Above: The Smart Treadmill Revolutionizing Home Fitness

Personalized workouts and AI coaching for every body and gait

Modern fitness routines increasingly demand personalization, especially as research highlights the risks of exercising with improper posture or gait. Above responds to this challenge by integrating a smart mirror and AI coach into a treadmill system, offering tailored guidance for users of all shapes and movement patterns. This innovation reflects a growing trend toward home-based solutions that prioritize health, safety, and community engagement.

At the heart of Above is a sophisticated array of cameras and sensors embedded within the smart mirror and treadmill track. These devices collect biometric data such as body size, gait, weight, heart rate, and BMI. The AI coach analyzes this information to deliver real-time feedback, correct posture, and recommend personalized exercise programs. Users can interact with the AI to customize their routines, ensuring that each session addresses their specific needs and goals.

The treadmill’s design extends beyond cardio, incorporating strength training aids like an arm and a toolbox equipped with resistance bands, weight balls, and a foot arch massager. Pressure sensors in the curl band handles further enhance posture correction during strength exercises. The system’s interactive features allow users to create virtual running routes, earn credits, and participate in social workouts, fostering a sense of community and motivation.

Above’s realization involved dividing the system into three core components: the smart mirror with its sensor suite, the smart track with pressure-sensitive guidance lights, and an intuitive handle for easy AI interaction. The accompanying app supports the experience with challenges, tips, and social features, making fitness both accessible and engaging. The design’s technical specifications—measuring 1965mm x 824mm x 2070mm—reflect a careful balance between functionality and home integration.

Research underpinning Above underscores the importance of correct gait and posture, noting that improper movement can lead to long-term health issues. While gait analysis is often reserved for clinical settings, Above democratizes this technology, making it available for everyday users at home. The project, completed in Seoul in mid-2024, overcame challenges by prioritizing user pain points over purely aesthetic innovations, resulting in a concept that is both practical and forward-thinking.

Recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2025, Above stands out for its blend of industry best practices and technical excellence. By addressing the nuances of individual movement and fostering a supportive digital community, this smart treadmill sets a new standard for personalized, holistic fitness at home.