I put the INNODIGYM OMNI X1 Pro to the test for 30 days: Can it replace the gym?

I love the convenience of not having to travel to the gym and being able to use all of that energy on a solid home workout instead. Whether it’s for privacy or convenience, many people are switching to smart home gyms that offer multiple workouts in one machine. As a health and fitness writer, I can honestly say that not all smart home gyms are created equal.

Recently, I put the INNODIGYM® OMNI X1 Pro to the test for a whole month, and this machine is a beast. Once you know what you’re doing, you’re off to the races, or should I say, off to your very own high-tech home gym? I remember the first time I ever set foot in a gym, and all the different machines seemed a little daunting. That said, it was pretty easy learning how to use the OMNI X1 Pro, and it’s all right there in one good-looking machine. Overall, I’m impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and user-friendly nature of the OMNI X1 Pro, especially the straightforward setup.

Specs and Price

The machine (outside of the packaging) weighs around 180 lbs (82 kg). The bench (outside the packaging) weighs 26 kg, or around 57.3 lbs.

You have three equipment bundles to choose from:

I tried the beginner package, and the bench allows me to perform seated exercises, bench presses, and supported rows, which is a plus. I haven’t tried the pull-up system that comes with the intermediate package. The optional pull-up system has a pull-up bar, footplate, and support arms, allowing you to do assisted pull-ups, which honestly sounds awesome. The OMNI X1 Pro machine is the same across all bundles, but you get the bench with the beginner bundle and both the bench and the pull-up system with the intermediate bundle. You can also purchase extras, like the training mat or the pilates mobility training set.

Setup

I have to be candid and admit that when it comes to exercise equipment, the setup is my least favorite part. It can either be efficient and smooth sailing or a headache that reminds you of your worst IKEA build, complete with a 30-step instruction booklet. In this case, the setup was straightforward, and everything came well-packaged and protected with spongy foam. 

The beginner bundle arrived in two boxes: one large box containing the machine and accessories and one medium-sized box containing the bench. You might need another person to help you maneuver and unpack the boxes. There’s very little setup required. All you have to do is attach the screen, unfold the machine, install batteries in the smart handles, and take a few simple steps to prepare the bench.

The machine

While the OMNI X1 Pro was disconnected from power and still in the folded-flat position on the ground, I used a small block of the protective padding foam to support the screen and screwed in the four mounting screws. On the end of the display screen cable is a connector that I slotted directly into the socket and rotated until it was securely tightened. To unfold the machine, I unlocked the three ‘release points’. I pulled the locking pin to release the upper training frame before rotating both of the springy levers on either side into the ‘unlocked’ position. Next, I lifted the top part to unfold the machine before locking it back in place.

The smart handles should be synced up, but the instruction manual tells you how to sync them up if they aren’t already. You have to install the AAA batteries into the smart handles. While it might seem like a minor thing, personally I appreciated having the batteries provided.

The bench

Setting up the bench is simple. I twisted the knobs, unfolded the legs, lowered the crossbar, and tightened the knobs to stabilize it in place. To move the bench to another part of the room, you can lift the support legs like a wheelbarrow, and the other two legs have little wheels.

Getting started

I attached the smart handles to the machine, plugged it in, and switched it on. I made an account with my email, made sure my Wi-Fi was connected, and typed my nickname. It also asks you to input your gender, date of birth, height, weight, and choice of units of measure: metric or imperial. The next step is to input your goals, like your preferred workout duration and daily calorie consumption. There’s a fitness test you can take to create a smart plan, or you can create your own custom plan, or just skip that part and jump right in.

How much weight can it handle?

This machine has a dual-servo motor system that delivers up to 264 lbs of digital resistance (up to 132 lbs per side).

The nitty-gritty: The workouts and attachments

I like the simplicity and clean layout of the interface, as well as the large size of the touchscreen. For me, figuring out how to adjust all of the attachments is another thing that can take some getting used to; plus, we don’t want to interrupt the flow of our training when we’re in the zone by fiddling around with cables and attachments (or kerfuffling, as my dad would say).

INNODIGYM, the proud makers of the OMNI X1 Pro, developed a seamless 360-degree cable system built on a three-rail structure. It’s this cable system that allows you to go from bench presses and rows to lat pulldowns and rotational exercises, working different muscles from multiple angles. The top two rounded corners of the machine open up like doors or flaps, allowing you to lift each cable behind the wheels and slide it across to a different slot.

Before you slide the cable, you have to make sure the active resistance is off and pull out the spring-loaded locking pin on the cable slider. Firmly hold the cable guide slider and slide it to your desired slot. Once the cables are in the right place, changing the attachment just requires grabbing whatever you want to use next, say, the bar, and connecting each side of the bar to the hooks (spin the little wheels to tighten or loosen the hooks). The bar is also equipped with a quick-release button, so you can press the button to activate the weight or release it. 

My favorite features

Here are my favorite features of this bad boy:

A variety of workouts with AI-powered safety

The workouts (courses) offer plenty of variety to keep things interesting, and the resistance is really smooth. You can also just do single movements. I like the smart handles just as much as the trusty old-fashioned triceps rope, not to mention the quick-release safety button on the smart handles, too. The AI-powered safety system can also automatically reduce or release the resistance when it detects a problem, like a sudden loss of grip or control. The machine tracks your progress and metrics like total volume, calories burned, reps, force, workout time, body mass index (BMI), and more, all in real time. The bar on the screen helps you see how you’re performing each movement.

Create your own workout

I like that you can add a template, which basically allows you to create your own workout.

Raise the roof

When you want to raise the roof, the built-in speakers mean business, and you connect the Bluetooth to play your favorite tunes from your phone. Be mindful that when someone texts you, your phone will ping loudly through the machine unless you turn it on silent. 

Easy to clean

My two small dogs thought they wanted to work out, too, so they stepped up with their little paws on the base pad. I like that the platform is easy to clean, and I tried telling my pups it isn’t suitable for fluffy paws.

Comes with bench storage and a bar rack

The bench inclines and has built-in, space-saving storage compartments for the handles and attachments. There are also two pieces that slot into different parts of the outer frame to create a movable rack for the bar, which is another nice addition.

No subscription needed

After your initial investment, there’s no ongoing monthly subscription needed to train. There’s a major update coming soon with a new AI coach, 300 to 500 guided exercises, personalized recommendations, multi-user profiles, and more detailed post-workout analytics, so I’m staying tuned for that. The update is expected to be free without the need for an additional subscription.

Clever foldable ‘wheelbarrow’ design

I love the design because it folds into a single flat rectangular shape, and you can even store it upright against the wall, where it looks sleek and might spark curiosity in your guests. I’ve left it down and ready to go a lot of the time for ease of use, but I like having that option.

When you want to store it upright against a solid wall, you have to fold it first (like a gym machine sandwich). To fold it, you pull the pin and rotate both springy levers into the unlocked position. While holding the upper training frame firmly with both hands, you slowly bring it downward to fold in on itself. It even has a controlled resistance to help you guide the frame down to the base without it just dropping quickly, which I really appreciate. Safety is well thought out with this equipment. Don’t forget to push the locking pin back in and rotate the springy levers back into the locked position.

Kind of like a wheelbarrow, when it’s folded, you use both hands to lift the top part of the machine, while the wheels at the bottom allow you to roll it toward the wall. You have to make sure the back of the unit is resting firmly against the wall. Then, you carefully place it upright and, following the instruction manual, use your feet to safely deploy the two support feet on the bottom of the trainer. Once you understand how to do it properly, it’s a lot easier the second and third time.

The compact footprint

The compact system folds to only 1.3 square feet (0.12 m²), which isn’t a lot when you think about the scope of what this machine can do. It can replace so many of the exercises you would do at a commercial gym. When you’re using it, it takes up about 10.4 square feet (0.97 m²). 

How does it hold up to traditional free weights?

I would say it definitely does the trick in my experience. As someone who explores health and fitness research, I was intrigued by INNODIGYM’s surface electromyography (sEMG) study that compared conventional strength equipment with the OMNI X1 Pro. In the exercises tested, this research revealed that the OMNI X1 Pro actually matched the muscle activation of traditional free weights, so it’s a worthy alternative. It even outperformed the free weights on some moves, like the bench press, cable crunch, and lat pulldown. While they’ll always be a classic, the traditional dumbbells and cable machines don’t connect to your Apple Health on your phone, track your progress, or do any of the other high-tech bits and bobs.

AI or human coaches?

I knew immediately the coaches were AI because, let’s face it, we can usually tell just by looking at them (the glossiness is ever-present). I always value human coaches and the unique, natural perspectives and personalities they infuse into training sessions. We are moving into an age that further incorporates AI and technology into our daily lives, but some people might still prefer human coaches for a smart home gym like this. Personally, I was a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to seeing some of the benefits of AI. ​

I like to give credit where credit is due. Despite my slight initial apprehension about this, after a month with the machine, I feel like the AI does an excellent job of offering real-time virtual guidance and courses that are easy to follow along with. I just get lost in the music and focus on the movements, so I’m not really even thinking about whether the coaches are AI or human. There’s also a new AI coach being introduced with the next update.

Quiet as a mouse or loud as a crumbling house?

Despite the dual-servo motor system, the trainer is actually pretty quiet. It sounds like a soft fan humming in the corner, and you definitely can’t hear it when you’re jamming to the music. I switch it off when I’m not using it anyway.

Training modes for variety

How many modes? There are four training modes: standard, eccentric, spring, isokinetic. There’s also the assisted pull-up function if you have the pull-up system. I like the standard and the spring mode the best.

• Standard: Mimics the natural resistance curve of traditional iron weights with equal tension.
• Eccentric: Provides a deeper stimulation of the muscles by automatically increasing resistance by 40–60% during the eccentric (lowering) phase.
• Spring: Simulates the tension of an elastic band, so the further you pull, the greater the resistance.
• Isokinetic: Maintains a constant movement speed regardless of how much force is applied. The harder you pull, the more resistance the motor generates.

This high-tech equipment doesn’t feel intimidating or like it’s only designed for athletes or those with bulging muscles and years of experience. You can choose your weight and training mode, then go at a pace that works for you. You can press the M button above the screen to switch modes or use the touchscreen or the app on your phone.

Concluding thoughts

Overall, if you’re looking to get serious about exercising at home, I’d say the OMNI X1 Pro is definitely worth considering. I love the durable construction, the stellar, practical design, and the fact that you don’t have to permanently install it into the wall or keep paying for a monthly subscription. From moving it around like a fancy wheelbarrow to the sturdy, padded bench, the powerful speakers, and the little touches like the bar rack, this nifty futuristic smart gym takes convenience and versatility to another level for home workouts.