The Future of Fitness Is in the Mirror

People hate looking in mirror, especially if they’re out of shape. But, what if your fitness salvation lies in a mirror—just not the one you’re looking in?

This year there is a new way to get that killer workout: Mirror. At first glance Mirror is exactly what its simple brand name sounds like—a full-body mirror. But when you turn it on, this smart mirror suddenly resembles a person-sized iPhone. Individuals can use the Mirror to access personalized exercise classes (50+ live weekly classes and a library of workouts), receive real-time instruction, and connect with fellow fitness enthusiasts. 

Launched in 2018, Mirror’s ascent comes amid a funding craze for fitness startups. Mirror’s chief rival Peloton boasts a $4 billion valuation alone. Venture Capitalists bet $2 billion on fitness startups in 2018, a record amount, and this year nearly $500 million has been billed to the sector. Mirror has enjoyed this success. Earlier this year, it garnered $36 million with a valuation just under $300 million. Celebs such as Kate Hudson, Alicia Keys, and Demi Moore have touted it too.

Mirror is pricey ($1,500 with a $39/month class subscription), but it is easy to install and can also serve as a regular mirror, one you won’t be afraid to look at. “[We want] to enhance the human touch rather than… replace it,” Mirror founder Brynn Putnam said. “Our goal is not to be the next treadmill in your life, our goal is to be the next screen in your home.” Mirror plans to grow beyond fitness into physical therapy, fashion, beauty and education.

Is it only a matter of time before we are saying, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall…”?