💡 Quick Answer: Tonal is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular disease, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for Tonal and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
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What is Tonal
Tonal is the wall-mounted smart gym that basically makes every other home gym look like it’s from the stone age. Picture this: a sleek screen that looks like modern art when it’s off, but transforms into a complete strength training system powered by electromagnetic resistance that delivers up to 250 pounds of weight without a single dumbbell in sight. At $4,295 for the Tonal 2 (plus $59.95/month membership), it’s the Tesla of home gyms, using 17 sensors and AI to track your form, automatically adjust weights, and basically act as the world’s smartest personal trainer.
What sets Tonal apart is its intelligence, and we mean that literally. The AI learns your strength patterns, automatically increases resistance when you’re ready (hello, progressive overload), and even reduces weight mid-set if it senses you’re struggling. Features like Eccentric Mode (more resistance on the lowering phase), Chains Mode (increasing resistance through range of motion), and the new Smart View camera for real-time form feedback make this feel like training in 2050. Users report average strength gains of 20-45% in their first year, and with over 90% of owners still actively using it after 12 months, this isn’t just another piece of equipment that becomes an expensive clothes hanger. Whether you’re doing a Daily Lift (their AI-generated custom workout) or following programs from elite trainers, Tonal makes strength training so seamless that even people who hate lifting weights become converts.
Why Tonal Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, gym memberships can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means Tonal equipment and membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic back pain and musculoskeletal conditions
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Arthritis and joint disorders
- Balance and fall prevention in older adults
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the smart strength training system as medically necessary for managing your specific health condition, not just for general fitness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your Eligibility
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your health conditions and fitness goals, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if exercise is recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other smart home gyms and strength equipment qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other smart fitness systems, cable machines, resistance training equipment, and strength-focused memberships, as long as they’re recommended for treating specific medical conditions.
How does reimbursement work?
Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards (most don’t though). When they don’t, you need to use your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and then uploading them and your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates, we make this process simple: upload your receipt and get one-click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your Tonal system and membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your smart strength training isn’t just for general fitness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied?
Every HSA/FSA admin is unique and may initially deny some claims. Usually, it is related to receipt format (must be itemized), LMN format, or other supporting documentation. With Crates, we will support you through this process and make sure you get your money back.
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