Whether you’re a beginner athlete or deep into your fitness journey, there’s always an opportunity to expand your knowledge and work smarter, not harder. Thanks to modern technology, it’s easier than ever to gather health metrics and customize your fitness routine based on your goals. If you’re a tech-savvy individual who isn’t afraid to splurge, there’s even an all-in-one system that utilizes DNA results, a wearable device, and a fitness mirror to turn your data into personalized protocols for training, recovery, and motivation. Enter, the Alter Fitness Screen.
In this Alter Fitness Screen review, I’ll dive into this AI-powered workout mirror that delivers personalized workout plans by combining DNA insights and real-time biometric tracking. Whether you’re focused on weight loss, building muscle, or achieving better sleep and recovery, this unique system offers a data-driven approach to training that goes beyond generic workout logs.
From how to get started to how much the membership fee costs, you’ll learn how a quick cheek swab can put you on a path to data-driven training and better well-being.
We Work Hard (And Smart) to Test the Latest Fitness Technology
The GGR team includes certified personal trainers, certified nutrition coaches, CrossFit instructors, and competitive athletes who regularly test top smart home gym equipment profiles from brands including Tonal, Tempo, Lululemon, and more. In total, we’ve put nearly three dozen models of smart exercise equipment under the microscope, including treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines.
When evaluating workout mirrors and other tech-driven gear, our squad uses a 1-to-5 scoring system to assess specific criteria, based on our smart home gym testing methodology. Some key factors we evaluate include:
- Footprint and Portability: We evaluate a system’s size, mounting needs, and installation processes. Plus, we assess how well each profile fits within respective training areas, especially in small or shared spaces. Equipment that’s easy to relocate and apartment-friendly earns at least a 3 out of 5.
- Tech Capabilities: We assess how easily the hardware and software work together by testing the app experience, connection stability, third-party compatibility, and metric-tracking accuracy. Systems that run smoothly with no connectivity issues earn at least a 3 out of 5.
- Dynamic Programming: To earn at least a 3-out-of-5 rating here, platforms must offer at least two types of workouts (such as strength training and cardio). Additionally, the programming must be engaging and effective. We assign higher scores if there are live instructor-led classes, a robust suite of compatible streaming apps, and detailed on-screen metrics.
- Value: Because smart home gym equipment can be inherently expensive, we carefully compare prices against competitors to ensure the price tag is justified. We also account for subscription fees or other associated costs to determine if you get a good bang for your buck.
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A Quick Look at the Alter Screen
AlterMe takes personalized workouts to another level by literally digging deep into who you are. The Alter Screen is part of a three-in-one system—traits, tracking, and training—that combines genetic testing, a biometric wearable ring, and the mirror itself to build a customized fitness plan. Once you complete the cheek swab and receive your DNA report, you will utilize the Alter Ring and follow daily workouts and recovery sessions (also referred to as “work-ins”) that appear on the mirror based on your readiness score, heart rate, heart-rate variability (HRV), and other key biometric data.
From an aesthetics standpoint, the Alter Screen looks like a modern, high-end mirror that can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand (included with bundle) without professional installation—a nice perk if you don’t want to drill into your wall. The display shows a trainer or avatar demonstrating movements, while the AI-powered “AlterSense” technology provides real-time form analysis and biometric tracking to offer necessary corrections as well as automatic adjustments for exercise selection and intensity level.
This inclusive ecosystem includes basic accessories like resistance bands, a yoga mat, and a foam roller. Plus, the AlterMe app offers user-friendly features like sleep and workout tracking, coach messaging, and DNA-based nutrition plans.
Before You Buy
- The AlterMe ecosystem is not cheap. First, you must pay for the DNA fitness and health report, which typically costs between $89 and $99. Meanwhile, the mirror itself costs roughly $3,000 in addition to a $66 monthly subscription fee.
- You’ll need to complete the DNA kit before you get any personalized insight. If you’re weary about sharing your data or feel uncomfortable with this process, this may not be the right smart home gym for you.
- The Alter Screen only comes with a one-year warranty. Considering how expensive it is, that’s a bit disappointing.
- Unlike the Tonal or other workout mirrors, the Alter Screen does not feature built-in resistance. Consider it as more of a personalized virtual guide than a true strength training system.
Is the Alter Screen Worth It?
Considering the screen alone costs $2,995, there’s no doubt that the AlterMe system is an expensive investment, especially when you factor in the monthly subscription fee. If you’re tech-savvy and like the idea of a hyper-personalized approach, though, this can be a game changer for your fitness routine. Between the DNA report, the tracker, and the Alter app, you have a wealth of resources that can help tailor your nutrition plan, workout schedule, and recovery for optimal results.
“Investing in highly personalized coaching is 100% worth it if you’re 100% ready to commit—that’s the important bit,” explains GGR senior staff writer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Something like the Alter Screen and its ecosystem isn’t the right fit for you if you’re not fully ready for change in your fitness and nutrition protocols. If you are, though, this type of personalized coaching has the power to truly change your life. You will learn so much about your body and how to manage different wellness and fitness tactics for lifelong progress.”
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On the other hand, that high cost of entry will only be worthwhile if you’ll actually use the ecosystem consistently (and to its full potential). Because the system relies on the AlterMe app plus biometrics from the wearable, those who don’t like wearing a tracker, dealing with occasional tech hiccups, or following a specific plan may end up paying a premium for features they won’t fully take advantage of.
When you factor in the need for a dedicated workout space with reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, a below-average one-year warranty, and the brand’s strict return policy, you may need to think twice about whether this is the “game changer” you’ve been looking for, or just an expensive mirror that’ll hang on your wall.
Great for:
- Those seeking a science-backed, personalized approach to at-home fitness
- Apartments or small spaces with limited floor space
- Wellness enthusiasts who appreciate DNA analysis, personalized workouts, and biometric-driven recommendations
- Fans of trainer-led, studio-style fitness classes
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- Individuals that prefer strength training with weights
- Those who don’t like fitness trackers or relying on the tech-heavy Alter system
- Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable conducting a DNA test or sharing their data
Alter Screen Specs
| Price | $2,995 |
| Dimensions | 69.7” L x 19.25” W x 1.58” D |
| Subscription Cost | $66/month |
| Max Resistance | N/A |
| Return Period | 30 days |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Using the Alter Screen
GGR team member and expert product tester Grant Smith took on testing duties for the Alter Screen system. An active runner who also enjoys strength training, Grant was highly impressed by this data-driven, forward-thinking ecosystem. Let’s dive right in so you can get all the details on his experience.
Footprint and Portability
Measuring 69.7 inches long, 19.25 inches wide, and 1.58 inches deep, the AlterMe Screen isn’t exactly the most compact piece of smart home gym equipment. Plus, you’ll need some strength to move and set it up, as it tips the scales at 50 pounds. As a result, we rate it a 3 out of 5 for footprint and portability.
“While the mirror is very heavy, it is still moveable and doesn’t require being fixed into a single place,” Grant explains.
Hanging the mirror on the wall can help you save space, and it may be the better choice if you live in a small apartment or have limited room. However, you can also opt for a stand that allows you to set it up wherever you want to work out. Luckily, AlterMe includes mounting tools, so you don’t have to worry about having your own.
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Ease of Use
Let’s face it: Technology can make fitness more fun—or more frustrating. Thankfully, AlterMe designed this ecosystem to be user-friendly. We rate it a near-perfect 4 out of 5 in this key category.
“The mirror is very intuitive, as it’s controlled almost entirely by the integrated app,” Grant notes. “Setup is very easy once all items are received.”
To get started with the AlterMe program, you must complete the DNA testing and ring sizing kit. After providing a cheek swab and your ring size, the company’s in-house geneticists analyze 60 polymorphisms1 to identify 13 key traits to help create your personalized wellness plan.
According to Grant, once you receive your results, you’ll then schedule a consultation with a fitness expert to talk through ways to continue or start your fitness journey based on your DNA. If you decide to move forward with the program, you can purchase the screen to take advantage of its full slate of features.
Smart Features
This is where the Alter Screen shines (as it should!). Grant gave a perfect 5-out-of-5 score in this category, along with some big-time praise for this premium-priced training tool.
“This product is really the complete smart home product,” he says. “It has online classes hosted by personal trainers and fitness coaches alike in cardio, strength, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and other areas.”
What can you expect from the AlterMe ecosystem? From on-screen timers to exercise demos and form feedback powered by camera-based tracking, the Screen itself offers a host of useful tools that can make your training more intentional and effective. Other convenient features include body scanning where advanced AI analyzes your composition and metrics for personalized insights. There’s also an AI-powered nutrition tracking component where you can take a photo and get macronutrient estimates and instant insights through the AlterMe app.
“The idea behind the product is a one-stop shop for all things health and fitness, and it definitely lives up to it with its breadth of offerings,” Grant notes.
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Connectivity
While the setup process can be complicated and labor-intensive for some home gym equipment, that’s not the case with the Alter Screen. In fact, it’s surprisingly simple, with Grant rating the assembly and setup a perfect 5 out of 5.
“The app uses Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi connection to connect with the fitness/sleep tracking band and mirror,” he explains, making it easy to get everything paired and ready without a bunch of extra steps.
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Once connected, the system essentially works as a hub: the wearable captures your data, the app syncs it over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, and the mirror pulls that info in to personalize your on-screen experience. Your metrics, progress, and session history live within the app, while the display provides real-time feedback and guidance during your workouts.
You can control most of the experience from the AlterMe app, including starting workouts, adjusting settings, and reviewing your data. And because the mirror stays on Wi-Fi, it can sync your latest activity automatically and push updates in the background, so you’re not constantly re-pairing devices or manually refreshing your info.
Alter Fitness Screen vs Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym
The Tonal 2 is a complete smart home gym that offers versatility in a compact piece of equipment, but at a high price.
If you’re on the hunt for a workout mirror that delivers guided training, you have several compelling options outside of the Alter Fitness Screen. The Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym takes things to the next level by combining a strength machine and personal trainer into a wall-mounted unit with digital resistance. This highly rated system features automatic weight adjustments that make progressive overload feel seamless. Plus, the second iteration includes a camera to give real-time feedback and a new Aero feature for HIIT classes.
“The Aero feature works off of intensity instead of typical resistance, almost like a SkiErg,” says GGR founder Coop Mitchell. “I really liked the custom workouts because I could pick whatever I wanted to work on.”
On the other hand, AlterMe is more of a smart training screen and programming engine that uses the mirror to deliver form guidance, pacing, and interactive, personalized workouts. The DNA-based insights and wearable tracking make this a great option if you’re a data-driven fitness enthusiast. However, if you’re a serious lifter looking to make massive gains, this isn’t necessarily the most useful system due to its lack of built-in resistance.
Keep in mind, too, that there’s a fairly substantial price gap of roughly $1,300 between these two smart mirrors. While the Tonal carries a substantially higher price tag, it comes with a slightly more affordable monthly subscription cost of $59.95 compared to the starting price of $66 for AlterMe.
To get a better idea of how Tonal works, check out our Tonal Smart Home Gym review.
| Alter Screen | Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym | |
| Price | $2,995 | $4,295 |
| Dimensions | 69.7” H x 19.25” W x 1.58” D | 50.9″ H x 21.50″ W x 5.25” D |
| Subscription Cost | $66/month | $59.95/month |
| Max Resistance | N/A | 250 lbs (125 lbs per arm) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years parts and labor, 1 year accessories |
Customer Experience
Despite its expensive price tag, the Alter Screen only comes with a one-year warranty. We’d like to see a multi-year policy for a product that costs well over $3,000 by the time you’re fully invested, so we only gave a 3-out-of-5 rating for the warranty.
AlterMe offers a 30-day return policy for its biometric device. According to the brand’s website, you can contact the company for a refund of your purchase price (minus restocking fees if you do not “experience improvements in energy, sleep, and overall well-being”) within 30 days. You must retain your proof of purchase as well as the original packaging to be eligible for a refund.
We appreciate that AlterMe has a fairly robust FAQ section that answers inquiries on topics ranging from the wearable ring to the Screen, ordering, shipping, and more. You can use the live chat feature or contact customer support via phone at 866-258-3763.
After reaching out for assistance, Grant was highly impressed with how AlterMe stepped up to the plate. “The team has been very responsive throughout the set up of the product, and even helped fix some Bluetooth connectivity issues I was having,” he says, rating the customer service at a 5 out of 5. “The team was also very helpful and responsive during shipping and the DNA test kit setup.”
Ordering the Alter Screen
The AlterMe program starts with the DNA testing kit, which you can order directly from the company website. You also have the options of a silver or gold ring for stylizing your wearable device (you will receive the ring sizing kit with your DNA kit). Then, you can pay with a credit card or explore flexible financing options that allow you to set up monthly payments. At this time, you can also elect to add the Alter Screen to your cart, or you can wait until after you receive your results to decide whether to go all-in.
AlterMe offers promo codes throughout the year, so you may be able to save on your monthly payments, as well. According to the website, the kit ships in two days. Grant rated the purchasing options at a strong 4 out of 5, noting, “You can pay up front for the mirror or the $99 monthly payments through multiple ways, including AlterPay, a proprietary financing platform.”
Customer Reviews
The AlterMe system has earned an average rating of 4.86 stars based on 1,114 customer reviews sourced from the company website. Customers praise the user-friendly app and detailed tracking insights. Here’s some direct feedback from verified testimonials:
Final Verdict of Our Alter Fitness Screen Review
Is AlterMe a fit for everyone? If you’re not particularly tech-savvy or don’t care about detailed insights, you could invest that money in a new barbell or squat rack and even potentially hire a personal trainer. However, if you’re keen on an all-in-one system that delivers science-backed insight and personalized programming, the Alter Screen could open your eyes to a whole new approach to fitness.
Alter Screen Rating
Alter Screen Smart Gym
The Alter Screen is a high-tech solution for fitness enthusiasts who want interactive, coach-led workouts at home. While it comes at a premium, requires a health assessment from a DNA test prior, and relies on a subscription model, it markets itself as part of a comprehensive health and wellness plan. Along with the fitness mirror, Alter sends personalized workouts and nutrition guides to help optimize your health.
Product Brand: Alter
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 2995
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.9
Alter Fitness Screen Review: FAQs
What is the difference between Whoop and AlterMe?
WHOOP is primarily a wearable that tracks biometrics like sleep, strain, and recovery to generate personalized coaching insights. AlterMe pairs a wearable of its own with a workout mirror to deliver personalized workouts and recovery sessions based on your DNA report and tracking data.
What features does the Alter Fitness Screen offer?
The Alter Screen provides guided trainer-led workouts that are personalized according to your biometrics. It also has features like heart-rate-based training and automatic rep tracking.
How much does Alter Fitness cost?
The DNA kit costs $99. Then, you can select from personalized plans that start at $66 per month. The Alter Screen itself costs $2,995.
References
- Bähring, S., Aydin, A., & Luft, F. C. (2003). The study of gene polymorphisms. In M. S. Goligorsky (Ed.), Renal disease (Methods in Molecular Medicine™, Vol. 86, pp. 221–235). Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-392-5:221
