Too tired? Too busy? Just not in the mood? There are myriad reasons for skipping a workout, but the hardest thing can be going to the gym. Tempo Studio makes showing up much easier.
The AI-powered home gym is a machine that is delivered to your door complete with weights and a barbell that can be stored away inside it to conserve space. The machine is programmed with a built-in personal trainer and workout sessions.
It comes in two versions: Temple Studio and Temple Move. The first comes with an in-built screen and is recommended for those who have at least 1.8 metres of free space for completing a workout. Temple Move is better suited to those with smaller spaces and comes as a cabinet that contains equipment and uses your television to stream workouts.
Since I had enough space, I chose to test the Temple Studio that, unlike Temple Move, also comes with a workout mat, heart rate monitor and recovery roller.
Getting started with Temple Studio
The set-up comes with free delivery, which is a plus as the machine is quite heavy. It is also important to ensure that there is enough room for movement wherever the machine is placed, and that you will be in its camera's line of vision.
To begin, you have to create an account and fill out a questionnaire: age, gender, height, weight, how experienced you are with exercise and how many workouts you want to do each week.
I chose to sync my Apple Watch to the machine after downloading the Tempo app so I could use it not only to check my heart rate, but also to record my workouts and keep track of how many calories I burnt. After completing three 25-minute introductory classes, I was able to view the entire catalogue of workouts available to me.
What's on offer and what is a class like?
There are a range of classes to choose from, such as strength, high-intensity interval training, boxing, low-impact sessions, yoga and mobility. Workouts also have differing times with some at only 10 minutes, while others can stretch to 45 or 60 minutes.
The machine comes with two 3.4kg plates, one 11.3kg Olympic barbell and 34kg of weights plates, so I could challenge myself by adding more when necessary.
The first class I tried was a recorded lower-body strength session, a body weight workout, with a focus on the glutes. This I did to a background of pre-stored pop music.
The on-screen instructor, Melissa, guided me through an introduction, warm-up, workout and cool-down in the 25-minute session.
By standing away from the camera, my movement repetitions were counted on screen. The class consisted of alternating reverse lunges, good morning-style squats and donkey kicks.
Although I didn't burn as many calories as I would have liked (my Apple Watch said about 100), I still consider the class a success — any movement is better than no movement.
I also tried the 40-minute "Full Body Build: Because We Can" workout, which uses dumbbells. It's classified as a weightlifting class for beginners. The moves include tricep kickbacks, lateral raises, lunges and bicep curls to work the entire body.
While I did feel the burn (getting close to 250 calories), I found the change in weights when using dumbbells frustrating. I felt as though there wasn't enough time between exercises to add or decrease weights as I'd have liked to and the plates didn't glide on as smoothly as I'd hoped.
One advantage of a home gym is you can work out without feeling shy or conscious since you are by yourself. However, because I am used to group fitness classes, I missed being in a setting with others. I also tend to become more energised even if I am physically tired.
Overall thoughts
If you're used to lifting heavy weights or if you prefer the energy that comes from being around others in a group fitness class, this isn't for you.
However, Tempo Studio is a game-changer for those who prefer exercising alone or who can be easily swayed to simply not show up. The classes are diverse, and we can all use sessions such as the 10-minute meditation and full-body stretch cool-down.
The touchscreen, which is just over a metre long, is easy to use. It also has a 4K screen that streams in 1080p quality, making it a breeze to follow the workouts as long as there is a stable internet connection.
For those who really want to work on themselves, the AI-powered, at-home gym is a wonderful way to get started.
Tempo Studio is on sale for Dh5,995 and includes a 12-month membership; tempofit.me
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
RESULTS
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Lady Snazz, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zhou Storm, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB) Dh 82,500 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Rich And Famous, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB) Dh 120,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Rio Angie, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB) Dh 92,500 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Kinver Edge, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB) Dh 95,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Firnas, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
WE%20NO%20LONGER%20PREFER%20MOUNTAINS
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
The%20specs
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First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Teams
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shanwari, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Anderson, Mark Chapman, Lockie Ferguson, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Seth Rance, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
Bharat
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bedu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khaled%20Al%20Huraimel%2C%20Matti%20Zinder%2C%20Amin%20Al%20Zarouni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%2C%20metaverse%2C%20Web3%20and%20blockchain%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Currently%20in%20pre-seed%20round%20to%20raise%20%245%20million%20to%20%247%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Privately%20funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
Rating: 1.5/5
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
