes up a sizable space in the home. Here are some of its basic specifications:
Packaging size: 1,445 x 490 x 275mm
Folded: 702 x 992 x 2,105mm
Expanded: 1,450 x 992 x 2,105mm
Net weight (main parts): 47kg
Gross weight (including accessories): 58kg
Resistance level: 100 levels
Maximum resistance: 50kg on each side
Resistance range: 2-50kg
Maximum weight capacity: 110kg
Customized app for home workouts
The U-trainer Plus comes with an app called Unitop, which features built-in programs and the option to customize workouts according to individual fitness levels and goals.
Through the app, users can establish a Bluetooth connection between their equipment and their chosen device, enabling them to choose from various training programs and set up personalized training plans.
Different combinations of exercises, repetition rates, and the resistance weight of the equipment are all customizable. Each training exercise in the app comes with instructional videos and detailed explanations, providing assistance for beginners and alleviating concerns about confusion during workouts.
The equipment includes a barbell rod, wrist straps, handles, deltoid ropes, and a waist belt. Users have the flexibility to choose to use the appropriate accessories based on their individual training goals. However, some functions in the app require paid membership, and the one-year membership fee is an additional expense not included with purchase of the equipment.
Motivational partner mode
The U-trainer Plus offers adjustable resistance on both sides, enabling users to exercise together with friends or family members. Although this function was not tested during our two week trial, it is an interesting option for home fitness. Typically, exercising with friends or family is more motivating than working out alone.
Dual electromagnetic motors
The U-trainer Plus is equipped with dual electromagnetic motors, ensuring a friction-free workout experience without any physical wear and tear. It allows independent adjustment for each side, with the motors supporting 100 levels of resistance weight increments, precisely adjustable at 0.5kg per level. This enables users to train with a maximum resistance weight of 50kg on each side, totaling 100kg.
Workout at home with ease
The U-trainer Plus suits individuals who are seeking privacy, convenience, and a focused exercise environment at home. It enables users to engage in personalized workouts without the distractions or potential discomfort associated with public gyms.
The equipment set seamlessly transitions between different functions, serving as a cable machine, a rowing machine, or a boxing machine. This provides users with the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive, low-impact workout that effectively targets a wide range of muscle groups throughout the body.
While home workouts offer convenience and flexibility, they may lack the social element found in traditional gym settings, which can serve as a significant source of motivation for some individuals.
Therefore, the potential impact and value for money of this fitness equipment varies completely based on an individual’s personality, as some people may lack the motivation to exercise at home. While it provides virtual coaching and tutorials, it may not be a substitute for in-person guidance from a certified fitness professional, especially for beginners who need more personalized instruction and support.
Conclusion
The choice between using smart fitness equipment at home or going to a traditional gym depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and fitness goals. It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine the best fit for an individual’s needs.
But the U-trainer Plus is suitable for fitness enthusiasts with a basic level of exercise awareness who enjoy working out at home. Beginners or those who prefer the atmosphere of a gym should carefully consider their purchase.
Pros:
Convenient and flexible at home option
Individualized training to fit different fitness levels
Customized app with built-in programs
Motivational partner mode
Dual electromagnetic motors
Comprehensive workouts targeting all muscle groups
Cons:
Assembly may be challenging for one person
Extra charges for certain features in the app
Lack of social element compared with traditional gyms
Challenging for beginners who need in-person guidance